9 James Bond Casino Royale Filming Locations in Karlovy Vary

The town of Karlovy Vary provided the perfect atmosphere for Bond's high-stakes mission. Most of the action takes place around the historic center. You can easily walk between most of these locations in a single day. Some spots require a short bus ride or a quick trip to a nearby village. Here are the top locations you must see.

• Best overall: Grandhotel Pupp
• Best for history: Kaiserbad Spa
• Best for views: Diana Observation Tower
• Best free activity: Mill Colonnade

1. Name: Grandhotel Pupp Type: Sight Why go: This is the famous "Hotel Splendide" from the movie. Bond and Vesper stay here during the poker tournament. It is a masterpiece of Grandhotel Pupp architecture. Best for: Luxury lovers and film buffs. Where: Mírové náměstí. Time: 1-2 hours. Cost: Free to view outside; price of a room or meal to enter. Tip: Visit the Malá Dvorana for a drink where Bond sat.
2. Name: Kaiserbad Spa (Císařské lázně) Type: Sight Why go: The exterior and the main hall served as the entrance to the Casino Royale. It is a stunning Neo-Renaissance building. Best for: Architecture enthusiasts. Where: Mariánskolázeňská street. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Moderate entry fee for tours. Tip: Check the Karlovy Vary Official Tourism site for current exhibition hours.
3. Name: Mill Colonnade Type: Sight Why go: This location appeared as the train station in Montenegro where Bond arrives. Its massive columns create a grand cinematic feel. It is a staple of any Karlovy Vary colonnades guide. Best for: Photography and walking. Where: Mlýnské nábřeží. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Free. Tip: Try the mineral water from the taps while you are there.
4. Name: Loket Castle (Hrad Loket) Type: Day trip Why go: The town square of Loket was used as the Montenegro village square. This is where Bond meets his contact, Mathis. Best for: Medieval history and movie fans. Where: Loket village (15km from Karlovy Vary). Time: 3-4 hours. Cost: Moderate for castle entry. Tip: Eat at the terrace of Hotel Kaiser Ferdinand for a great view.
5. Name: Market Colonnade Type: Sight Why go: This white wooden structure appears in background shots of the town. It adds to the old-world European charm seen in the film. Best for: Quick stops. Where: Tržiště. Time: 15 minutes. Cost: Free. Tip: Look for the relief showing the discovery of the springs.
6. Name: Diana Observation Tower Type: Experience Why go: While not a direct filming site, it offers the best view of the entire "Montenegro" landscape. You can see the whole valley from here. Best for: Panoramic views. Where: Above the Grandhotel Pupp. Time: 1.5 hours. Cost: Free tower entry; small fee for the Diana funicular. Tip: Walk down the forest paths back to the town.
7. Name: Karlovy Vary Railway Station Type: Sight Why go: This is the actual station where production crews arrived. It is a gateway to the city for those coming from Prague. Best for: Practical arrivals. Where: Northern part of town. Time: 15 minutes. Cost: Free. Tip: Check the Karlovy Vary railway station official site for train schedules.
8. Name: Teplá River Walk Type: Experience Why go: The river runs through the heart of the city. Many transition shots in the movie feature these scenic embankments. Best for: Evening strolls. Where: City center. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Free. Tip: Start at the Pupp and walk toward the Thermal Hotel.
9. Name: Café Pupp Type: Experience Why go: Enjoy a coffee in the same building where the cast and crew spent their time. It is a great way to soak in the 007 atmosphere. Best for: Relaxation. Where: Inside Grandhotel Pupp. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Price of coffee and cake. Tip: Order the signature Pupp cake for a local treat.

Grandhotel Pupp Architecture and Bond Connection

The Grandhotel Pupp is the crown jewel of Karlovy Vary. Its history dates back to the late 1700s. The hotel features a mix of Baroque and Neo-Renaissance styles. This grandeur made it the ideal choice for the fictional Hotel Splendide. Filming here took several weeks and transformed the lobby into a hive of activity.

Visitors can take an architecture tour to see the impressive interiors. You will see the grand ballroom and the historic dining halls. These spaces look exactly as they did on the big screen. The hotel is also a member of the UNESCO World Heritage list for Great Spa Towns of Europe. This status protects its unique look for future generations.

In 2026, the hotel continues to celebrate its Bond heritage. You can find photos of Daniel Craig and the crew in the hallways. Staying here is expensive, but you can visit the public areas for free. It is one of the most important places to visit in Karlovy Vary. Do not miss the chance to walk the same halls as 007.

Planning Your 007 Trip to Karlovy Vary

Getting to Karlovy Vary is easy from Prague. Most travelers take a bus or a train for the two-hour journey. If you are flying, check the Visit Czechia portal for flight updates. The town is very walkable, so bring comfortable shoes. You will spend most of your time on the pedestrian colonnades.

The best time to visit is during the spring or autumn. The weather is mild and the crowds are smaller than in summer. If you visit in July, be aware of the International Film Festival. The town becomes very busy and hotel prices rise sharply. However, the festival atmosphere adds to the cinematic feel of the city.

Budget for a mid-range experience. While walking the streets is free, dining and spa treatments can add up. Expect to pay around 50 to 100 USD per day for a comfortable trip. This includes meals, some entry fees, and local transport. Always carry some Czech Koruna for small purchases at local cafes.