Český Šternberk Castle: A Bohemian Jewel
Discover the splendor of Český Šternberk Castle, a remarkably preserved Gothic masterpiece owned by the same family for 800 years.
Český Šternberk Castle, often called the "Pearl of Posázaví", has been a prominent landmark in the Central Bohemian Region since its founding around 1241 by Zdeslav of Divišov. He adopted the name Sternberg, combining the German words for star and hill, after his coat of arms, an eight-pointed star. Remarkably, the castle remains in the hands of the same family, with the current owner being a 20th-generation descendant of Zdeslav. Over the centuries, the castle has undergone several renovations, blending its original Gothic architecture with Baroque and Rococo styles. The castle's defenses were improved in the late Gothic style after being seized in 1467. In the second half of the 17th century, extensive early Baroque renovations were carried out to ensure the comfort of its inhabitants. Inside, visitors can explore fifteen richly appointed rooms furnished in various historical periods, including the Knights' Hall, salons, and a large dining room. A unique collection of copper engravings from the Thirty Years' War, one of the largest monothematic collections in Europe, is also on display. Today, Český Šternberk Castle is a popular tourist destination, offering guided tours in Czech, English, German, Russian and French. Visitors can learn about the Sternberg family's history and lifestyle, and enjoy panoramic views of the Sázava River valley from the castle grounds. In the summer, falconry demonstrations are held in the castle courtyard.
Local tips
- Check the castle's official website for up-to-date information on opening hours, as they vary depending on the season.
- Purchase tickets in advance through the castle's reservation system to secure a spot on a tour in your preferred language.
- Wear comfortable shoes, as there is a short uphill walk from the parking lot to the castle entrance.
- Consider visiting the nearby Sázava Monastery, a former center of Slavic education, located 12 kilometers from the castle.
A brief summary to Český Šternberk Castle
- Český Šternberk 1, Český Šternberk-Divišov, 257 27, CZ
- +420317855101
- Visit website
- Saturday 10 am-3 pm
- Sunday 10 am-3 pm
Getting There
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Car
The most convenient way to reach Český Šternberk Castle is by car. From Prague, take the D1 motorway (Praha – Brno) and exit at junction 41. The journey from the center of Prague takes approximately 45 minutes. Once in Český Šternberk, follow the signs to the castle. A parking lot is located 300 meters (0.186 miles) from the castle. Parking costs approximately 2 euros for the entire day. Note that there is a short uphill walk to reach the castle.
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Public Transport
Český Šternberk can be reached by public transport. From Prague, take a train from Praha Hlavni Nadrazi to Cesky Sternberk. The journey takes approximately 2 hours. Alternatively, take bus from Prague, station Praha–Roztyly (Metro C – red line), the line Praha – Benešov – Český Šternberk or Praha - Vlašim – Český Šternberk. From the Český Šternberk train station or bus stop, the castle is a 15-minute walk away. A single train or bus ticket from Prague to Český Šternberk costs between 2 and 4 euros.
