Are you looking for something historical, and extremely beautiful? If so, then you surely have to check out Czech Republic’s Best Castles!
Indeed, this country’s stunning castles are a must-see for anyone who would like to experience the rich history of Europe. From medieval fortresses to grand palaces, the Czech Republic certainly boasts some of the most impressive and well-preserved castles in the world.
In addition to castles, the Czech Republic has a long and impressive history of building them.
These castles are hundreds of years old and have witnessed important events such as battles, changes in politics, and even culture.
Whether you’re a history fan, an architecture enthusiast, or just looking for some adventure and romance—visiting the Czech Republic’s best castles is an unforgettable experience that you should not miss in your lifetime!
In this ultimate travel guide, we’ll take you on a journey to discover the best castles this beautiful European country offers.
So, get ready to be enchanted by their beauty and learn about their rich history and culture.
#1 Karlštejn Castle
Distance from Prague: 30 km (40-50 minutes)
Karlštejn Castle is a Gothic castle that was built in the 14th century by King Charles IV. It was built to keep important things like the crown jewels and other treasures of the Holy Roman Empire safe.
Once there, you should certainly see the Chapel of the Holy Cross, which has beautiful paintings on the walls. Also see the Great Tower, where you can see the countryside from high up.
There’s also a lot more to see such as the Knight’s Hall with its colorful coats-of-arms and names of knights, King Charles IV’s luxurious Bedchamber, the grand Audience Hall, and the Jewel House that features a replica of the St. Wenceslas Crown.
And not only that, but you can also visit the Marian Tower as this tower houses the Church of the Virgin Mary and the Chapel of St. Catherine.
With all of these attractions, this easily became the most visited castle in the Czech Republic!
Trivia: During World War II, the Nazis used Karlštejn Castle to store stolen artwork and other valuable items.
Address: Karlštejn 172, 267 18 Karlštejn, Czech Republic
#2 Český Krumlov Castle
Distance from Prague: 170 km (about 2 hours)
Located in the picturesque town of Český Krumlov, this castle was built in the 13th century and boasts a combination of Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque styles.
When you visit this castle, make sure not to miss the Baroque Castle Theatre, where you can see the original stage machinery. Also, make sure to see the Castle Museum—which has a fascinating collection of historical artifacts.
It is also worth taking a look at the Baroque garden, which features a cascading fountain, well-maintained lawns, and flower beds.
And don’t forget to stop by the Castle Lapidarium if you have time as you can view the original statues from the Cloak Bridge and the Castle Garden here.
With so much to see here, Český Krumlov undoubtedly takes a good spot on our list of the Czech Republic’s Best Castles!
Trivia: Český Krumlov Castle is the second-largest castle complex in the Czech Republic, after Prague Castle.
Address: Zámek 59, 381 01 Český Krumlov, Czech Republic
#3 Hluboká Castle
Distance from Prague: 150 km (about 2 and a half hours)
Hluboká Castle is located in the beautiful South Bohemian Region and it’s really impressive, too!
It was built in the 13th century, but it got a major facelift in the 19th century to make it look like a Neo-Gothic castle straight out of a fairy tale.
You can explore the insides of the castle like the Marble Hall and the Red Drawing Room. You can also walk around the big park outside.
Did you know that the castle used to have a really glamorous look back in the 18th century? But then, in the 19th century, it was given a makeover to make it look like a famous castle in England called Windsor Castle.
Now, anyone can visit the castle and check out its 140 rooms, 11 towers, and huge gardens. It’s one of the most popular castles in the Czech Republic, so it’s definitely worth a visit if you’re in the area!
Trivia: The gardens of Hluboká Castle were inspired by the gardens at the Palace of Versailles in France that feature a canal, fountains, and sculptures.
Address: Zámek 142, 373 41 Hluboká nad Vltavou, Czech Republic
#4 Konopiště Castle
Distance from Prague: 50 km (45-60 minutes)
Konopiště Castle is another entry for our list of the Czech Republic’s best castles!
Why? Because it looks like it was built a long time ago in a style called Renaissance-Gothic, which makes it really unique and beautiful.
It has four wings and three stories, and it was actually the last home of an important person named Archduke Franz Ferdinand—whose assassination in 1914 led to the start of World War I.
When you visit, be sure to check out the collection of things from hunting, like animal trophies, and even an umbrella stand made from an elephant’s foot!
