Centuries ago, the country that we now know as the Czech Republic was ruled by Bohemian monarchs, nobles, and royal families. They were rich, powerful and important, and had extravagant tastes that extend to their abodes which is why there are several castles in Czech Republic.
Beauty, fortification and opulence were the order of the day and so for centuries, castles and chateaus were built, amounting to over a thousand. All in one country.
A lot were perfectly preserved, some were converted into public buildings or remained as private residences, and some fell into ruin. A number of these castles in Czech Republic are now accessible to visitors who wanted a closer look at these grand reminders of the country’s colorful history.
And here are some of the best castles in the Czech Republic.
Map of Castles In Czech Republic
10 Must-See Castles in Czech Republic
1. Bouzov Castle, Czech Republic
The romantic, 14th-century Bouzov Castle is a popular filming location for Czech fairy tales as well as the Italian series, Fantaghirò. It is located not far from the Moravian city of Olomouc and used to be home to Teutonic Knights.
This family-friendly castle has tours where guests can marvel The Castle Armoury, visit the Neo-Gothic chapel and walk on any of the two functional drawbridges.
Kids who visit the castle can have their very own ‘Knight Certificate’ after they’ve explored the life-size Dragons and Dragon Slayers exhibitions in the castle’s cellars. And it is considered one of the best castles in the Czech Republic.
Opening Hours
The opening hours vary per month so to check the latest schedule, click here.
Admission Fee
Adults 170 Kč – (€6.60)
Children to 6 years, Seniors over 65 years 120 Kč – (€4.66)
Family (2 adults persons and max. 3 children) 460 Kč – (€17.87)
Contact Information
Phone: +420 585 346 202
Email: [email protected]
Address: Bouzov 8, 783 25 Bouzov, Czechia
2. Český Krumlov Castle
Located in the UNESCO World Heritage site Český Krumlov’s historic center is the magnificent Český Krumlov Castle. This massive structure was built in 1240 by the Witigonen family and revered for its architecture up to this day.
This castle is also well-preserved and among these that remain unchanged over the centuries are the Baroque theaters.
The castle walls offer sweeping views of the town and visitors can also wander through the massive parklands surrounding Český Krumlov Castle.
Opening Hours
The opening hours vary per month so to check the latest schedule, click here.
Admission Fee
Castle Museum + Castle Tower – family / 400 CZK (€15.54)
Castle Museum + Castle Tower – full tour price / 150 CZK (€5.83)
Castle Museum + Castle Tower – reduced tour price – children, students, invalids / 110 CZK (€4.27)
Castle Museum + Castle Tower – reduced tour price – seniors / 110 CZK (€4.27)
Contact Information
Phone: +420 380 704 711
Email: [email protected]
Address: Zámek 59 38101 Český Krumlov
3. Český Šternberk Castle, Czech Republic
Constructed along the Sázava River during the mid-13th century, Český Šternberk has had the same owners (the Sternbergs) for the past 800 years. The current owner, Zdeněk Sternberg, still resides in the castle.
This Gothic structure has a projecting bastion called the Dungeon, which is its most recognizable feature. These days, Cesky Sternberk also serves as a lookout point and offers amazing views of the Bohemian countryside.
Since it is still technically a private residence, visitors can only access fifteen rooms. They’re all grandiose and well kept though, and each of these rooms are designed and furnished in the style of a different historical period.
Opening Hours
Tuesday to Sunday – 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Admission Fee
adults – 195 CZK (€7.57)
children 3 to 15 years old, students – 135 CZK (€5.24)
Contact Information
Phone: (+420) 317 855 101
Email: E-mail: [email protected]
Address: Hrad Český Šternberk 257 27 Český Šternberk 1
4. Karlštejn Castle, Czech Republic
Located in Karlštejn, Central Bohemia is the pretty and fairytale-like Karlštejn Castle. Only twenty kilometers from Prague, this castle is located high above the Berounka River.
This was built in the 14th-century by Holy Roman Emperor Charles IV as his private home and as a hidden place his royal treasures that include the Imperial Crown Jewels.
These days, Karlstejn Castle is also one of the popular day trips from Prague. Guided tours take guests through its intricate interiors, as well as to parts of the castle where they can enjoy scenic views of the surrounding forests, as well as wandering around the medieval town of Karlštejn.
Opening Hours
The opening hours vary per month so to check the latest schedule, click here.
Admission Fee
adult – 270 CZK (€10.49)
children from 6 years old, students, seniors over 65- 180 CZK /person (€6.99)
Contact Information
Phone: +420 311 681 617
Email: [email protected]
Address: Karlštejn 172 267 18 Karlštejn
5. Konopiště Castle
With its fortified watchtower, a drawbridge and four cylindrical towers, the French-inspired Konopiště Castle looks like something that belonged inside a fairytale book.
Located in Benešov in Central Bohemia, it has been one of the region’s most important castles since 1294. Konopiště is known for its long line of prominent families and among its most famous resident Franz Ferdinand d’Este who was the Archduke of Austria.
Nowadays, you can visit the castle through a variety of guided tours, which also includes a visit to Konopiště’s stunning Rose Garden.
Opening Hours
The opening hours vary per month so to check the latest schedule, click here.
Admission Fee
adult – 220 CZK (€8.55) children, students, seniors above 65 – 140 CZK / person (€5.44)
adult -320 CZK – (€12.43) children, students, seniors above 65 – 220 CZK / person (€8.55)
Contact Information
Phone: +420 317 721 366
Email: [email protected]
Address: Konopiště 1 256 01 Benešov Czech Republic
6. Loket Castle, Czech Republic
Located near the spa town of Karlovy Vary, Lakey Castle dates back to the 13th century and is bordered on three sides by the Ohře River. This stone castle has thick defense walls, and was once called “The Impregnable Castle of Bohemia”.
