The Czech Republic is rich with castles to explore on your travels. The history scattered them across the country and left us reminders about the heroic and chivalrous times of our ancestors. Although there is much more to see, here are some castles you definitely should not miss while wandering Czechia.
The Kost Castle | photo credit: pixabay.com
The Best Medieval Castles to Visit while Travelling
in the Czech Republic
Kost Castle: Lost in the Bohemian Paradise
One of the best preserved castles in the Czech Republic that worth visiting is undoubtedly Kost Castle. Nestled in the southern part of the Bohemian #Paradise (Český Ráj), this castle is only 1 hour drive from Prague and so it makes for the perfect trip from the city for a day or two.
Kost | photo credit: pixabay.com
The castle was founded back in the 13th century as a gothic fortress and it was modified and re-modified over time until its today's mainly neo-gothic style.
The dominant feature of the castle is the massive defence tower also called the White Tower. If you decide to explore the castle in more depth, take one of the castle tours, walk up the stairs and enjoy the view of the picturesque surrounding landscape.
The impressive exhibition of authentic weapons and middle ages lifestyle is pretty amazing too and worth seeing even if the museums are not really your thing.
#Kost is one of the major tourist attractions also thanks to its location. The Bohemian Paradise, that surrounds it, is absolutely stunning due to its beautiful forests and #sandstone towers shooting through the tree lines. It is a popular area for climbers, hikers and definitely bikers.
Climbing in the Bohemian Paradise | photo credit: karel
#Hiking trails connect Kost with the other breathtaking places in the Bohemian Paradise. Once you get to this area, explore it a little bit more! For exploring the area, you will need a topographic map of the Czech Tourist Club number 19 called Český Ráj.
The area is crisscrossed with hiking trails. However, if you want to make only a short trail near the castle, you can take a yellow trail through the Střehomský Plakánek Valley and make a nice eight kilometre round trip.
Hrubá Skála Chateau in the Bohemian Paradise | photo credit: karel
Pernštejn Castle: Meet a Mysterious White Lady of Pernštejn
Pernštejn castle is definitely one of the most beautiful Moravian castles. Built on the rock more than eight hundred years ago, this fairytale-like castle has never been conquered and it is one of the best preserved castles in the Czech Republic.
Pernštejn | photo credit: pixabay.com
Starting off as a Late Gothic fortress, it was rebuilt several times. Today, it features Renaissance, Baroque, Rococo and Neoclassical architectural styles with some elements of the nineteen century Romanticism.
Its owners, lords of #Pernštejn, were among the richest and the most influential families in the medieval Czech Kingdom.
Thousands of visitors come to the castle every year hoping to spot the White Lady, a ghost, who has been wandering through the castle's corridors and chambers for centuries.
There are three different legends being told about her. That is why, it remains a mystery whether she is a ghost of a noblewoman, a maid, or a servant.
Pernštejn | photo credit: pixabay.com
The appearance of this impressive medieval castle is further emphasized by its beautiful surroundings. Located on the rock above the village of Nedvědice and valley of Nedvědička river, castle attracts tourists, who wish to explore this part of the Czech-Moravian Highlands.
You can get there by car from Brno in 50 minutes and for exploring the area, I would recommend you to get a topographic map of the Czech Tourist Club number 85 Okolí Brna - Svratecko.
There are several educational trails around the castle that are worth of exploring.
Karlštejn Castle: A Gem in the History of the Czech Lands
When asked about Czech castles, most people would immediately think of Karlštejn. Located in the hills southwest of Prague, Karlštejn Castle is one of the most impressive and the most significant gothic castles in the Czech Republic.
Founded in 1348 by the Charles IV., King of Bohemia and Holy Roman Emperor, it served as the representative residence of the king and the repository of the crown jewels, the holy relics and the royal archives.
Karlštejn | photo credit: pixabay.com
Nowadays, you can admire the 14th century wall decoration, the largest portrait gallery of Bohemian kings or the replica of the Royal Crown of Bohemia there.
Not even an hour from Prague, #Karlštejn castle makes for one of the most popular tourist attractions in the country.
Not only the castle itself, but its surrounding is truly beautiful. Overlooking the forested hills with meandering #Berounka river, it is easy to believe that you have travelled back in history.
Karlštejn Castle and its surroundings | photo credit: pixabay.com
Before starting to explore this stunning part of the Czech Republic, get a topographical map of the Czech Tourist Club number 36 Okolí Prahy Západ.
This map will help you to get to the #Koněprusy caves, Velká #Amerika flooded limestone quarry or a picturesque village Svatý Jan pod Skalou. All of these places are located in the karstic area called Český Kras Protected Landscape, which is absolutely worth visiting.
Svatý Jan pod Skalou village | photo credit: pixabay.com
Loket Castle: The Key to the Czech Lands
Loket castle is located in Western Bohemia about 2 hour drive from Prague. Set on the granite rock and surrounded by #Ohře river from three sides, this castle was used to be a gate to the Czech lands.
It was said in the Middle Ages, that who will conquer #Loket castle will conquer the whole Czech lands.
Loket | photo credit: pixabay.com
When visiting Loket castle, make sure you have your hair done. A cheeky gnome called Štrakakal is said to wander the castle's corridors with comb and pursue those, whose hair is messy. If he spots someone like that, he slaps his or her back with a book. Scary, right?
The interiors of the castle feature a significant and an extraordinary collection of furniture, sculptures, porcelain, arms, minerals including a Loket's meteorite and castle's pharmacy. You can also visit a scary exhibition of torture equipment in the castle's dungeons.
Loket | photo credit: pixabay.com
The castle is surrounded by hills, vast forests and beautiful spa towns such as #Karlovy Vary, Mariánské Lázně or Lázně Kynžvart. Loket town itself is very picturesque and worth exploring too.
The neighbouring #Slavkovský Forest Landscape Protected Area is crisscrossed with hiking and biking trails, Ohře river is one of the best rivers for canoeing and Svatošské Rocks are great for both hikers and climbers.
If you decide on exploring this area little more, get yourselves a topographic map of the Czech Tourist Club number 4 (Krušné Hory a Karlovarsko) and number 2 (Slavkovský les a Mariánské Lázně).
Křivoklát Castle: A Magnificent Royal Castle
Another medieval castle, Křivoklát, is one of the oldest and the most significant castles in the Czech Republic. The 900-year-old castle overlooks the beautiful and vast forests of Křivoklátsko Landscape Protected Area that lies on the both banks of Berounka river.
Křivoklát | photo credit: pixabay.com
The monumental royal castle is located only 60 kilometres west of Prague in Central Bohemia, meaning that you can easily drive out to see the castle, its stunning chapel and surroundings for yourself.
There are also many interesting events taking place in this castle throughout the year such as magical night tours, concerts, theatres, film festivals, and exhibitions.
For exploring the area you will need a topographic map of the Czech Tourist Club number 33 (Křivoklátsko a Rakovnicko).
I definitely recommend you to visit the Hamous Farm in Zbečno, which is one of the oldest monuments of vernacular architecture in Central Bohemia open to the public.