Czech Republic

How to visit the medieval Karlstejn Castle near Prague

Karlstejn Castle near Prague
Karlstejn Castle near Prague

One of the typical excursions that you can do if you go to travel to Prague, and you plan to stay several days, is to get closer to the Karlstejn Castle.

This medieval castle is southwest of Prague, 32 kilometers away, a little more than half an hour by car, although at Karlstejn village You can also get there by train.

El Karlstejn Castle It was built in 1348 by order of the emperor Charles IV.

In later times the castle underwent various reconstructions.

Thus, in 1485 it was remodeled in Gothic style, and later, at the end of the XNUMXth century, in Renaissance style.

El Karlstejn Castle, nearly Prague, had great importance in the history of Czech Republic, because for 200 years it was used to preserve the Crown jewels.

What to see when visiting Karlstejn Castle

Located in a spectacular location, on top of the hill above the town of KarlstejnTo get to the castle you have to walk for about half an hour.

Karlstejn Castle near Prague in Czech Republic
Karlstejn Castle near Prague in Czech Republic

Once there, you will see that the castle can only be visited with guided tours.

Specifically, you have the option to sign up for one of the three tours different ones offered for visit Karlstejn castle. in which, for different durations, different rooms are visited.

Karlstejn Castle Basic Tour

In the case of this first tour, which is the basic one, it goes through the private rooms of Emperor Charles IV on the first and second floors, and the first floor of the Marian Tower, a visit in which you will be able to see furniture from between the 14th and 19th centuries.

Corners that you will know are the banquet hall, the master bedroom, the Saint Wenceslaus chapel, Castle Treasure and jail.

In this treasure you will be able to see a copy of the Crown of Saint Wenceslas, which all the kings of Bohemia.

Karlstejn Castle near Prague in Czech Republic
Karlstejn Castle near Prague in Czech Republic

This visit lasts about 55 minutes and can be done with a guide in English.

Most complete tour of Karlstejn Castle

The second tour covers the Most notable halls and chapels of Karlstejn Castle, sites located in the east wing of the building and on the second floor of the Marian Tower.

To highlight the church of the Virgin Mary, Saint Catherine's Chapel and Great Tower of the castle, whose walls are decorated with medieval paintings.

This visit also includes the Chapel of the Holy Cross, its main spiritual corner, and lasts 100 minutes, so it is not recommended for small children.

Karlstejn Castle near Prague in Czech Republic
Karlstejn Castle near Prague in Czech Republic

Karlstejn Castle Great Tower Tour

The third tour, which is the shortest with a duration of 40 minutes, focuses on the upper floors of the Great Tower, where the aforementioned is not visited Chapel of the Holy Cross.

Among other corners, you will see the medieval paintings that decorate the walls of the living rooms and the staircase, and also the Armory.

Karlstejn Castle visit schedules

The Karlstejn Castle visiting hours They vary depending on the time of year, starting at 9 a.m. from June to August; at 9,30:10 a.m. from March to May and from September to October; and at XNUMX a.m., from November to February.

Karlstejn Castle near Prague in Czech Republic
Karlstejn Castle near Prague in Czech Republic

The starting time of the last tour is 18,30:15 p.m. in summer and XNUMX p.m. in winter, with intermediate times in other months.

Tours take place every day of the week in July and August, but during the rest of the year the castle is closed on Mondays. Also, keep in mind that from December to February the castle is closed to visitors.

Given the wide variety of start and end times of the different tours, and during different times of the year, the advice is that you consult the Karstejn's schedule before your visit.

Karlstejn Castle near Prague in Czech Republic
Karlstejn Castle near Prague in Czech Republic

Karstejn Castle ticket prices

El ticket prices at Karstejn Castle It will depend on the type of tour you finally sign up for, ranging from 220 to 520 CZK (8,65 to 20,40 euros), while the price of the tour that goes up to the tower is 170 CZK /6,70 euros.

Map: how to get to Karlstejn Castle from Prague

For go by train from Prague to Karlstejn Castle, you have to pick it up at the station Prague Smichov, and the trip takes about three quarters of an hour.

IF YOU WANT TO by car from Prague, is only 29 kilometers away and will take just over half an hour.

About the Author

José Luis Sarralde

Journalist and traveler throughout his life, José Luis Sarralde is the founder of Guías Viajar, where since 2008 he has been capturing his travel experiences around the world, specializing in cultural and scenic destinations in Spain and Europe.

Comments

Click here to write a comment

Your language