Radyně Castle, West Bohemia Travel Guide

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Explore the ruins of Radyně Castle near Pilsen, a 14th-century fortress with panoramic views and captivating legends.

Radyně Castle, a 14th-century ruin near Starý Plzenec, was established by Charles IV to guard trade routes. Climb the tower for panoramic views and explore the legends of this once-mighty fortress.

A brief summary to Radyně Castle

Tuesday 10 am-6 pm
Wednesday 10 am-6 pm
Thursday 10 am-6 pm
Friday 10 am-6 pm
Saturday 10 am-6 pm
Sunday 10 am-6 pm

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Radyně Castle.

Visit on weekdays to avoid larger crowds and enjoy a more peaceful experience.
Wear comfortable shoes, as exploring the castle involves some walking and climbing.
Check the weather forecast before your visit to fully appreciate the panoramic views from the tower.
Consider joining a guided tour to delve deeper into the castle's history and significance.

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Explore Radyně Castle on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near Radyně Castle, mapped for you.

Getting There

Public Transport

From Plzeň, take a train to Starý Plzenec. Trains depart hourly and the journey takes about 10 minutes. From the Starý Plzenec train station, it's approximately a 20-30 minute walk uphill to Radyně Castle. Alternatively, take bus line 51 to Starý Plzenec. From the Starý Plzenec bus stop, follow the path leading to the castle, enjoying the scenic views along the way; the walk is about 15 minutes uphill. A single public transport ticket within the inner "P" zone costs approximately 20 CZK.
Walking

If you are in Starý Plzenec, start from the main square and head towards the clearly visible Radyně Castle on the hill. The walk is approximately 1.5 kilometers and takes about 20 to 30 minutes. Be prepared for an uphill walk. No costs are associated with walking.
Car

From Pilsen, follow the road signs to Starý Plzenec. Once in Starý Plzenec, follow signs for Radyně Castle. Parking is available near the castle. Parking is free. From the parking area, it is a short walk to the castle entrance.

Discover more about Radyně Castle

Radyně Castle, located near the town of Starý Plzenec in the Plzeň Region, stands as a striking example of 14th-century castle architecture. Founded by Charles IV, Holy Roman Emperor and King of Bohemia, between 1356 and 1361, the castle, originally named Karlskrone (Charles' Crown), was strategically built to protect the trade route between Prague and Bavaria. The name Radyně, derived from the hill it occupies, eventually became more prevalent.Radyně Castle features a design that merges the tower, palace, and chapel into a unified structure, a hallmark of Bohemian castle architecture of the era. The castle's strategic importance diminished over time, leading to its abandonment and a fire in the 16th century that caused significant damage. Despite falling into ruin, the castle's remains have captured imaginations, especially during the Romantic movement of the 19th century.Today, Radyně Castle is open to the public during the warmer months, typically from April to October. Visitors can explore the castle grounds, climb the 22-meter tower (114 steps) for stunning views of Pilsen and the surrounding landscape, and discover exhibits detailing the castle's history and local legends. The castle also hosts various events during peak season in the lower castle area.