Karlštejn Castle

Karlštejn Castle is a magnificent medieval fortress perched atop a hill in the picturesque village of Karlštejn, about 30 kilometers southwest of Prague. It is one of the country's most famous and historically significant castles. Karlštejn is also easily reachable by public transportation. This makes it an ideal destination for lovers of Gothic architecture.

What is the best way to get to Karlštejn? When is the best time to visit? Which tour should you choose to explore the interiors? You will find all the answers in this article.

How Do You Get to Karlštejn from Prague?

Trains

The easiest way to get to Karlštejn from Prague is by train. Trains depart every half an hour from Prague Main Station (Praha hlavní nádraží). The journey takes approximately 45 minutes, and a round-trip ticket costs about 7 euros. You can find a suitable connection and purchase tickets at Czech railways website.

The train station in Karlštejn is 2.2 km (1.36 miles) from the castle. Please note that you will need to ascend a steep hill to reach the castle, so comfortable shoes are a must.

Car

A car journey usually takes 40 minutes to 1 hour, depending on traffic. You can also stop near Velka Amerika, a former lime quarry often used by filmmakers today (parking: 49.96081348700511, 14.203570642489472). An easy hike around the quarry takes less than an hour.

The center of Karlštejn is a pedestrian zone. You must park your car at the central parking lot, which costs about 8 euros per day.

If you need to rent a car, you can find suitable options at rentalcars.com

Tours

Another option is to book a private tour from Prague to Karlštejn or join a group trip. There are different options — half-day trips to Karlštejn, day trips combining Karlštejn castle with Koneprusske caves, or e-bike tours from Prague to Karlštejn. You can explore available offers and make your reservation via GetYouGuide.com.

The Best Time to Visit Karlštejn

Karlštejn Castle is open from March to the end of November, every day except Monday. From November to the end of February, it's open only on Fridays to Sundays for Tour 1. You can find detailed information about opening hours and tour descriptions on the castle's official website. Buying tickets for a specific day and time on this website is also possible. If you want to visit the most precious parts of the castle, such as the Chapel of the Holy Cross, it is better to do so, as tickets for Tour 2 are often sold out.

Those interested in historical festivals should not miss the Karlštejn Wine Celebration, which takes place every September. The event features knights, conjurers, singers, pipers, drummers, nobles, and winemakers dressed in medieval attire. It is dedicated to the founder of Karlštejn, King of Bohemia and Emperor of Rome Charles IV, who also happened to be a promoter of wine-making in local lands. During the two-day festival, you can watch theatrical performances, costume processions, and tournaments between knights. It is important to note that the town has an entrance fee during the festival, usually around 10 euros. However, wearing a historical costume allows you to enter for free. For more information about the program and entrance fees, please visit this website.

Brief History of Karlštejn

Karlštejn Castle was founded in 1348 by Charles IV, Holy Roman Emperor and King of Bohemia, to protect the Czech crown jewels, Imperial regalia, holy relics, and other valuable treasures. Its construction was finished in 1365 and has been an imposing sight ever since. The castle has undergone several reconstructions throughout its long history, and it now appears as it did after the neo-gothic renovation led by architect Josef Mocker in the late 19th century.

The different parts of Karlštejn are arranged at various heights. At the lowest level stands the Burgrave’s Palace. Above it rises the two-story Imperial Palace with the king's chambers, court, and quarters for noblewomen. Further up, the Marian Tower reaches towards the sky. Finally, the commanding Great Tower stands at the peak, designated to protect the esteemed Czech royal treasures.

Visiting Karlštejn Castle

Today, the castle houses a museum. It offers two main tour options: the Imperial Residence of Charles IV and the Castle Chapels. The first tour includes historic interiors of the Imperial Palace with valuable furnishings from the 14th–19th centuries. The second tour will take you to the castle's most impressive rooms: the Church of the Virgin Mary, the St. Catherine Chapel, and the Chapel of the Holy Cross. You will see original medieval wall paintings, a ceiling covered with gold and hundreds of glass lenses, and walls decorated with semi-precious stones.

However, a trip to Karlštejn is worth it even if you don't visit the interiors. You can still enjoy the freely accessible areas. To learn more about the castle's history and architecture, download the free TrueStories app. Ask for an unlocking code for the Karlštejn audioguide at the ticket office, or look for it near the entrance to the castle and enjoy the stories on your phone.