Visit Karlstejn Castle from Prague: a superb day trip ideal for lovers of history and nature, just steps from Prague.
Located less than an hour by train from Prague, Karlštejn Castle is one of the most important castles in Bohemia and a jewel of the fortified Gothic architecture. It was in this castle that the jewels of the royal crown of Bohemia, the imperial crown of the Holy Empire and various holy relics were kept.
The castle also offers a wonderful view of the region of Central Bohemia. From Karlštejn, it is possible to go on foot, after a short hike, to the "canyons" of Prague: a succession of former careers, the largest of which is Velká Amerika.
Also: The 13 essential things to do in Prague
The history of Karlštejn Castle
Photo credit: Flickr – Martin Hapl
Built between 1348 and 1357, the fortified castle of Karlstein (in German) served both as a safe place to house the precious relics of Emperor Charles IV, but also as an imperial residence where he could rest, hunt and receive important visitors.
At the beginning of the Hussite wars (protesting against Catholics), the jewels of the Czech crown, sheltered in the Prague Cathedral so far, were transferred by the emperor Venceslas 1st to the fortified castle of Karlstejn to protect them from the Hussites insurgents, who even besieged Karlstejn in 1422 – without success.
With the end of the Hussites wars in 1436, the great era of the Karlstejn castle ends: the kings of Bohemia cease to visit him.
From 1877 to 1899, the castle was renovated again: Emperor François-Joseph 1st ordered a historicizing reconstruction – or purist – that gave the castle its present appearance.
Photo credit: Flickr – Rafael Escobar
Beginning in 1891, limestone mines began operating in the Karlstejn region. Already used for centuries for the construction of historical buildings in Prague, the limestone has become important during the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. Careers give the famous "canyons" in Prague, including Velka America. They close in 1963 and are transformed into water tanks. Today, it is possible to visit them during a small hike – a good way to discover Czech nature and landscapes.
Visit of Karlstejn Castle and Czech canyons of Velká Amerika
To visit the castle of Karlstejn, you will have to cross the city to the castle hill. In town there are many typical Czech restaurants.
The interior of the castle is paid, but access to the first courtyard and the ramparts is free of charge. From here you will have a wonderful view of the Central Bohemia region and the surrounding forests.
Photo credit: Flickr – junaidrao
The hike to the Czech canyons in Prague begins from the city or the back of the castle. It is accessible to all, count two to three hours to go to the canyon of Velká Amerika (the farthest and most beautiful) and return to the castle.
How to visit Karlstejn from Prague? Prices
Visiting Karlstejn from Prague is simple. To get there, we recommend using the train: there are many connections from the central station of Prague (Hlavní Nádraží), sometimes every half hour for only 102 CZK round trip (4€). You can book your train ticket on the company website (English).
From Karlstejn train station, you just have to walk 5 minutes to get to town and be able to start the small climb to be able to visit Karlstejn.
The opening hours of the castle vary throughout the year:
- Winter: from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on average (closed from 17/12 to 25/12 and January)
- Spring / Fall: 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Summer: 9am to 5pm (18h in July/August)
Two visits are possible inside the castle: the basic tower at 330 CZK (13€) or the exclusive tower at 880 CZK (35€) to visit the sacred rooms of the castle (including the Chapel of the Holy Cross).
Note that you can also book the trip to Karlstejn Castle online from Prague with a guide (in French, in particular). The tour includes the visit of the castle with the guide and the transport from your hotel in Prague.
Main photo: Wikimedia – Arkadiusz Zarzecki
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