Častolovice Castle Launches Its Season This Good Friday

As is tradition, starting on Good Friday, April 18, 2025, the captivating Častolovice Castle, located in the beautiful Hradec Králové region, will welcome all fans of stunning castle architecture. During the entire Easter weekend, including Easter Monday on April 21, visitors to the castle can admire the interior exhibitions, which will be adorned with cheerful Easter decorations featuring vibrant spring flowers. The castle’s permanent exhibition, recognized as one of the most exquisite and fascinating in the Czech Republic, showcases the elegant lifestyle and cultural heritage of the Sternberg family over an impressive span of four centuries. Surrounding the castle, expect to see ornate roses, azaleas, and rhododendrons, alongside delightful aviaries and a charming menagerie. Also, the expansive chateau park features a serene pond, a lovely rose and water garden, and a wildlife sanctuary where you can spot white fallow deer and other delightful creatures.

The entire castle, not just the exhibitions, is embracing the joyful Easter spirit and is ready to welcome guests. Visitors can enjoy delicious Easter-themed treats at the castle café and restaurant, conveniently located in the courtyard. As you stroll through the beautiful park, feel free to stop by the cozy gazebo Gloriet, situated next to the tranquil pond, for a light snack. Weather permitting, we will have lots of fun activities for our youngest visitors, including exciting games and competitions. One thrilling activity will be the much-loved egg hunt held in the park. If the children successfully discover all the hidden eggs, they will receive a small prize as a reward.

Starting from the rest of April, the castle, along with its café, will be open on weekends. However, the castle’s menagerie and park are accessible to visitors every day of the year, including weekends and holidays.

Interestingly, since the 17th century, Častolovice Castle has belonged to the distinguished family of Sternberg and its descendants. For many years, the castle was overseen by the noble Countess, who was the esteemed lady of the estate. Diana Phipps Sternberg (1936-2024) was instrumental in maintaining the castle, and now her daughter, Alexandra Hardegg, continues that legacy by taking excellent care of both the castle and its visitors. In 1940, the castle fell under German forced administration, requiring the Sternberg family to leave in 1942. Following World War II, the estate was temporarily returned to Leopold Sternberg but was confiscated by the state in 1948. In 1992, the castle was reclaimed through restitution and returned to Diana Phipps Sternberg, ensuring its continued preservation.

Častolovice Castle: Easter Weekend & Year‑Round Highlights

Opening & Accessibility
Doors open on Good Friday, April 18, 2025, and thereafter the castle welcomes visitors daily except Mondays from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
The surrounding park, menagerie and children’s playground remain open every day of the year.

Easter Weekend Programme (April 18–21)

• Accompanying Activities: Family‑friendly games, competitions and an exciting egg hunt throughout the park.

• Seasonal Treats: Easter‑inspired pastries and refreshments available at the on‑site café and restaurant.

Permanent Exhibition
Step inside to explore the four‑centuries‑spanning lifestyle of the Sternberg family, with period rooms and artifacts illustrating noble living culture across generations.

Gardens & Wildlife

• Rose Garden: Home to 200 unique rose species, offering a riot of color and fragrance in every season.

• Water & Landscape Gardens: Picturesque pond, water features and manicured paths invite leisurely strolls.

• Menagerie & Mini‑Zoo: A year‑round attraction lovingly expanded by owner Alexandra Hardegg, where you can meet white fallow deer, forest animals and other captivating species.

Castle History & Stewardship
Founded by the Sternbergs, the estate endured forced German administration during World War II, brief post-war family restitution, nationalization in 1948 and eventual restitution in 1992. Today, Alexandra Hardegg continues the family tradition of caring for the castle, its grounds and its living heritage.

Enjoy a blend of noble history, seasonal festivity and natural charm at Častolovice Castle this Easter and beyond.