Karlštejn Castle
Hrad Karlštejn

Grab your camera and trek uphill to this famous 14th century gothic fortress that once housed royal treasures.

Built by Charles IV, King of Bohemia and Holy Roman Emperor in 1348, Karlštejn is one of the most popular castles to visit in the Czech Republic. Karlštejn Castle is a registered UNESCO World Heritage Site and a top contender for the most beautiful castle in the country, so make sure you bring your camera!

This hilltop gothic fortress was the King’s private country residence, built to serve as a treasury for all the royal treasures, crown jewels and his impressive collection of holy relics which were kept in the Chapel of the Holy Cross, a richly decorated chapel covered in gilding and precious stones. Legend says that the King deemed the chapel so sacred that he forbade women to live, lie down and sleep in the chapel. The Chapel is open to visitors (including women as part of a guided tour that must be booked online in advance. While the exterior of the castle is free to visit, the interior with the Imperial Palace, the Chapel of the Holy Cross, the Church of the Virgin Mary and the St. Catherine Chapel, and the Great Tower are worth seeing if you have the time.

Of course, if you’d prefer you can simply enjoy the stroll up to the castle where you can capture wonderful photos of it’s gothic facades and towers, sit in its courtyard or walk around its walls and look out over the countryside. Although a little pricey, you can also stop in one of the nice local pubs and restaurants on the way up or down for a pivo (czech for beer!).