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Visiting Karlstejn Castle is an unforgettable experience. It is one of the most famous castles in the Czech Republic. Czech King and Holy Roman Emperor Charles IV had Karlstejn constructed in 1348 as a place of safekeeping for the royal treasures, especially the coronation jewels of the Holy Roman Empire. The drive is scenic as well. As we travel through a nature reserve, you can gaze at the forest, rivers and villages.
45 minutes Prague to Karlstejn transfer
30 minutes Walk from the village of Karlstejn to the castle
1,5 hours Tour of Karlstejn Castle and its courtyards (Route 1)
30 minutes Walk from the castle to the village of Karlstejn
60 minutes Lunch at a traditional restaurant
45 minutes Karlstejn to Prague transfer
This is a private tour, so the itinerary can be adjusted as you wish.
The fortress-like Karlstejn Castle also served as the emperor’s summer retreat. Over 660 years old, Karlstejn Castle was never totally conquered. The castle even survived a seven-month siege by the Hussites in the 15th century. The castle most visited tour of the castle includes historical interiors of the Imperial palace and the lower floors of the Marian tower with valuable artifacts from the 14th to 19th centuries. A wooden bed boasts stunning engravings. On the walls surrounding it hangs a green with gold fabric that shows phoenixes and other mythological creatures. In Charles IV’s personal chapel to Saint Wenceslas, there is a 14th century portable altar full of vibrant colors. In the Throne Room the 14th century ceiling is composed of dark green squares with wooden frames. A gold ball decorates the middle of each square. The Hall of Forebears features large portraits of the emperor’s ancestors.
The second tour, which must be reserved and paid for in advance, captures the true spirit of the Middle Ages with its frescoes, paintings and statuary during a tour that lasts an hour and a half. The highlight of this tour is a visit to the 14th century Chapel of the Holy Cross, which underwent a 20-year renovation from 1981 to 2000. The Church of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary is decorated with 14th century frescoes portraying the Apocalypse. While climbing up the Great Tower, visitors are overwhelmed by Gothic frescoes. The Chapel of the Holy Cross is the masterpiece, though, with its lavish decoration. Designed by emperor Charles IV, this space has walls lined with semi-precious stones. Just as stunning are the 129 painted panel paintings of saints, popes, knights, emperors, martyrs, kings, the Apostles and others. The gold ceiling is just as remarkable.
If you would like to go on both tours, let us know in the request form below, and we will send you an adjusted itinerary with prices.
Admission fees: Route 1: 270 CZK / adult, children from 6 years, students, seniors over 65: 180 CZK / person, Route 2: 330 CZK / adult, children from 6 years, students, seniors over 65: 230 CZL / person.
This year Karlstejn Castle is open daily except Mondays, from January 1 until January 6; then in February on the weekends: 2nd, 3rd, 9th, 10th, 16th, 17th, 23rd and 24th; from March 1 until November 10 and on the weekends 16th, 17st, 23rd, 24th, 29th, 30th November and 1st, 7th, 8th, 14th, 15th, 21st, 22nd December and daily from December 25 until December 31(closed on December 24). The castle will be open Easter Monday on April 1 and on Czech Independence Day, Monday, October 28. The Route II tour that includes the Chapel of the Holy Cross will be open from May 1 until November 3.
Karlstejn Castle is located in a beautiful nature reserve along the Berounka River. Due to the abundance of hiking trails, it is possible to combine the visit of Karlstejn Castle with a hiking trip for an outing that lasts an entire day. Contact us for more information in the request form below.
| Location | 30 km / 45 minute drive west of Prague (direction Germany - Nuremberg) | |||
| Sights to See | Karlstejn Castle, Karlstejn Village | |||
| Interiors | Karlstejn Castle - Route 1 or Route 2 | |||
| Included | Driver-guide, car / van, fuel, toll roads, parking | |||
| Excluded | Entrance fees, food and drinks | |||
| Availability From-To | open: March 1st - November 10th, closed on Mondays, for extra open days see the tour description above | |||
| Departure Time and Location | We will pick you up at the agreed place and time, most likely at the reception of your hotel in Prague. (To be specified in the request form below) | |||
| Duration | 5 hours | |||
| Return Location | We will finish the tour anywhere you wish in Prague. | |||
| Means of Transportation | Walking and/or Driving - Car, Van, Minibus, Bus and/or Driving - Horse Carriage | |||
| Required Walking Ability | High | |||
| Language | All tours are in English, but exceptions can be made in advance. | |||
| Additional Info | The castle is situated on a hilltop, and it is necessary to climb a steep road for about one kilometer. You can walk, take a taxi or a ride in a horse carriage. Below the castle there is a fairytale-like village full of souvenir shops and quaint restaurants where we can stop for a traditional Czech lunch. | |||
| Comments | Admission fee depends on the type of Route you want to take. For more details see the tour desrciption above. | |||
