There are so many cool castles in the Czech Republic. We've visited a bunch of them, and last summer we had planned to visit even more. Here are the castles we've seen, and some of the ones on our bucket list.
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Castles and palaces in the Czech Republic
Want to experience castles and palaces in the Czech Republic? There are lots. You'll find everything from ruined castles with dragon legends atop mountain ridges to exclusive Renaissance castles where everything glitters and shines. We recommend 10 castles and palaces in the Czech Republic that we have visited ourselves, and another five that we are curious about. Incidentally, we "saw" some of these when we visited Park Boheminium (Czech Republic in miniature) in the western Czech Republic in 2019.
Map of castles and palaces in the Czech Republic
Here is an overview of where these castles in the Czech Republic are located. Click on the numbers and you get all kinds of information like how to get there and 10 pictures of each castle e.g..
1. Prague Castle - the largest historic castle in the world
First of all, of course, we have to mention Prague Castle! This is a fortified castle in the capital of the Czech Republic, home to the kings of Bohemia, the German-Roman emperors and the presidents of Czechoslovakia and the Czech Republic. According to the Guinness Book of Records, this is the largest historic castle in the world, and includes an area with several different buildings.
2. Konopiště - the mysterious forest castle
The forest castle of Konopiště is impressively grand, yet it is almost difficult to find where it is hidden in the forest. The castle is surrounded by a rose garden and a large park with mysterious statues. You can also meet animals like deer and peacocks, and you can take a guided tour inside the castle.
3. Ploskovice - caves with paintings and sculptures
The site at Ploskovice was already used by knights in the 12th century, and the castle you can see today looks as it did in the 19th century, when the abdicated Austrian king lived here. Under the south side of the castle are caves, with paintings, sculptures and fountains. If you want to see the inside of the castle, you can join a guided tour.
4. Biblice – for those who want to enjoy food and spa
Liblice Castle is far from the most impressive castle in the Czech Republic, but it's a nice little castle you can visit for a great experience. Here you can stay in a nice castle room, have dinner in the castle restaurant and then treat yourself to a few relaxing hours at the castle spa.
5. Loket - the castle where a friendly dragon lives
The small Czech town of Loket is almost entirely surrounded by the river Ohře. Made up of winding streets, charming houses and narrow alleys, the town is dominated by the large castle that sits at the top. This is one of the oldest stone castles in the Czech Republic and is said to have been founded in 870. At the bottom of the castle is a dragon, and luckily it's a friendly one.
6. Becov nad Taplou - a gold treasure was found here in the 1980s
Becov Castle was founded in the 14th century, but as recently as 1985 a dramatic discovery was made in the castle. Under A great treasure was found on the floor, the St Maurus Reliquary, which is covered in gilded plates, statues, pearls and precious stones. If you want, you can take a guided tour, including tapestries and an entire church room.
7. Kynžvart Castle - collections of armour and mummies
The Kynžvart Castle is a beautiful castle that houses collections of cool antique items from around the world. How about Japanese armour, mummies from Egypt or a long dried snake skin that was once a Christmas present? The castle also has a cosy restaurant where we munched on garlic soup, fish and apple cake.
8. Castle in Kroměříž - a Unesco World Heritage Site
Kroměříž Castle, or Kroměříž Palace, is a magnificent Baroque castle in the northern part of the city centre. The castle was formerly the residence of the Archbishops of Olomouc. The first residence was established in 1497, and the castle was rebuilt in the 17th and 18th centuries. You can take guided tours or visit the magnificent castle gardens.
9. Mikulov - where swedes drank wine during the 30 years war
Mikulov is a charming little town with a nice square, cosy little cafés and an impressive castle. The castle was home to the Swedes during the 30-year war in 1645 when they tried to take Brno. Things didn't go well for the Swedes and one of the reasons, according to history, is the castle's huge wine barrel, which the Swedes liked.
10. Chateau Lednice - an unrivalled summer residence
It was at the end of the 13th century that the Liechtenstein family became the owners of a Gothic fortress in Lednice. The castle you can see today dates from 1846-1858, when Prince Alois II of Liechtenstein built a summer residence here, with sumptuous rooms for banquets for the European aristocracy. There is also a beautiful palace garden and a large greenhouse.
