Český Šternberk has been rising on a hill above the Sazava River for nearly 800 years. For most of its history, it has belonged — and still belongs — to the Sternberg family. If you want to see a Czech castle with impressive architecture, outstanding history, and unique interiors — Český Šternberk is a perfect choice.

How to Get to Český Šternberk Castle from Prague?

Cars

The most convenient way to reach Český Šternberk from Prague is by car, as the journey typically takes less than an hour. Once you arrive, you can park in a lot located 300 meters (0.186 miles) from the castle, with parking costing roughly 2 euros for the entire day. You will need to walk uphill to reach the castle, so wear comfortable shoes.

Public Transport

You can reach Český Šternberk by public transport, which is a cost-effective option. The tickets are priced between 2 and 4 euros. However, the journey takes approximately 2 hours and requires changing buses or trains. You can use the Lítačka app or the IDOS website to find a suitable connection to the Český Šternberk train station or bus stop. The castle is only a 15-minute walk away from both.

Two blue flags with yellow stars fluttering in the wind, positioned on a hilltop overlooking a small riverside town. The town lies along the Sázava River, surrounded by green hills and trees under a bright, partly cloudy sky.

Tours

Another option is to book a private tour or join a group trip. Organized tours often combine visits to Kutná Hora and Český Šternberk, which is a perfect solution for a day trip from Prague. Check out what GetYourGuide platform offers.

The Best Time to Visit Český Šternberk

From early May to the end of September, Český Šternberk is open for visitors every day except Monday. From October to April, the castle is open most weekends. It is best to check the castle's official website for up-to-date information on opening hours before your visit.

A section of a castle featuring a tall, round tower with a conical roof, set against a backdrop of greenery and a bright, partly cloudy sky. Trees and rolling hills can be seen in the distance.

Brief History of Český Šternberk

Český Šternberk was founded in the 13th century by Zdeslav of Divišov, a nobleman whose coat of arms featured an eight-pointed star. This is how the castle got its name. It combines the German words "Stern" (star) and "Berg" (hill). Zdeslav and his descendants subsequently adopted the name Sternberg.

Perched on a steep hill overlooking the Sázava River, Český Šternberk was originally built as a stronghold to oversee trade routes and protect the surrounding area. Over the centuries, the castle underwent numerous reconstructions and gradually evolved from a fortress into a comfortable noble residence.

A grand Knight Hall inside a castle, featuring ornate white stucco walls adorned with intricate carvings and coat of arms. Large portraits hang between the decorations, while a sparkling chandelier illuminates the room. Antique furniture, including armchairs and tables, is arranged on a patterned rug over a polished floor, giving the space an opulent atmosphere.

At the beginning of the 20th century, Jiří Sternberg modernized Český Šternberk significantly. Among other improvements, he installed a gravity-fed water system and electric lighting. He also filled the rooms with stylish furnishings and valuable art collections while preserving the medieval castle's external character.

In 1949, following the rise of the communist regime, Český Šternberk was nationalized. However, Jiří Sternberg was appointed as the castle administrator. He worked and lived there until he passed away in 1965. In 1992, after the fall of Communism, Český Šternberk Castle was returned to the Sternberg family and still belongs to them.

Visiting Český Šternberk Castle

A photograph of a historical room in Český Šternberk Castle featuring a large portrait of Kaspar Maria Sternberg in an ornate frame. The portrait hangs on a wall with blue patterned wallpaper. Surrounding the central painting are smaller oval portraits. A round wooden table with a vase of pink flowers is positioned below the portrait.

The castle offers one tour route, which includes 15 richly furnished rooms. The tour begins in the Knights’ Hall, where you will see beautiful early Baroque stucco decoration. Then, it will take you to smaller salons, the library, and the large dining room. For example, you will have an opportunity to see the room dedicated to the co-founder of the National Museum, Kašpar Maria Sternberg. Throughout the tour, you'll be fascinated by the unique collection of graphic sheets from the Thirty Years' War, with a total of 545 pieces.

Tours are available in Czech and English. You can purchase tickets for a specific time and language in advance through their reservation system. Additionally, at the ticket counter, you can obtain written information about the castle interiors in various languages, including English, German, French, Ukrainian, and Russian, so you can join the Czech tour and read about each room in your preferred language.

An ornate dining room inside a castle, featuring a long wooden table set with crystal candelabras and fine china. Large paintings hang on the walls, and tall, dark green curtains frame the windows, with sunlight illuminating the polished wooden floor.