10 Magnificent Castles to visit outside of Prague

A photo of Kokorin Castle photo by Jan Sovka aka sovicka Wikimedia

10 Magnificent Castles to visit outside of Prague

Looking for Magnificent castles to visit outside of Prague? No other European city can compare to Prague’s distinctive charm, which is sophisticated and aristocratic. Both Prague and the area around it, which is rich in enchanted castles and chateaux, luxurious villas, and aristocratic homes, are ideal settings for fairy tales.

According to reports, the small, landlocked country in Central Europe is home to more than 1600 exquisite, elegant castles and châteaux, the majority of which are not in Prague. At all of the top castles in the Czech Republic, adventure is waiting for you. Here are the 10 Magnificent Castles to visit outside of Prague.

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1. Kokorin Castle

 It was originally constructed in 1320 in Hynek Berka of Dube’s direction. This fortress is perched high atop a craggy hill, looking down onto the Kokorin Valley. This medieval fortification housed several noble families for many years, but by the 16th century, it had deteriorated.

After the Thirty Years War, Emperor Ferdinand III actually included Kokorin Castle in the infamous “cursed” or “damned” list. There would no longer be any upkeep on these castles. Kokorin’s condition consequently got worse. Fortunately, what was left of Kokorin Castle was renovated by Vaclav Spacek in 1894.

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277 23 KokorÍn, Czechia

CHRG+4M7 Kokorin, Czechia

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2. Krivoklat Castle

Křivoklát castle, Rakovník District, Czech Republic photo by Harold Wikimedia

Do not be shocked if you feel as though you have just stepped into a fairy tale as you approach gorgeous Krivoklat Castle. This Gothic castle is so charming that it has been used as a backdrop for a number of films.  It was built in the late 13th century and formerly Charles IV’s royal hunting lodge, Krivoklat Castle is situated in the densely forested Protected Landscape Area of Krivoklatsko.

It is currently among the oldest and most significant castles in the Czech Republic. Additionally, it is the second-most frequented castle in the nation. If you want to take a tour of Krivoklat Castle, among the noteworthy sights you’ll see are a dungeon, torture devices, and a library with more than 52,000 books.

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Křivoklát 47, 270 23 Křivoklát, Czechia

2VQF+426 Křivoklát, Czechia

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3. Cesky Sternberk Castle

Many people consider this majestic castle to be one of the best-preserved medieval castles in the Czech Republic. It rests on a high bank overlooking the Sazava River and the village of the same name.

Cesky Sternberk Castle, which was initially constructed in 1241, has undergone a number of ownership changes over the years. But as of right now, House Sternberg, the original owner of this castle, is once more in control of it. Look for a collection of uncommon and rare copper engravings that illustrate the Thirty Years’ War’s history if you decide to visit Cesky Sternberk.

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257 26 Ceský šternberk, Czechia

RW7G+XMV Ceský Sternberk , Czechia

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Aerial view of Kost Castle photo by JardaTravnicek Wikimedia 

Kost is not perched very high on a hill like some of the other castles close to Prague. Instead, to safeguard it from potential adversaries, it was constructed deep into a dense forest. The name of the castle, which translates to “bone,” is thought to be an allusion to the walls’ reputedly bone-hard stone construction.

The Kost Castle, which was constructed sometime after 1370, is regarded as the Czech Republic’s best-preserved Gothic castle. The torture chamber from Kost Castle is one of the many fascinating sights you can discover while touring the grounds today. The castle also holds a variety of cultural occasions all year long, including medieval combat.

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Podkost 1,50601 Libošovice, Czechia 

F4RM +4Χ9 Libošovice, Czechia 

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5. Karlstejn Castle

his is a photo of a cultural monument of the Czech Republic, photo by Lukáš Kalista Wikimedia

Karlstejn, which was established in 1348, is the most visited castle in the Czech Republic, as is evident from a single glance. This enormous Gothic fortress, which was constructed by the Roman Emperor and Czech King Charles IV on a hilltop overlooking the Berounka River, is very stunning.

