Winter Wonders: Guide to Open Castles and Châteaus

Loučeň Castle

If you are looking for a truly unconventional experience, and at the same time you want to enjoy a lively interpretation of the history of the castle premises, then you must go to Loučeň Castle. This is where history really comes alive!

The former residents of the Thurn-Taxis family will guide you through the château chambers and will acquaint you with their life in the château to the last detail. For children, the owners have prepared a special tour tailored to their needs. And if the sun is shining outside, take a stroll through the château park, which will make your head whirl. A total of 12 labyrinths and mazes made of various materials are waiting for you.

The park and mazes are open daily from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Guided tours of the castle are available every day, including Mondays, as well as on Christmas Eve, the first Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day. Until January 21, 2024, the tour includes an exhibition featuring Christmas trees adorned with decorations from the Czech glassworks Koulier.

Český Šternberk Castle

It is mirrored on the surface of the Sázava River and has both a castle and château appearance. What’s that? Yes, that’s right, it’s Český Šternberk Castle, which has been the seat of the Czech noble family of Sternberg for more than 700 years. Although the castle may appear cold from the outside, like other Gothic castles, it hides beautifully decorated and rich chambers that any château would not be ashamed of.

During the winter of 2023-2024, the castle will be open throughout the Advent season on weekends from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM. After a brief hiatus between holidays, it will reopen its doors from December 27 to December 31, from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM.

In January, February, and March, regular guided tours are scheduled on Saturdays and Sundays at 11:00 AM and 2:00 PM. On other days, tours are available by appointment only. So, there’s nothing stopping you from planning a weekend getaway to Central Bohemia!

Karlštejn Castle

Karlštejn is an absolute must-see, a castle that should not be absent from any of our travel itineraries. If you haven’t made it to Karlštejn yet, winter is the perfect time to catch up. Wander through the places graced by the greatest figures in Czech history, soaking in the medieval atmosphere of a castle known to almost the entire world.

The Imperial Residence of Charles IV is open on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays until December 17, 2023. After a short break between New Year and the Christmas holidays, Karlštejn Castle reopens its doors on December 26, 2023. Starting at the end of February, you can join a guided tour of the medieval castle every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM.

Satisfy your hunger at the award-winning Bistro Karlštejn 34. Enjoy the beautifully snow-covered landscape with a leisurely stroll to Císařská louka, offering a picturesque view of the castle amidst the Bohemian Karst. If you have more time, take a walk to the Great America Limestone Quarry.

Veltrusy Château

We will start our journey on the banks of the Vltava River. The Baroque Veltrusy Château mainly attracts the attention of many travellers thanks to its appearance, the ground plan in an x-shape and also a park with many romantic buildings, which is in no less beautiful as the much better known Lednice-Valtice area.

Aristocracy: The Beginning of the End runs regularly on weekends until December 17, 2023. After a brief Christmas break, winter tours will resume starting January 27, 2024. Explore the lives and destinies of the last two generations of Veltrusy Château  owners.

The Laboratorium is also open to the public, providing a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the daily operations of the château. Learn about the history of restoration since the 2002 flood and try your hand at the work of a researcher, archaeologist, and restorer.

Mělník Château

We will move further along the Vltava River to the north and see a royal city with a wine tradition. Mělník Château, standing above the confluence of the Elbe and Vltava rivers, boasts art collections and a large wine cellar. You can explore the château on your own and enjoy each room and the historical jewels hidden in it for as long as you like. Or use the guide to answer even the most curious of questions.

The château is open to visitors every day, except Mondays and Tuesdays. Guided tours, lasting approximately 60 minutes, are available with a minimum of 5 participants.

For groups of nine or more, there’s also the option to indulge in a tasting of the estate’s wines. The castle café is open year-round, where you can also purchase light refreshments.

Radim Château

Radim Château is such an undiscovered jewel in Central Bohemia. From the outside, the castle looks cold and austere, but inside is a real Renaissance treasure. Yet it is still waiting for its great discovery.

Today, we can regard it as one of the most significant examples of a Renaissance rural residence for the middle nobility and a remarkable showcase of unique Saxon Renaissance architecture.

It’s open every weekend, and tours commence at 11 AM, 1 PM, and 3 PM. The owners, who have poured their hearts into preserving this monument, have prepared not one, but three guided tours for you. Additionally, there’s a special version for children where they can try on historical clothing and attempt to defeat an evil sorcerer.

Mníšek pod Brdy Château

To immerse yourself in the lives of the nobility during the time of the First Republic, visit Mníšek pod Brdy Château. From Saturday to Sunday (with a few exceptions when the château is open during the week), you’ll encounter elegant salons and private rooms with everyday items.

Special fairy-tale tours are organized for the youngest visitors to the castle, and you can find information about them on the château’s website.

After exploring the château, head to the nearby pilgrimage site, Skalka. The fire burning at the local snack stand every Friday to Sunday warms both your body and soul, while the grilled bacon sausage dispels any yearning for summer barbecue parties.

Křivoklát Castle

We conclude our journey through winter castles and palaces with a touch of elegance. Křivoklát is one of the oldest castles in the Czech Republic, with a history dating back to the first Přemyslid kings. The interiors of the castle, which has charmed numerous Czech and foreign film productions with its beauty, are open on winter weekends, specifically Saturdays and Sundays. The tour encompasses the castle palaces, the second castle courtyard, the Silver Tower, the Augustus Prison, and other sections of the prison, including the Hunger Chamber.

Visit the places where the Bohemian Crown Jewels were hidden, where the deceiver and charlatan Edward Kelley involuntarily resided, and where the secret love between Archduke Ferdinand II and Philippine Welser blossomed.

Year-Round Delight: Explore Castle and Chateau Ruins as a Special Bonus!

Castles are an endless fascination! We’ll pen this recommendation with a serene spirit. How about venturing to the remains of castles that, unfortunately, didn’t endure in their full splendor to this day? In the Bohemian Paradise, explore Valečov, nestled not far from Mladá Boleslav, the enchanting Zvířetice, and around the picturesque Sázava River, uncover the mysteries of Zlenice and Zbořený Kostelec. The silent guardians of the landscape, the ruins of the royal castle Týřov, slightly older than the mentioned Křivoklát, grace the banks of the Berounka River. Alternatively, embark on a journey to Toulava, where the hidden ruins of the royal castle Vrškamýk await in Kamýk nad Vltavou.