11. Karlstein Castle
Karlstein Castle is one of the most visited castles in the Czech Republic. Dating from 1348, the castle is built in the Gothic style and is located relatively close to Prague.
12. Hluboká nad Vltavou
Hluboká nad Vlatavou Castle is a historic and impressive castle in the south-west of the Czech Republic. Dating back to the 15th century, we are really curious about this castle.
13. Litomyšl Castle
Litomyšl Castle is a monumental Renaissance castle built between 1568 and 1581, with a baroque theatre and an amphitheatre in the castle park, and was listed as a World Heritage Site in 1999.
14. Kunětická Hora Castle
Kunětická Hora castle is majestically located on Kunětice mountain, a few kilometres from the town of Pardubice. The castle played an important role in the so-called 'Hussite War' in the 15th century and is today open as a museum.
15. Buchlov and Buchlovice Castles
Buchov Castle and Buchlovice Castle are located near each other in the south-east of the Czech Republic; the first is more of a castle, while the second is built as a replica of an Italian Baroque building.
More castles in the Czech Republic
In fact, there are many more castles and palaces in the Czech Republic. If you like old impressive buildings, you can find plenty of them in the Czech Republic. Do you have more tips for castles and palaces in the Czech Republic?
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Ama de casa says:
They all looked really beautiful. Most of them also looked like they were lying on the plate and then you don't have to dare to refuse them 😀.
Have a nice three-day evening!
05 January 2021 - 9:45
Helena says:
On the plate, haha, yes that's probably true in many cases! Wish the same!
05 January 2021 - 19:57
4000mil says:
This is one of many dreams I have. Travelling through Europe and just visiting different castles and fortresses! And it seems that I have to spend a lot of time in the Czech Republic then! 🙂
05 January 2021 - 10:26
Helena says:
Yes, if that's your dream, then some tours through the Czech Republic are definitely recommended! 🙂
05 January 2021 - 19:57
Veiken says:
Right now I am grateful if I can get out of Gothenburg and experience something else!
Imagine how many castles and palaces there are down in Europe! Hope to get out on a trip worthy of the name this summer! 🙂
05 January 2021 - 12:13
Helena says:
Yes, you have to take a little at a time. But you can at least dream 🙂
05 January 2021 - 19:58
bmlarstravellingblog says:
What cool castles and fortresses. So far our experience of the Czech Republic only consists of a couple of visits to Prague so we have many reasons for a long motorhome trip in the Czech Republic ....
05 January 2021 - 16:58
Helena says:
Then you have something to look forward to! 🙂
06 January 2021 - 13:29
Seija+Viitamäki-carlsson says:
We have been to nine of these castles. The best guide was at Karlstein, most beautiful was Ploskovice and most of all is Lednice with the castle garden. Konopiste is the castle of love, where you get married. The Czech Republic is a motorhome country, worth every mile and hour. Past Prague Castle, at the American embassy you can visit the KGB museum. An experience, a theatre of the guide. Czech Republic ❤️
05 January 2021 - 18:52
Helena says:
Oh, wow, that's not bad!!! Well done! 🙂 And we totally agree, Czech Republic is a great motorhome country! Thanks for the tip about the KGB museum!
06 January 2021 - 13:30
BP says:
I have never actually associated the Czech Republic with castles, but I was wrong. Incredibly impressive how many castles there are there, and they are not small either.
05 January 2021 - 19:23
Helena says:
There are many, many castles and fortresses 🙂.
06 January 2021 - 13:31
Lena - good for the soul says:
Oh my goodness! There are so many beautiful castles and even more apparently. I have been to the castle in Prague. However, never inside, just walked around outside.
Hug Lena
06 January 2021 - 14:24
Liniz+Travel says:
Good luck!
What great pictures
Hugs
06 January 2021 - 19:36
Maggan and Ingemar says:
I want to visit the Czech Republic again and would like to see all these beautiful castles. A map of where they are located would not be bad. The Czech Republic is also a cheap country. I hope we will be able to go there again. Thanks for the great tips.
10 January 2021 - 10:28