The Heritage of Karlovy Vary
Experience the spa centre as a glowing gallery. On 11 and 12 September 2026, the 9th edition of the Festival of Lights begins, showcasing the many attributes of spa culture in their full brilliance. Across 10 illuminated stops, we will present a world-class spectacle.
🔀 Two starting points, two destinations
This year, the route once again stretches from Elizabeth's Spa to the Poštovní dvůr. Choose your own direction and join the festival flow from either end.
What can you look forward to?
🌸 Elizabeth's Spa: A welcoming light installation created by local artists from Karlovy Vary.
🛸 Hotel Thermal: For the first time ever, illuminated drones will arrive in Karlovy Vary! An exclusive world-class drone show will take place in the Grand Hall.
🏛️ Mill Colonnade: Once controversial, today it defines spa architecture. A spectacular light show will perfectly highlight its elegant curves.
🏰 Castle Tower: Solid rock that water always finds a way through. A light installation celebrating the unstoppable power of the springs.
✨ Imperial Spa: A breathtaking video mapping show accompanied by powerful laser effects.
🌲 Goethe Trail: A therapeutic landscape that moves to its own rhythm. Quiet moments found only in nature – enhanced by illuminated figures along the way.
🍃 Poštovní dvůr: A place from which people have always departed with vision and inspiration. This year, it will belong to living muses brought to life by light.
supporting program
🚌 Transport
During both evenings, additional Karlovy Vary public transport services will operate on the Tržnice – Richmond route and back. These special buses marked VARY°Lights are completely free for visitors.
Admission to the entire outdoor route is FREE.
FIRST IMPORTANT DATE: 3 August 2026. On this day, online ticket sales for the drone show in the Grand Hall of Hotel Thermal will begin. Capacity is limited, so make sure not to miss your chance to attend this world premiere!
More programme details will be revealed gradually here on the website, so stay tuned!
Become a Volunteer!
Volunteers are an essential part of the festival – they help create its atmosphere, ensure the smooth running of the event, and serve as an important point of contact for visitors.
WHAT YOU WILL DO
- provide technical assistance during the installation and dismantling of light installations
- supervise individual installations during the festival
- provide basic information to visitors
- cooperate with the production and organising team
- assist in handling operational situations on site
WHO WE ARE LOOKING FOR
- reliable and responsible people aged 18 and over
- communicative and friendly individuals with an interest in culture and public spaces
- volunteers with flexible availability (shifts are primarily during evening and night hours)
- knowledge of English or another foreign language is an advantage
WHAT WE OFFER
- refreshments provided during shifts
- small gifts
- a certificate of volunteer service
- an opportunity to experience the behind-the-scenes operation of a major cultural event
- the possibility of establishing long-term cooperation for future editions of the festival
Join the festival that gives the city a new dimension and be there when Karlovy Vary lights up.
If you are interested, please send us a short introduction about yourself and your availability.
Barbora Schwarzová
schwarzova@karlovyvary.cz
What the last year looked like
feedback from previous years
What a wonderful event! Thank you so much!!
Míša R.
It was wonderful, you are very talented, thank you for a truly beautiful experience.
Lenka D.
It's worth it! It's great! Especially the projection on the river.
Gabča T. B
Wonderful!!! I had goose bumps at almost every station!!!
Lucinka L. D.
Great event, I recommend it to everyone, and more like it!
Nadja H.
What a wonderful event! Thank you so much!!
Míša R.
#varyzari
General Partner
Main partners
Artistic Collaboration
partners
