Year-Round Must-See Attractions to Banish Boredom
Prague Castle: the largest castle complex in the world
One of the most popular landmarks in the Czech Republic and also recognized by the Guinness Book of Records as the biggest castle complex globally is Prague Castle. This architectural wonder draws visitors throughout the year, with numerous attractions available even in winter. You can explore St. Vitus Cathedral, the Old Royal Palace, the Basilica of St. George, and Golden Lane along with the Daliborka tower. All of these sites are included in a standard tour of Prague Castle for one entry fee (450 CZK for adults, 300 CZK for children, and 950 CZK for families). Beyond the historical buildings themselves, there are also fascinating exhibitions, like the Story of Prague Castle, the Picture Gallery of Prague Castle, the Riding School, and a new permanent exhibition regarding the Castle Guard, located in the Mihulka Tower.
Brandýs nad Labem Castle: a visit to the Habsburgs
The Renaissance Chateau Brandýs nad Labem was once a summer retreat and hunting spot for rulers, hosting every emperor from the Habsburg dynasty over five centuries. You can explore the original imperial chambers, the apartment of Blessed Charles I and Empress Zita, the Tuscan Habsburgs’ palace library, an exhibition of the uniforms and weapons used by the imperial cavalry, or the palace’s picture gallery. You can also enjoy a stroll in the renovated castle garden, which features a children’s playground. In addition, adventurous visitors can try the escape game The Lost Treasure of Rudolf II, an exciting storyline suitable for families and groups of friends. Be sure to reserve your game in advance before visiting the castle.
Karlstejn Castle: winter with Charles IV.
The Great Tower and castle chapel are shut during winter, but the magnificent Karlstejn Castle is open to visitors all year long. Aside from the courtyard and outdoor areas, you can also explore The Imperial Residence of Charles IV. This includes viewing the historic interiors of the Imperial Palace, the lower parts of the Marian Tower, as well as the Knights’ Hall featuring the Chapel of St. Nicholas, the Marian Courtyard, the Feast Hall, and Charles’ Bedroom with the Chapel of St. Wenceslas. You can also enjoy winter entertainment related to the castle, such as the film musical Night at Karlštejn, which is a festive favorite during Christmas TV programming, and a visit to the nearby Museum of Nativity Scenes, showcasing the impressive Karlštejn Royal Nativity Scene.
Hluboká Castle: spring, summer, autumn, and winter in South Bohemia
Even though the basic tours of Hluboká nad Vltavou Castle are only available until the end of October, this stunning South Bohemian castle remains lively during the off-season. For fans of historical interiors, the Winter circuit opens in early November and runs until Christmas, then it continues from January to March. This tour goes through areas of the castle where the private suites of the last estate owners are located. The walls are adorned with trophies and prints from the 18th century showcasing hunting themes that accompany visitors during the winter. The tour covers a total of nine heated rooms belonging to the last four generations of the Schwarzenbergs. The last owner, Dr. Adolf Schwarzenberg, lived in his rooms until 1939 when he and his wife Hilda fled from the Nazis. You can combine your visit to the chamber interiors with a walk through the park and perhaps a trip to the nearby Hluboká Zoo.
Světlá nad Sázavou Castle: visit to four expositions
Světlá nad Sázavou Castle offers four different exhibitions that you can enjoy throughout the year. The castle is open daily except Mondays, from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. The first exhibition is the Exposition of European Historical Glass, showcasing 1,100 glass pieces made from the Baroque era to the 20th century. The castle’s other exhibition titled “The Glass Museum of the First Republic” gives a glimpse into what life was like at Svetel Castle in the 1920s and 1930s. A Historical Clock Exhibition is set within the authentic surroundings of the Renaissance and Empire wings of the estate. Finally, the newest exhibition covers Historical Trade and Crafts in Světlá, where you can explore an original surviving first-republic colonial of Mr. Dvořáček, a period-furnished apartment, a stylish salon, a carpenter’s shop, and a walk through a traditional crafts alley.
Lednice-Valtice area: the Garden of Europe all year round
A trip to the Lednice-Valtice area in the fall or winter can include wine tastings, romantic strolls, and a tour of the beautiful neo-Gothic Lednice Chateau. Except for January, a key tour allows you to visit the representation halls, where grand social events and balls took place during the Liechtenstein era. You can also check out the heated palm greenhouse and take a nice walk through the lovely castle park. You can head to the Minaret or Janohrad, but note that both are closed in winter. If the winter conditions are good, you might find opportunities to skate on the quiet arms of the Dyje River within the castle park.
