Quick Picks for Night Photography

If you have limited time, these quick picks will help you focus. The city center is compact and very walkable. You can reach most spots within a few minutes of each other. The lighting is usually consistent throughout the year.

• Best Overall: Mill Colonnade for its grand pillars and scale.
• Best for Reflections: The area near Grandhotel Pupp.
• Best for Architecture: Market Colonnade with its white wooden lace.
• Best Quiet Spot: Richmond Park at the southern end of the river.

Most photographers prefer starting at the Thermal Hotel and walking toward the park. This route follows the flow of the river. It also keeps the most famous landmarks for the middle of your shoot.

10 Best Night Photography Spots Tepla River

The Tepla River is the heart of the city's spa zone. Each spot on this list offers a unique perspective. You should bring a tripod for the best results. The riverside walk in Karlovy Vary is well-lit and easy to navigate.

1. Name: Mlýnská kolonáda (Mill Colonnade) Type: Sight Why go: It is the largest colonnade in the city. The 124 columns look incredible when lit from below. Best for: Symmetry and architectural depth. Where: Central spa area. Time: 45 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: A short walk from the town center. Tip: Use a wide-angle lens to capture the full row of columns. See more Mill Colonnade riverside landmarks here.
2. Name: Tržní kolonáda (Market Colonnade) Type: Sight Why go: This white wooden structure glows beautifully at night. The intricate carvings create interesting shadows. Best for: Romantic and delicate details. Where: Near the Hot Spring. Time: 20 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk 5 minutes from the Mill Colonnade. Tip: Stand across the river to get the reflection in the water.
3. Name: Grandhotel Pupp Type: Experience Why go: This iconic hotel is one of the most famous buildings in the country. It looks like a palace at night. Best for: Luxury vibes and grand scale. Where: Southern end of the spa zone. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Free to view from outside. Getting there: Follow the river south. Tip: The bridge directly in front of the hotel is the perfect tripod spot.
4. Name: Sadová kolonáda (Park Colonnade) Type: Sight Why go: The blue-grey ironwork is unique. It sits next to a small park which adds greenery to your shots. Best for: Intricate metalwork and park settings. Where: Dvořákovy sady. Time: 20 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Located near Hotel Thermal. Tip: Capture the snake-shaped spring inside the colonnade.
5. Name: Vřídelní kolonáda (Hot Spring Colonnade) Type: Sight Why go: The modern glass building contrasts with the old town. You can see the steam from the geyser rising at night. Best for: Modern architecture and steam effects. Where: Opposite the Market Colonnade. Time: 15 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Central location by the river. Tip: Use a long exposure to make the rising steam look soft.
6. Name: Hotel Thermal Bridge Type: Viewpoint Why go: This bridge offers a long view down the river. You can see the curve of the water and the city lights. Best for: Leading lines and cityscapes. Where: North end of the spa zone. Time: 15 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Near the main bus stops. Tip: This is a great spot for blue hour photography.
7. Name: Karlovy Vary City Theatre Type: Sight Why go: The theater is a masterpiece of Neo-Baroque style. The exterior lighting is very dramatic. Best for: Ornate decorations and culture. Where: Near Grandhotel Pupp. Time: 20 minutes. Cost: Free to view. Getting there: Walk along the Tepla river bank. Tip: Look for the statues on the roof for a silhouette shot.
8. Name: Imperial Hotel Viewpoint Type: Viewpoint Why go: While not on the river, it looks down on it. You get a bird's eye view of the glowing valley. Best for: High-angle panoramas. Where: On the hill above the city. Time: 40 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Take the funicular or walk the forest paths. Tip: Use a zoom lens to focus on the river winding through the buildings.
9. Name: Jánský Most (John's Bridge) Type: Sight Why go: A small, charming bridge that feels very local. It is less crowded than the main colonnades. Best for: Intimate river shots. Where: Between the main center and Richmond Park. Time: 10 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk south from the theater. Tip: Great for low-angle shots close to the water surface.
10. Name: Richmond Park Riverbank Type: Nature Why go: The river is much calmer here. The trees and statues create a mysterious atmosphere. Best for: Nature and quiet reflections. Where: Far southern end of the town. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: 15-minute walk from Grandhotel Pupp. Tip: Visit during autumn for colorful leaves in your night shots.

Photography Tips for the Riverside Walk

Shooting at night requires some preparation. The Tepla River flows quickly, so long exposures will blur the water. This creates a smooth, glassy look that photographers love. You should always use a tripod for these shots. The safety of Karlovy Vary at night is excellent, so you can focus on your art.

Blue hour is the best time to start. This happens about 20 to 40 minutes after sunset. The sky turns a deep blue which contrasts with the yellow streetlights. Most of the city lights stay on until late at night. However, some smaller fountains might turn off after midnight.

Check the weather before you head out. Rain can be a benefit for night photography. Wet pavement reflects light just like the river does. Just make sure to bring a cover for your camera. The city is often misty in the morning and late evening, which adds mood.

Planning Your Evening in Karlovy Vary

Most of the best night photography spots Tepla river has are within walking distance. You can walk from one end of the spa zone to the other in 30 minutes. If you are tired, the city has a good bus system. You can check local bus schedules for the latest times. Buses run less often after 10:00 PM.

Dress in layers, even in summer. The river valley can get chilly once the sun goes down. Comfortable shoes are a must because of the cobblestone streets. Many cafes near the river stay open late if you need a warm drink. It is a very welcoming environment for solo travelers.

If you are arriving by train, the station is a bit far from the spa zone. You may want to take a taxi or a bus to the center first. This saves your energy for the walk along the river. The official tourism website has more maps and event info. Planning ahead ensures you don't miss the best light.