And don’t forget to take a stroll through the castle’s pretty Rose Garden, too.
Trivia: Konopiště Castle has its own private railway station, which was built by Archduke Franz Ferdinand for his hunting trips.
Address: Konopiště 1, 256 01 Benešov u Prahy, Czech Republic
#5 Křivoklát Castle
Distance from Prague: 50 km (about an hour)
Křivoklát Castle is a really old castle, built way back in the 12th century!
It’s got all kinds of different architectural styles mixed in, like Romanesque, Gothic, and Renaissance.
The Gothic Chapel of St. Wenceslas is considered one of the finest examples of Gothic architecture in the Czech Republic and one of the most notable features of the castle.
This castle also played an important role in Czech history, serving as a residence for many Czech rulers and kings.
As of now, the building is now a museum housing old hunting weapons, Gothic paintings, and a library with 52,000 volumes. Visitors can explore the castle’s rich history and architecture through guided tours and special events, including medieval festivals and concerts.
Trivia: The castle was used as a prison during the 17th and 18th centuries, and the famous alchemist Edward Kelley is thought to have been imprisoned there.
Address: Křivoklát 47, 270 23 Křivoklát, Czech Republic
#6 Lednice Castle
Distance from Prague: 240 km (3-4 hours)
Lednice Castle is located in the village of Lednice and is surrounded by one of the largest parks in the Czech Republic. The castle and its surrounding gardens are known for their romantic and picturesque appearance.
It looks like a castle from a children’s book, with lots of different styles mixed together.
This castle is located in the South Moravian Region and is famous for its architectural styles, which include Gothic, Renaissance, and Romantic.
You can see things like pretty gardens, a Temple of Apollo and the Three Graces, and the Lednice-Valtice Cultural Landscape nearby.
There are different tours you can take, and inside the castle, you can see some really fancy rooms and special relics. You should also take a walk in their park, it’s very peaceful and nice!
Trivia: Lednice Castle is located in a UNESCO-protected area known as the Lednice-Valtice Cultural Landscape.
Address: Zámek 1, 691 44 Lednice, Czech Republic
#7 Kokořín Castle
Distance from Prague: 50 km (50 minutes – 1.5 hours)
Kokořín Castle is an ancient castle surrounded by a beautiful landscape of big rocks and trees. Imagine it as a magical castle in the middle of a fairy-tale-like forest. The rocks have all sorts of shapes, and the whole place looks like it’s from a storybook—indeed real sight to behold.
Did you know that legend has it that Kokořín Castle was founded by Kokoř, a mythical knight?
According to the legend, Kokoř was known for his heroic deeds, and the castle was built in his legacy.
The castle itself has tall towers and big walls with pointy parts called ramparts. Back in medieval times, people actually lived in castles such as this. Can you picture being a knight or a princess living there? Yup, Kokořín Castle gives you a peek into what that time was like!
And here’s the exciting part: the view from the castle is amazing! You can see green fields and trees all around like a real-life painting. The countryside is so pretty from up there, too.
Visiting Kokořín Castle isn’t just about seeing old rocks and walls; it will be like going back in time to the days of knights and adventures. The natural scenery around the castle is a bonus—rocks, trees, and all the good stuff that makes you feel like you’re inside a fairy tale.
Indeed, it’s a must-visit when you’re in the Czech Republic!
Address: Kokořín 1, 277 23 Kokořín, Czech Republic
#8 Pernštejn Castle
Distance from Prague: 170 km (2-3 hours)
Pernštejn Castle sits on a rock overlooking the village of Nedvědice, surrounded by lush green forests.
It’s an old castle that was built a long time ago, but it was fixed up in the 1500s and 1800s. The castle has lots of beautiful decorations and artwork that are hundreds of years old.
Nowadays, the castle is owned by the government and is open for people to visit.
When you go, you can see how people used to live a long time ago and learn about the history of the country. Plus, the castle has amazing views of the countryside!
Trivia: Pernštejn Castle is known for being one of the toughest castles to conquer in the Czech Republic because of its location on a high rock that gives it a great view of the countryside. Want some challenges? Then you must include this castle on your list!
Address: Nedvědice 25, 592 58 Nedvědice, Czech Republic
#9 Bouzov Castle
Distance from Prague: 190 km (2-3 hours)
Bouzov Castle looks like it’s from a fairy tale, too, with its tall towers and pretty colors.
