Castle in Kostelec nad Černými Lesy

On your tour, discover historic chambers, knightly halls, and enjoy stunning views of the surrounding area, including the Český Brod transmitters. Be sure to visit the interactive exhibition Lesárium, dedicated to our forests, where you can engage with woodland life and learn about the importance of these ecosystems. Explore the nearby park with its educational trail as well!

The castle in Kostelec nad Černými lesy is now home to the Czech University of Life Sciences in Prague. Originally a Gothic fortress, it was transformed into a Renaissance hunting lodge by Emperor Ferdinand I in the 16th century. After a fire in 1549, he commissioned Italian architect Hans Tirol to rebuild it, with architect Ulrico Aostalli completing the design. Notable owners included Albrecht von Wallenstein and the Liechtenstein family, who held it until 1933.

• Interesting fact: Until 1920, the town was called Schwart Kosteletz, or Black Kostelec, due to the dark fir forests in the area. You can see several maps featuring this name displayed in the castle.

On this hour-long guided tour, explore the castle from the second courtyard to the attic. Walk across a bridge with remnants of Renaissance frescoes to St. Adalbert Chapel, then discover cozy chambers, knightly halls, and a terrace with stunning views of the 355-meter Český Brod transmitters, the tallest structure in the country. On a clear day, you can see the Great and Little Bezděz mountains and parts of the Krkonoše and Jizerské mountains. Before descending, enjoy a short climb to the attic, where you’ll explore Baroque and Renaissance rafters and peek into one of the four castle towers.

• Tip for you: Please be aware that the castle is not wheelchair accessible. You will encounter cobbled stones and several stairs of varying heights. The attic terrain is also uneven, so sturdy footwear is recommended.

The tour concludes on the ground floor, where you can explore the interactive Lesárium exhibition at your own pace. This engaging exhibit is fun and educational for all ages, covering forest functions, different types of fires, and featuring a virtual reality station and a children’s corner.

What’s next?

Your adventure doesn’t end with the castle! Visit the Arboretum of the Czech University of Life Sciences, which is mainly open during spring and autumn open days or by appointment. You can also explore the Educational Trail of Wetland Habitats year-round, starting at the wooden signs along the main road to Přehvozdí, about 300 meters from Kostelec nad Černými lesy.

After your castle tour and walk, satisfy your hunger and thirst at the Černokostelecký Brewery. Be sure to check out the National Brewery Museum, home to the world’s largest direct-fire brew kettle. A short trip to nearby Kouřim is also worthwhile, where you can experience traditional life in the open-air museum during events like the Harvest Festival, Autumn in the Village, and Midsummer Night.