These days, Loket Castle is known and admired for its Gothic style, intriguing history, and idyllic location. Inside, visitors can have a closer look at treasures like Gothic murals, porcelain military weapons.
For the braver or really curious ones, there’s a Torture Chamber located in the castle’s authentic basement prison, which comes with animated figurines and audio.
Opening Hours
Monday to Sunday – 9:00 AM to 6:30 PM
Admission Fee
Adults – 110 Kč (€5,50)
Children, students, and elders – 90 Kč (€4,50)
Family entrance fee – 330 Kč (€17,00)
Children up to 6 years – Free entrance
Contact Information
Phone: +420 352 684 648
Email: [email protected]
Address: Hrad Loket, o.p.s. — Zámecká 67 — 357 33 Loket
7. Pernštejn Castle
Perched on a rock above the village of Nedvědice, is the brilliantly preserved Pernštejn Castle.
Regarded as a late-Gothic period masterpiece, this South Moravia treasure is also often referred to as the ‘marble castle’ because of the marble-like stone framing its doors and windows.
It is only 50 kilometers from Brno, which is the second-largest city in the Czech Republic, and also one of the popular destinations in the country.
Opening Hours
The opening hours vary per month so to check the latest schedule, click here.
Admission Fee
Admission Fee for Foreigners
Adults – 290 CZK (€11.26)
Children aged 6-15, students aged 15-26, OAPs over 65, holders of a ZTP (a pass for the disabled) over 18 – 200 CZK (€7.77)
Family admission (maximum 2 adults and three children up to 15) 770 CZK – (€29.90)
Free – Children under 6, holders of a ZTP/P pass and ZTP/P guides, holders of a ZTP pass up to 18, holders of ICOM, ICOMOS and holders of National Heritage Institute ID cards and journalists after accreditation at the chateau administration are all.
Contact Information
Phone: +420 566 566 101 , +420 607 557 039
Email: [email protected]
Address: Státní hrad PernštejnNedvědice 592 62
8. Prague Castle, Czech Republic
Prague Castle draws millions of tourists every year and looking at this magnificent structure, it’s easy to see why.
This ‘mother of castles’ dates as far back as 870, and is the largest ancient castle complex in the world. It used to be home to the most powerful Bohemian kings and Holy Roman Emperors, and these days serve as the Czech president’s official residence.
Within the massive complex are luxurious palaces, a basilica, a 12th-century monastery, and lush gardens.
A must visit and worth spending hours in if you’re in Prague, its most recognizable structure is the Gothic St. Vitus Cathedral, which majestically towers over Lesser Town (Malá Strana). It is also one of the best free things to do in Prague.
Opening Hours
Summer season (April – September)
Castle complex is open daily from 5:00 to midnight
Winter season (October – March):
Castle complex is open daily from 6:00 to 11:00 PM
Admission Fee
Atractions Full ad. Reduced Family
Prague Castle – long tour 350 CZK 175 CZK 500 CZK
Prague Castle – short tour 250 CZK 125 CZK 300 CZK
Prague Castle Picture Gallery 150 CZK 80 CZK 200 CZK
Permanent exhibition “The Story of Prague Castle” 140 CZK 70 CZK 200 CZK
Convent of St. George – National Gallery 100 CZK 50 CZK 150 CZK
Contact Information
Phone: +420 221 131 111
Email: [email protected]
Address: Hradčany, 119 08 Prague 1, Czechia
9. Trosky Castle
The stunning castle ruin of Trosky is situated on the summit if two basalt volcanic plugs and is one of the most recognizable landmarks of Bohemian Paradise (Český ráj).
This Gothic castle from the 14th century was destroyed by the Imperial Army during the Thirty Years War. It underwent a series of repairs during the 19th century.
These days, visitors can climb to the top of its towers to enjoy sweeping views over the scenic surrounding areas.
Opening Hours
Tuesday to Sunday – 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM
Admission Fee
Full entrance fee – 90 CZK (€3.50)
Family entrance fee – 230 CZK Max. 2 adults and 3 children (€8.93)
Children’s tickets: 60 CZK for children up to 15 years (€2.33)
Student admission: 60 CZK (€2.33)
Senior admission: 60 CZK for persons over 65 years (€2.33)
Contact Information
Phone: +420 602 342 627
Email: [email protected]
Address: hrad Trosky, Troskovice, 512 63
10. Vranov nad Dyjí Chateau
Another South Moravian treasure is the Vranov nad Dyjí Chateau, which dates back to the 1100s. This castle in Czech Republic has quite a colorful history, with its long line of different owners, war, destruction, and reconstruction.
These days, Vranov nad Dyjí Chateau is considered a national cultural monument. It is also now a museum where visitors can marvel at authentic baroque interiors of the Hall of the Ancestors and the chapel.
The museum also allows visitors a glimpse of the Vranov Chateau lifestyle from the 8th to the 19th century.
Opening Hours
The opening hours vary per month so to check the latest schedule, click here.
Admission Fee
Admission Fee for Foreigners
Adults – 230 CZK (€8.93)
Children aged 6-15, students aged 15-26, OAPs over 65, holders of a ZTP (a pass for the disabled) over 18 – 170 CZK (€6.60)
Family admission (maximum 2 adults and three children up to 15) 620 CZK – (€24.08)
Free – Children under 6, holders of a ZTP/P pass and ZTP/P guides, holders of a ZTP pass up to 18, holders of ICOM, ICOMOS and holders of National Heritage Institute ID cards and journalists after accreditation at the chateau administration are all.
Contact Information
Phone: 515 296 215
Email: [email protected]
Address: Zámecká 93 671 03 Vranov nad Dyjí
Like It? Pin It!