It used to be a Gothic fortress, but it was changed to look more romantic and was used as the summer home of the Teutonic Knights in the 19th and 20th centuries.
The most important part is the neo-Gothic chapel as it’s now a national cultural monument. The castle is in the Olomouc Region and has Gothic and Renaissance architecture.
You can check out the castle’s impressive tower, Gothic Knights’ Hall, and enjoy its scenic location in the protected area of Litovelské Pomoraví. Definitely one of the Czech Republic’s best castles!
Trivia: Bouzov Castle was used as the filming location for the TV show ‘The Adventures of Young Indiana Jones: Adventures in the Secret Service’ and the movie ‘The Emperor and the Golem’.
Address: Zámek 1, 783 25 Bouzov, Czech Republic
#10 Bezděz Castle
Distance from Prague: 90 km (about an hour)
If you ever visit Bezdez, don’t forget to go to State Castle Bezdez. It’s in the Liberec Region of Northern Bohemia and is built on top of a hill called Velk Bezdez.
The castle was built around 1264 to protect important trade routes. You can see amazing views of Bezdez town, Lake Mácha, and other castles from the top of the hill.
This Gothic castle was used by Kings until the 15th century. When you visit, you can see the castle’s impressive tower and learn about its history in the nearby museum.
Trivia: Bezděz Castle was said to be the inspiration for J.R.R. Tolkien‘s description of the fortress of Minas Morgul in The Lord of the Rings.
Address: Bezděz 1, 471 27 Bezděz, Czech Republic
#11 Orlik Castle
Distance from Prague: 80 km (about an hour and a half)
Another one of the Czech Republic’s best castles, Orlik Castle has been home to many Bohemian Kings over the centuries.
It’s also home to Field Marshall Charles Philip, the commander of the allied armies against Napoleon at the Battle of Leipzig.
The castle is situated on a rocky promontory above the Vltava River, with stunning views of the surrounding countryside. You can’t miss its impressive neo-Gothic façade and romantic towers.
Originally built in the 13th century, it underwent a massive reconstruction in the 19th century to give it the grand appearance it has today.
If you visit the castle, you’ll get to explore its richly decorated interiors, which include antique furniture, paintings, and tapestries.
Imagine walking through the grand halls where kings once roamed and admiring the beautiful artwork on the walls. It’s definitely an experience!
Trivia: The castle was designed by one of the most famous Czech architects, Josef Zítek, who also designed the National Theatre in Prague.
Address: Zámek 1, 398 07 Zvíkovské Podhradí, Czech Republic
#12 Žleby Castle
Distance from Prague: 90 km (about an hour and a half)
Žleby Castle is an old castle that was built in the 14th century as a Gothic fortress. Later on, in the 16th century, it was changed into a Renaissance chateau.
Inside the castle, there are many pretty paintings and decorations. Visitors can also see a collection of tapestries, which are like big woven pictures. And yes, some of them are considered the best in Europe.
The castle is famous for its beautiful decorations, which were added during the Baroque era. They show things like flowers, stories from ancient myths, and pictures of the Sternberg family.
Besides its historical and artistic value, Žleby Castle is also a great place to enjoy nature. It is located in a beautiful valley surrounded by forests and hills.
Trivia: The castle’s most famous resident was the Czech writer Karel Čapek, who wrote his famous play “R.U.R.” while living in the castle.
Address: Zámek 1, 582 63 Žleby, Czech Republic
#13 Hradec nad Moravicí Castle
Distance from Prague: 320 km (4-5 hours)
Hradec nad Moravicí Castle is a beautiful castle that was built in the 14th century in the Gothic style.
One of the castle’s most impressive features is its arcaded courtyard, which is decorated with statues and fountains.
The castle’s gardens are also a highlight of any visit. Its gardens have a variety of formal areas, terraces, and fountains that are surely worth exploring.
Additionally, the castle is situated in the rolling hills of northern Moravia, making it a perfect destination for outdoor activities such as hiking, cycling, and skiing.
So, if you want to explore natural beauty, a visit to Hradec nad Moravicí Castle and its gardens is a must.
Trivia: The castle was once the seat of the powerful Lords of Kravaře—who were one of the wealthiest and most influential families in medieval Moravia.
