Unlock Your Dream: The Top 10 Castles

We are fortunate to have several amazing castles that you can explore almost every weekend. It would take a long time to visit all of them. If you decided to stay at each one for a while, it could take a lifetime! That’s why the portal “Which way out of boredom” exists to help guide you on which ten castles you should see first without delay.

Rococo and Classicism in Dobříš

Dobris Castle has returned to the Coloredo-Mannsfeld family, which adds to its charm. Starting in summer 2024, you can enjoy the new castle trails. The castle building, along with its French garden and English park, is definitely worth your time. The stunning French garden, with its symmetrical design across three terraces, is truly something to behold.

Learn more about the castle garden, which features impressive sculptures, mainly crafted by talented sculptor Ignác František Platzer. Among the notable artworks is the sculpture on the cascading fountain on the second terrace, which depicts Helios watering his horses. At the top of the French Garden is the orangery, where several exhibitions celebrating nature and the Zdeněk and Emilie Miler Gallery are located. Furthermore, this is the perfect spot to fulfill your dream of staying in a castle, which even has a romantic wedding suite.

Hopscotch to Brandeis

Brandýs, along with its castle, is tightly linked to the history of the Habsburgs. Emperor Rudolf II had a great fondness for this place, making the castle one of the most beautiful remaining structures from the Renaissance. Up until 1918, the owner of Brandýs Castle was the last Emperor and King of Bohemia, Blessed Charles I., who spent his youth here with Empress Zita while serving in the 7th Dragoon Regiment. Another fascinating part of its history is that Brandýs was a strong candidate for the summer presidential residence, but Lány ultimately took that spot. During your tour of the original imperial rooms, you will discover many stories about the last Habsburgs, including insights into the library of the Tuscan Habsburgs and exhibitions about the Imperial Cavalry.

Italy north of the Alps

Jacopo Strada used to manage the art collections for three Habsburg emperors, which shows he had a great appreciation for art. You can see this first-hand in Bučovice, where he constructed a charming Italian Renaissance castle (arguably the finest one north of the Alps). The gardens and interiors will all leave you in awe. The truly unique feature is The Rabbit Room, filled with whimsical images of a world turned upside down. In this room, rabbits have taken charge and there are playful scenes like the hare cavalry attacking humans, battles against dogs, the celebration of a hare’s win, Manhunt, and a grand Feast for the royal rabbit couple.

French-style chateau in Rájec nad Svitavou

The stunning princely castle of the Salm family, known for its architectural pride in Moravia, was established in the 18th century in French style in Rájec nad Svitavou. They truly spared no expense, creating a beauty that you can admire even today. Highlights include a library with 60,000 volumes, exceptional exhibitions featuring camellias, and oriental porcelain. Rájec nad Svitavou Chateau will surely captivate you. The castle park, established during its construction in 1767, is equally beautiful, originally located on the slope facing the town where you can find a pond with unique masonry architecture called “theatrum” by today’s terminology.

Czech Windsor – Hluboká Castle

Indeed, the architect aimed to create a design reminiscent of renowned Windsor Castle. This effort resulted in one of Europe’s most stunning castles, adored by both history enthusiasts and romantic dreamers. On guided tours of Hluboká Castle, you will explore both private rooms and lavish representative halls featuring intricately carved wall paneling, coffered ceilings, elegant furnishings, crystal chandeliers, and impressive collections of artwork, silver, porcelain, and tapestries. You can also visit the observation tower as well as the castle kitchen, where much of the kitchenware from the late 19th century and early 20th century is still preserved. In the castle’s riding hall, exhibitions showcasing South Bohemian Gothic and Dutch masters from the Alš South Bohemian Gallery can also be seen. With 140 rooms and 11 towers, the chateau offers various tour options.

Fairytale Červená Lhota is still without water

Few castles are as memorable to the Czech people as Červená Lhota, especially because its interiors and exteriors have been featured in numerous fairy tales and movies. You’ll be amazed to see the places where characters like Goldilocks and the princess on the pea spent magical moments. The main display on the first floor showcases the authentic home of the last owners, the princes Schönburg-Hartenstein, preserved as it was after the castle’s last major restoration in 1910. Starting in 2019, this unique view of Červená Lhota appears less charming as the most vital aspect is no longer there – the pond. The water was drained due to a de-watering process, and an emergency incident at the dam means the pond remains without water. It’s still uncertain when it will be filled again.

To the Renaissance in Litomyšl

Litomyšl Castle is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognized as an example of Central European noble residences from the Renaissance period. This castle was constructed between 1568 and 1581 as a representative residence for Supreme Chancellor of the Kingdom of Bohemia Vratislav of Pernštejn and Spanish noblewoman Marie Manrique de Lara. The imperial builders Giovanni Battista Aostalli and Ulrico Aostallis were commissioned for the construction, while decorative elements (including the sgraffito designs and large battle scenes in the main courtyard) were primarily created by Italian artisans. A unique Baroque castle theater was built in 1797 to entertain the local nobility.. If you’re interested in seeing it, you’ll have no trouble – there’s a separate tour route that highlights the theatre. Additionally, from 2024, the castle will be open year-round, even during winter months!

Lace Doudleby

The historic castle in Doudleby features Italian architecture along with an exhibition on Vomberian lace. If you’re seeking a more exciting experience, you could try acting in Jakubisko’s film Bathory, which was filmed here. Don’t miss out on a visit to the castle park adjacent to the preserve. During the chateau’s opening hours, visitors of all ages can enjoy visiting the free of charge “Grandma’s backyard,” where there are pets to interact with. The exhibition at the former castle granary will delight nature enthusiasts – it houses a natural history museum with an extensive collection that will impress both experts and hobbyists alike.

Small Czech Versailles in the East of Bohemia

One of the few existing Rococo buildings in our country is the New Castles built in the second half of the 18th century near Litomyšl. Its extravagant design has earned it the nickname Czech Versailles. Inside, you can find a permanent exhibition of furniture art, and visitors also have the chance to view the private chambers of the owners. The entire castle grounds are situated in an incredibly beautiful landscape that remains mostly untouched by industry. Nearby is the protected natural area known as Toulovcovy maštale (Toulovecy maštale), featuring bizarrely shaped sandstone formations carved by wind and water erosion. This site, covering over 10 km², is perfect for hiking, cycling, and relaxation. The nearby Ždárské Vrchy Protected Landscape Area (CHKO Ždárské Vrchy), less than 15 km away, spans 709 km.² This area includes 4 national nature reserves, 9 nature reserves, and 36 natural monuments, enriching the stunning surrounding scenery.

Orlík nad Vltavou Castle

Perched on a rocky promontory that once resembled an eagle’s nest overlooking the Vltava valley and now surrounded by the surface of the Orlice dam, there was an early Gothic castle that acted as a customs post collecting fees for river navigation. The surrounding area features a large English park that includes the Schwarzenberg tomb. A fire in 1508 destroyed the Orlík Castle, prompting significant late Gothic reconstruction. By around 1588, the Welsh master Augustin Orlík made Renaissance updates. The early 19th century marked a vital period for Orlík as it became the residence of Prince Karel Schwarzenberg. The luxurious interiors of the castle showcase the noble lifestyle of the 19th century. The remarkable Teska Hall, notable for its carved coffered ceiling and ornate wall paneling made by Jan Teska between 1882 and 1884, stands out. Near the castle, there’s a boat dock allowing visitors to take a steamer across to Zvíkov Castle and back. You can also check out an impressive aquarium featuring freshwater fish.