Karlštejn Castle: A Gothic Masterpiece
Discover Karlštejn Castle, a magnificent Gothic fortress near Prague, built by Charles IV to safeguard royal treasures and crown jewels.
Karlštejn Castle, a majestic Gothic fortress, stands proudly atop a hill in the village of Karlštejn, approximately 30 kilometers southwest of Prague. Founded in 1348 by Charles IV, King of Bohemia and Holy Roman Emperor, the castle served as a secure haven for royal treasures, including the Imperial Regalia and the Bohemian Crown Jewels. Charles IV personally supervised the castle's construction and decoration, emphasizing its importance as both a royal residence and a symbol of Czech statehood. The castle's architecture is a sight to behold, showcasing a unique design influenced by the presence of holy relics. Over the centuries, Karlštejn has undergone several reconstructions, including late Gothic and Renaissance styles. The most recent restoration, completed in the late 19th century, gave the castle its present fairy-tale appearance. Visitors can explore the castle's historic interiors through guided tours. The Imperial Residence tour showcases valuable furnishings from the 14th to 19th centuries, while the Castle Chapels tour grants access to the Church of the Virgin Mary, St. Catherine Chapel, and the Chapel of the Holy Cross. The Chapel of the Holy Cross is a highlight, adorned with thousands of polished semi-precious stones and unique medieval wall paintings. Beyond the castle walls, the village of Karlštejn offers charming streets, shops, and restaurants. The surrounding area boasts hiking trails and the beautiful Czech Karst Protected Landscape Area.
Local tips
- Book your tour in advance, especially during peak season, to secure your spot and avoid long queues.
- Wear comfortable shoes, as the walk from the train station to the castle involves a steep uphill climb.
- Check the official website for the most up-to-date opening hours and tour schedules, as they can vary depending on the season.
- Consider taking the 'Karlštejn Castle Chapels' tour to witness the stunning Chapel of the Holy Cross.
- Explore the village of Karlštejn and its surroundings, including hiking trails and local restaurants.
A brief summary to Karlštejn Castle
- Karlštejn 172, Karlštejn, Karlštejn, Karlštejn, 267 18, CZ
- +420311681617
- Visit website
- Friday 10 am-3 pm
- Saturday 10 am-3 pm
- Sunday 10 am-3 pm
Getting There
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Public Transport
The easiest way to reach Karlštejn Castle from Prague is by train. Trains depart approximately every 30 minutes from Prague Main Station (Praha Hlavni Nadrazi) in the direction of Beroun. The journey takes about 40 minutes, and a round-trip ticket costs approximately 120 CZK. Upon arrival at Karlštejn train station, turn right, cross the Berounka River, then turn right again and after 50 meters turn left. Follow the main road uphill for about 15 minutes to reach the castle.
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Taxi
A taxi from Prague to Karlštejn takes approximately 37 minutes, depending on traffic. The estimated fare ranges from 1,000 to 1,300 CZK. Taxis will drop you off at the central parking lot in Karlštejn. From there, it is a 15-minute walk uphill to the castle. Keep in mind that the town of Karlštejn is a pedestrian zone.
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Walking
From Karlštejn train station, exit and turn right. Follow the trail across the bridge. Turn right again and follow the road into Karlštejn. From there, follow the road uphill towards the castle. The walk from the train station to the castle is approximately 2.1 km (1.3 miles) and takes about 15-20 minutes. Be prepared for a steep incline.