Address: Zámecká 1, 747 23 Hradec nad Moravicí, Czech Republic
#14 Trosky Castle
Distance from Prague: 110 km (about 2 hours)
One of the Czech Republic’s best castles is Trosky Castle. It is built on top of two big rocks called volcanic plugs. This castle was built to protect the border of the Czech Republic and as a defense post for the German Empire.
This castle has been around for hundreds of years. It was used by some very important people called the Lords of Wallenstein. People like poets, painters, photographers, videographers, and historians have all been inspired by this castle.
If you visit here, you can climb to the top of its towers and see a beautiful view of the land around it.
Trivia: Legend says that this castle was once home to a powerful sorcerer who could summon lightning and control the weather.
Address: Troskovice 1, 512 63 Rovensko pod Troskami, Czech Republic
#15 Rožmberk Castle
Distance from Prague: 190 km (about 2 hours)
Rožmberk Castle is a stunning Renaissance castle located above the Vltava River.
It has beautiful frescoes and stucco decorations on the inside, with antique furniture, paintings, and tapestries.
You can explore the castle’s medieval fortifications, including a massive defensive wall and a large tower.
The castle is also shaped like the letter “L” because it was built on an irregularly shaped promontory.
Additionally, Rožmberk Castle has an impressive collection of antique furniture, such as a 17th-century Italian walnut cabinet and a 19th-century Bohemian crystal chandelier.
Trivia: This castle has been used as a filming location for several movies and TV shows, including “The Three Musketeers” and “The Crown.”
Address: Zámek 1, 382 18 Rožmberk nad Vltavou, Czech Republic
#16 Lipnice Castle
Distance from Prague: 130 km (about 2 hours)
Lipnice Castle is a Gothic castle built in the 14th century that was later renovated in the Renaissance style.
It has impressive ramparts and towers, which provide panoramic views of the surrounding landscape—definitely a strong contender on our Czech Republic’s best castles list!
Inside the castle, visitors can see its richly decorated interiors, which include a collection of antique furniture and paintings.
Guided tours are available to showcase the castle’s beautiful Gothic and Renaissance architecture, too.
Trivia: The castle was the birthplace of the famous Czech writer Jan Amos Komenský, also known as Comenius.
Address: Zámek 1, 582 53 Lipnice nad Sázavou, Czech Republic
#17 Litomyšl Castle
Distance from Prague: 150 km (about 3 hours)
Litomyšl Castle is also one of the Czech Republic’s best castles as it is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
It is a prime example of Renaissance architecture in the country. The castle’s courtyard is a must-see, with its wonderful statues and fountains.
When you go inside the castle, make sure to check its ornate stucco decoration and the stunning collection of tapestries and art.
Today, the castle is well-preserved and open to the public. You can enjoy fantastic tours of the castle, including the beautiful theater, billiard room, ceremonial parlors, and castle gardens.
Trivia: This castle’s gardens are home to a unique collection of over 500 varieties of roses.
Address: Zámecká 142, 570 01 Litomyšl, Czech Republic
#18 Zvíkov Castle
Distance from Prague: 120 km (about 2 hours)
Zvíkov Castle is a Gothic castle built in the 13th century and expanded in the Renaissance style.
It is located on a rocky area above the Vltava and Otava Rivers, providing breathtaking views of the landscape that surrounds it.
Did you know that this castle also has a unique system of underground passages that visitors can explore? Yup, These were used as a means of escape during times of war.
Surely, Zvíkov Castle is an important part of Czech history, having served as a royal residence, a fortress, and a prison over the centuries. It even inspired the creation of fictional castles in Czech literature.
Trivia: The castle is said to be haunted by the ghost of a young woman who was murdered there centuries ago.
Address: Zámek 1, 397 01 Písek, Czech Republic
#19 Velhartice Castle
Distance from Prague: 150 km (about 2 hours and a half)
Velhartice Castle is a really old castle in the western part of the Czech Republic. It was also built in the 14th century and has a big tower and a beautiful courtyard with arcades all around it.
The castle is very well preserved. Visitors can explore its many rooms and see lots of things like furniture, tapestries, and artwork. The castle also has a big gate and a moat that was used for protection.
Today, the castle is open to the public allowing anyone to appreciate its rich history and impressive architecture.
Trivia: This castle was abandoned for over 300 years before being restored in the 19th century.