Telč Chateau: the pearl of the Highlands is newly accessible even in winter
The Renaissance castle in Telč has been under reconstruction for an extended period, but it has finally reopened. What’s even better, it is now accessible even during winter! Here, you can visit the Castle Museum, located where the former guest rooms used to be. Here you will find valuable and often unique artifacts that were previously kept in the castle’s storerooms. Alongside the funerary equipment of Zacharias of Hradec and other authentic Renaissance items, you can admire the natural history collection of the last owners, an extensive silver service, and items associated with the court career of the castle’s last owners, highlighted by a collection of orders and decorations. The tour wraps up with a stunning view of the castle’s Chapel of All Saints, arguably the most treasured space within the castle grounds. Besides the museum, the castle gallery is also worth a visit, as it showcases pieces from Jan Zrzavý after a gap of eighteen years.
Sychrov Castle: a carved fairy tale of the North
You might recognize the Neo-Gothic Sychrov Castle from movie fairy tales, and it was once the home of the Rohan family. It is open throughout the year, though during winter only certain tours are available. However, you will see the most interesting aspects: rooms filled with ornate carvings, original furniture, paintings, and other decorations, or a toy exhibition. Every year, Sychrov also hosts a vibrant Advent and Christmas program featuring concerts, markets, and special tours. The castle park is open year-round, featuring an orangery, a water tower, romantic views, and an artificial ruin, as well as a castle restaurant.
Křivoklát Castle: Traitors, prospects, and popular markets
Křivoklát Castle also amazes with its operating hours all year round. The main tour of the “Castle Palace” is available even in winter, allowing you to see the first and second courtyards, the Silver Room, the Knights’ and Royal Halls, the library, the picture gallery, Chapel and a prison with a hunger strike. Plus, in December, the castle celebrates a traditional Royal Advent featuring markets and a diverse program. While there is no castle park, you can stroll along the scenic trails in the surrounding area. One of the best views of the castle can be enjoyed from the monument dedicated to Prince Charles Egon II. Fürstenberg, as well as the vista over the Berounka River valley from the Paraplíčko gazebo. Křivoklát Castle is also the filming location for the popular TV competition “The Traitors” – a reality show that originated in the Netherlands and has become an international hit.
Loket Castle: porcelain and elves
What does autumn and winter bring to Loket, one of the most stunning Gothic castles? It is open throughout the year! Aside from the regular tour where you can explore the castle at your own pace, you can attend the Haunted Paradise or the St. Martin’s Feast. The castle also features an exhibition showcasing porcelain made in local factories, along with a display about the laws of torture from the castle’s former prison. Keep an eye out for the local elves, especially Gottstein and the ghost named Strakkal, who you might encounter in one of the dungeon cells.
Upper Castle: the guard residence Hauenštejn nad Ohří
In the vicinity of Stráž nad Ohře River lies the intriguing Upper Castle, also known as Hauenštejn. This medieval guard castle was revamped in the mid-19th century in the style of English Neo-Gothic, transforming it into a mansion adorned with numerous turrets and battlements. It’s open all year long and on weekdays. Visitors can tour the entire complex, which includes various exhibitions, the castle chapel, a gallery, wooden sculptures, and the Knights’ Hall with its original carved ceiling. Guests can also stroll through the arboretum and botanical garden. When leaving the castle, enjoy a leisurely walk through the expansive castle forest park or take a rest in the viewing gazebo.
Loučín Castle: the beauty of winter labyrinths
Romantic and baroque, with a total of twelve mazes and labyrinths set within an English park, Loučín Castle is a magical place. Throughout the year, there are multiple exciting events, and life doesn’t slow down here even in autumn or winter. The castle and park are open, along with the castle hotel. Additionally, Loučeň presents a remarkable Advent surprise: a stunning fountain in the courtyard decorated with the largest Advent wreath in Bohemia, measuring 15.67 meters in diameter. It shines beautifully, and the four candles representing the weeks of Advent are designed to fit the large size. During Advent and Christmas, themed tours called The Story of the Christmas Tree are quite popular, and the garden is traditionally adorned with a dazzling light exhibition in the winter.
Radim Castle: the magic of the Renaissance
Open year-round, Radim Castle in Polabí is one of the finest examples of a Renaissance country house belonging to the middle nobility. The unique Saxon Renaissance architectural style has been well-preserved, untouched by the Thirty Years’ War or subsequent Baroque renovations. The castle currently offers three guided tours for visitors, with a charming castle café. During Advent and Christmas, expect beautifully decorated interiors and themed tours focusing on St. Nicholas and Christmas activities that are delightful for kids and adults alike.
Zbiroh Castle: a visit to Alfons Mucha
Inside Zbiroh Castle, you will find rooms highlighted by different historical periods, artifacts discovered from the castle well, which is 163 meters deep, likely the deepest in Europe, a Masonic room filled with ceremonial items, a tower offering views of the Křivoklát area and Brdy, and even the hall where painter Alfons Mucha created the Slavonic epic. Mucha’s works can also be seen in a photographic exhibition. This is merely a glimpse of the fascinating experiences awaiting you on the tours of Zbiroh Castle.