The Holy Roman Empire’s crown jewels were stored there, which was another purpose for why it was built: to serve as the royal treasury. There were also other treasures kept here, such as the Bohemian and Czech crown jewels and sacred objects.

The Holy Rood Chapel, which is renowned for its gem-encrusted walls, is one of the must-see places of this stunning castle, which is situated 29 kilometers (18 miles) southwest of Prague.

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267 18 Karlštejn, Czechia

W5QQ+Q6F Karlštejn, Czechia

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6. Zvikov Castle 

Zvikov Castle enjoys extremely stunning views since it is perched high on a rock overlooking the meeting of the Otava and Vltava Rivers. The Crown Jewels were originally kept there as well. Unfortunately, this fortress, which was built in the first half of the 13th century, experienced financial difficulties.

Additionally, it was nearly in ruins by the 1840s. Fortunately, the Schwarzenberg family preserved it by spending the time and money required in the 1880s to bring the castle back to its former splendor. Zvikov Castle provides “ghost tours” in addition to “normal” excursions of the allegedly haunted building.

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397 01 Varvažov, Czechia

C5PQ+RC2 Varvažov, Czechia

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7. Hluboka Castle

This castle in the Czech Republic was constructed in the thirteenth century, but since then, it has undergone a number of substantial repairs. The Schwarzenberg family built a Gothic castle that was later enlarged into a Renaissance-style building.

It developed a Baroque look in the 18th century. Then, in the 19th century, Windsor Castle in England served as the exact model for Hluboka Castle. The castle is currently accessible to the general public, and it has sizable gardens where you may relax after a tour of the interior or have a picnic.

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373 41 Hluboká nad Vltavou, Czechia

The State Chateau of Hluboká, address

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 8. Veveri Castle

Veveří Castle, view from hot air balloon. photo by Dominik Matus Wikimedia

The Brno region is protected by the Veveri Castle, which is positioned on a rocky outcrop above the Svratka River and Brno Dam. The Podkomorske Woods and several stories and legends surround the castle. The castle was originally mentioned between 1213 and 1222, at which time it appears King Premysl Otakar I used it as a prison for disobedient peers.

 Today, this stunning Gothic building serves as a location for social and cultural activities as well as a day-trip destination for tourists that travel to these regions of the Czech Republic. If you want to see this castle in a special way, you can take the riverboat from Brno or arrange a stroll on one of the clearly indicated routes.

Read more on; 15 attractions You Must See in the Czech Republic

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9. Bouzov Castle 

This stunning castle was built in the Romantic era and is hidden in the lovely Moravian region. This castle, which is 35 kilometers from Olomouc, was chosen as the backdrop for Czech fairy tales and even the lovely film starring the Italian princess Fantaghiro. It is a wonderful sight for many visitors to these areas.

The Teutonic Knights originally owned the fortress, which was built in the fifteenth century. It was rebuilt in the 19th century in response to the Grand Master of the order, Archduke Eugene Habsburg, and is now completely furnished. The Neo-Gothic chapel, which houses the tombstones of the Order’s masters from 1395 to 1515, is the castle’s main draw, but you should also check out the armory, courthouse, observatory, and watchtower.

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This is a photo of a cultural monument of the Czech Republic photo by Zdeněk Fiedler Wikimedia

Even though Trosky Castle is in ruins, you shouldn’t pass it up. The castle appears to be split into two levels because it is located on two different basalt volcanic cones. The name Baba, or Old Woman, refers to the lower of the two buildings. Panna, or Virgin, is the name given to the taller of the two.

Despite being abandoned, the castle nonetheless makes a wonderful subject for photographers and fans of design. There are stories of still-accessible underground tunnels and cellars, but you must explore these carefully and at your own risk.

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