Karlovy Vary isn’t just a backdrop for the festival — it’s an essential part of the magic. With its elegant Art Nouveau architecture, lush forested hills, and steaming colonnades, the town feels like something out of a 19th-century painting. In between screenings, visitors stroll along the Teplá River, sip from porcelain cups of mineral-rich spring water, and explore peaceful parks and hillside viewpoints. This setting offers a rare contrast: while the cinema screens are filled with dramatic stories and bold ideas, the town provides a calm, almost meditative atmosphere — perfect for reflecting on what you’ve just watched.
