Can’t get enough of castles? Visit one of the oldest royal castles in the Czech Republic surrounded by beautiful dense woodlands!
Just a 1 hour drive west of Prague lies the elegant royal castle of Křivoklát, one of the Czech Republic’s most historic and important castles. Built during the reign of Přemysl Otakar II (a King of Bohemia whose name no one can ever pronounce!), this magnificent castle has serious fairytale vibes with a tall Rapunzel-like round turret and a dense forest surrounding it.
As soon as you see the castle, you’ll understand why it was well-favoured and the preferred home for many Czech rulers. Who wouldn’t want to live here?
The outside of the castle is open all year round and you can enter the medieval courtyard which plays host to a number of festivals and events during the summer months. But don’t miss the inside of the castle! There’s lots of incredible Gothic bits, including one of Europe’s best preserved gothic castle chapels and a Royal Hall that is claimed to be the second largest after Prague Castle.
Feel those Halloween vibes early with a visit to the famous prison that has super real replicas of the torture devices and instruments used on the unlucky inmates who had the unfortunate pleasure of being imprisoned inside!
A bit of history: With origins dating back to the 12th Century, the castle has actually been expanded on by tons of Bohemian Kings, before becoming a dreaded and harsh prison. Falling into disrepair, it was then bought by the Fürstenbergs, a noble German family who again restored the castle after a devastating fire. After that, it was sold to the Czech state in 1929 and has been one of the country’s finest preserved castles ever since.
- Fun fact! One of the most famous prisoners of Křivoklát was the alchemist Edward Kelly who was incarcerated here because he killed someone in a duel. He later tried to escape by descending from a rope out of the dungeon but the rope snapped and he ended up on the rocks below with a shattered leg! Oops!
- If you have time, make sure to take a tour which includes the Castle Ramparts and tower where you can enjoy rather spectacular views of the surrounding countryside which is protected landscape by the Czech Republic government.
- It is said the castle’s name means “crooked plate” because the castle is supposedly built on a crooked platform.
Tips and Tricks
- If you visit in December the castle often plays host to a great Christmas market where you’ll find puppet shows, live performances, local crafts and some delicious local food all at countryside prices!
- It is only possible to visit the interior of the castle on a guided tour. There’s 3 main tours. If you’re short on time, opt for the 60 minute one which covers the castle’s highlights.
- To get an epic view and photograph of the castle, head to one of the vista points nearby. One is called “Pomník Karla Egona II. z Fürstenberga”, where you’ll find a statue and a number of benches.
Getting There
- By Car: 50 minute drive from Prague, Parking 300m from castle entrance.
- By Train: Take the train to Beroun and change for Křivoklát station. Then a 15-20 minutes’ walk to the castle.
Outside: 24/7. Inside: Apr - Oct, open everyday except M, 9:00 to 16:00/18:00
All seasons
Outside: free. Inside: prices vary
Open; national COVID guidelines apply.
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