Address: Zámek 1, 341 42 Velhartice, Czech Republic
#20 Kost Castle
Distance from Prague: 100 km (about an hour)
Kost Castle, also known as Bone Castle, is a Gothic castle that was built in the 14th century, too.
Generally, it’s one of the best-preserved castles in the Czech Republic.
Inside the castle, visitors can also see a unique collection of hunting trophies and armor. There is also an armory with rifles and pistols, and a Medieval torture chamber with a functioning guillotine.
The castle also has a White Tower that was built to minimize missile damage.
When you visit this castle, you will be able to admire the stunning views of the countryside and experience the rich historical atmosphere. This makes it one of the Czech Republic’s best castles!
Trivia: Kost castle’s collection of hunting trophies includes a rare white deer.
Address: Kost 1, 507 43 Liběchov, Czech Republic
#21 Sychrov Castle
Distance from Prague: 90 km (1-2 hours)
Sychrov Castle is a really cool castle with amazing art and decorations inside. This castle has beautiful paintings, sculptures, and tapestries, too.
It also has an incredible stucco decoration created by Italian craftsmen. This is actually considered to be some of the best in the country.
When you visit Sychrov Castle, you can explore many of its rooms, like the grand staircase, music room, and library. Moreover, you can also walk around the castle’s well-maintained gardens and parkland.
Trivia: Sychrov castle was used as a filming location for the famous Czech fairy tale movie ‘Three Nuts for Cinderella.’
Address: Zámek 1, 463 44 Sychrov, Czech Republic
#22 Dobříš Castle
Distance from Prague: 40 km (about 45 minutes)
Dobris Castle is a big fancy castle in a town called Dobris, near Prague.
The castle features elegant interiors, with rooms decorated in a variety of styles including Renaissance, Baroque, and Rococo.
The castle also has a beautiful English-style park and garden, which is home to a variety of rare trees and plants. Visitors can take a stroll through the park or relax on one of the many benches and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.
During World War II, the castle was used as a military hospital by the German army. Then, after the war, the castle was used as a school and as a cultural center.
Trivia: The castle was owned by the noble Lobkowicz family for over 300 years, until it was nationalized by the Czechoslovak government in 1945.
Address: Zámek 1, 263 01 Dobris, Czech Republic
#23 Prague Castle
Distance: Prague Castle is about 3 kilometers west of Old Town Square
Finally, last but certainly not least is the Czech Republic‘s most renowned castle—the Prague Castle.
If you’re keen on experiencing a castle without going far from Prague, this is the perfect destination for you.
Prague Castle stands out not only as the largest castle complex in the country but also as one of the biggest in the world. It holds a significant place in Czech history—proudly symbolizing the nation’s heritage.
Also, with roots dating back to the 9th century, this castle has undergone various architectural transformations over the centuries, becoming a living testament. The castle complex has historical buildings, churches, museums, and gardens, establishing itself as an important cultural and historical landmark.
Within the expansive grounds of Prague Castle, you’ll find notable structures such as St. Vitus Cathedral, the Old Royal Palace, and the Golden Lane.
And please don’t forget the view! From the castle, you can see all of Prague below. There are these gardens around the castle that are like a peaceful escape. They have lawns, flowers, and cool sculptures—perfect for chilling out.
At night, the castle becomes a magical place. The lights make it look like a dream. It’s not just a castle; it’s more like a time machine that takes you way back in the past. Overall, visiting Prague Castle isn’t just seeing old buildings; it’s like stepping into a story about a city that’s seen so much history.
Address: Hradčany, Praha 1, Czech Republic
Conclusion
Overall, Czech Republic’s best castles are all extravagantly stunning and must-see attractions whenever you’re in the country.
Each of these historic sites has a distinct story to tell, and additionally, visiting them is an excellent way to learn about the country’s cultural heritage.
However, it’s also important to preserve these castles for future generations so they can enjoy and learn from them. This way, it will continue to inspire and captivate people from all over the world.
Protecting them will also make sure that the stories of the Czech Republic’s past are never forgotten.
As a team of videographers based in Prague, HayotFilms is proud and still amazed by these beautiful structures sprinkled across the country. These places are very picturesque and would be great for filming and videography purposes.
Truthfully, visiting these magnificent castles are once in a lifetime experience, so make sure to include these on your bucket list!