The castle features the oldest freestanding watchtower in the country and one of the oldest castle chapels as well. Its current structure transformed into a grand Renaissance mansion occurred in the late 16th century when it was under Emperor Rudolf II. Habsburg’s possession. It remains open throughout the year, and part of the grounds serves as a castle hotel.
Cheb Castle: a unique imperial falcon
What sets Cheb Castle apart? It is the only imperial phalanx in our region. Built around 1180 for Emperor Frederick I Barbarossa, even though only outer walls of the castle palace remain, it’s evident that it was a highly impressive structure. From this era, you can also see a rare Romanesque two-story chapel of St. Erhart and Ursula, which stands in front of the palace, as well as The Black Tower, made of dark tuff imported from Komorní hůrka. You can climb 109 steps to enjoy a beautiful view over the historical part of Cheb, and the castle is open throughout the year.
Vildštejn Castle: firefighters and a medieval pub
Vildštejn Castle, established in 1166, is one of the oldest stone castles in the Czech Republic, featuring a Museum of Firefighting Technology with artifacts from Baron Trautenberg, a medieval forge, lodging for travelers, and a medieval dining hall offering knightly meals. Although first visitors could explore its interiors in 2001, the castle’s recent sections now showcase a tour of the medieval forge, the prison, and the Prison Museum. In the cellar, you will find an archaeological exhibition illustrating the history of the castle, alongside the tomb of the White Lady who was famously walled up.
Rock castle Valečov: a trip to the rocks for climbers
High above the village of Bosen lies Valečov Castle, a mansion from the early 14th century that is partially carved into the rocks and partly built. It’s a rock castle that you can explore, but bear in mind that The palace, rock chambers, passages, lookouts, and prison with a hunger chamber are not heated in the cold months. Still, touring the castle is a worthwhile adventure, with the rock dwellings in the nearby cliffs presenting historical interest. These tiny rooms, worlds, pigsties, and workshops were still inhabited up until the late 19th century, and their residents were referred to as Skalaks in that region.
Slatiňany Chateau: sightseeing tours all year round
Slatiňany Chateau remains open in the autumn too. The Winter tour route takes you through the restored interiors of the south and east wings of the castle. This includes visiting the ground-floor guest rooms and the historical kitchen. The tour offers a glimpse into the lives of Franz Joseph of Auersperg and his siblings during the tumultuous time at the end of the monarchy and the rise of the Republic. You will see the tower bedroom, a guest room featuring a four-poster bed, a dressing room with a bathroom, an antechamber, and the dining room where guests ate. Ending in the castle’s basement, preserved historic facilities include the kitchen, wash-up areas, and boiler rooms.
A few extra tips for winter castles
The castle Fryštát is a reliable winter destination. A tour of the castle allows you to explore the lifestyle of its last owners, the Larisch-Mönnich family.- A tour of Nová Horka Castle showcases the entire ground floor, including the castle’s Library, home to its original collection that spans from the early 16th century to the 20th century. You can also admire the sala terrena, which is the original garden hall.
At the castle Zákupy, you can explore year-round. The winter path is available from November to April, featuring rooms filled with historical furniture, paintings, porcelain, hunting trophies, and more. The winter tour also includes the historically significant kitchen found on the first floor. Other highlights are the antechapel, chateau chapel, an imperial elevator, the three-room suites designed in Biedermeier style, the room for the emperor’s hofmistra, and the Archduchess Maria Theresa suite along with rooms that portray the luxurious First Republic apartment of forest councillor Josef Mati.
The castle Cimburk welcomes visitors in both winter and summer. You can explore the extensive ruins of this Gothic castle located on a hill above a water reservoir, around 5 km from Koryčany. It was built between 1327 – 1333 and was abandoned in 1720. Initial restoration efforts took place in the 1930s and further work continued in 1940. The gates stay open daily from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.- However, be aware that some castles and chateaus are excluded from our list, specifically those that house museums. This includes, for example, the castle in Žďár nad Sázavou featuring the Museum of the New Generation, Brno’s Špilberk Castle home to the Brno City Museum, or the castle in Mikulov that serves as a venue for the Regional Museum. You can also see porcelain collections year-round at the castle in Klášterec nad Ohří.
The Kynžvart Castle houses one of the most captivating cabinets of curiosities collected by Chancellor Metternich. There are also unique collectibles from Karel Huss, the castle museum’s first curator and the last executioner of Cheb. In addition to two Egyptian mummies, you can view a piece of brick from the Tower of Babel, King Matthias Corvinus’s travel clock, a fragment of stone from the Temple of Jerusalem, and an unexploded bomb from the assassination of Emperor Napoleon III, all amidst elegantly adorned interiors. But please note! The Cabinet of Curiosities is only open during the winter months in November and March. Enjoy the expansive English Castle Park for an autumn or early spring stroll.
