Explore the Allure of Konopiště, Veltrusy, Stránov, and Karlštejn – Must-See Activities Await!

Visit the family of Franz Ferdinand d’Este at Konopiště

Konopiště Castle has been shaped into its current form at the end of the 19th and the start of the 20th centuries when it was owned by František Ferdinand d’Este, who was the heir to the Austrian throne. This lovely location near Prague is home to numerous beautiful exhibits, splendid gardens, and a large park. Visitors can pick from seven different routes: The Salons of the South Wing of the Palace, The Salons of the North Wing, The private rooms of the family of Franz Ferdinand d’Este, The Hunting Route, St George’s Museum, The Archduke’s Shooting Range, and the Rose Garden with Greenhouses.

More than just a castle kitchen at Žleby Castle

Located just 20 km from Kutná Hora, Žleby Castle boasts extensive collections that illustrate noble life in the 19th century. Guests can explore the chapel, a fully functional castle kitchen, and one of the few historic castle theaters still in existence. From the tower, visitors can admire the beautiful landscape of the English park. On specific days, tours include a visit to the historic kitchen, where cooks dressed in period attire provide fascinating insights into castle life in the past. Upcoming events like Easter tours, ‘Castle Kitchen Brought to Life,’ and ‘Open Gates Evening’ will unveil the enchanting atmosphere of this romantic princely residence and its hidden treasures! A standard visit provides four tour options: State Rooms, Private Apartments, The Castle Theatre, or The Great Tower and Cellars.

Special theater tour at Mnichovo Hradiště Castle

At Mnichovo Hradiště Castle, which was in the possession of the Waldstein family from the late 17th century to 1946, visitors can discover historical interiors showcasing rare collections, a unique historical theater, and a library that was once managed by the famous Giacomo Casanova. St Anne’s Chapel is the resting place of Albrecht von Wallenstein, a well-known military leader from the Thirty Years’ War. On the public holiday 1 May 2026, the castle will host guided tours of the original castle theater premises, exclusive to culture and technology enthusiasts. This guided tour will include backstage areas, stage, and mechanical systems. This tour is unique, as it is only held once a year – advance tickets are highly recommended. Summer sees children’s tours exploring the legends of the Bohemian Paradise.

Discover Veltrusy Castle and its fallow deer park

Veltrusy Castle, which served as the summer residence for the Counts of Chotek, is located on a river island in the Vltava River, spanning almost 300 hectares. Along with the castle buildings and farmhouses, the estate features a floodplain forest, a fallow deer park, pavilions, orchards, and open fields. Current visitor tours cover The Golden Age in the Service of the Empress (highlighting Baroque glory and the visit of Empress Maria Theresa), The Count’s Family Life (showing a nobleman’s domestic life), Piano nobile (a combined tour of the main tours available only once daily), Aristocracy: The Beginning of the End (exploring the last two generations’ histories), Laboratory and Cycle Tour (a guided exploration of the castle park). A part of the fallow deer enclosure is accessible, allowing visitors to observe these deer from close range – just don’t feed them, as they have their own food provided regularly. Throughout the year, visitors can enjoy Easter tours, the Rose Festival, Culture Under the Stars, Castle and Chateau Night, and the All Souls’ Day Remembrance.

Explore the highest parts of Točník Castle

Along with the older Žebrák Castle, Točník Castle is one of the best-preserved castle complexes in the Czech Republic. This castle, which Wenceslas IV built after 1395, was mainly used as a residence. Because it sits at the intersection of a castle and a chateau, it’s often called a “castle-chateau”. Recently, the uppermost parts of the castle have been opened to the public: the area beneath the roof truss of the Royal Palace on the 4th and 5th floors. This is a groundbreaking moment in the castle’s modern history. These rooms became accessible after a full renovation of the roof truss and roof, and a new external access staircase was built – a goal of the castle management since 1996. You can either take a self-guided tour of the castle grounds or enjoy a guided one. Every year, exciting events occur here, such as Easter at Točník Castle, In the Sign of the Kingfisher, the Okoř Guard at Točník, and the Hrady.cz festival.

The fairy-tale Stránov Castle

The Neo-Renaissance Stránov Castle is positioned in the village of Jizerní Vtelno, near Mladá Boleslav. You’ll easily understand why this castle is often called one of the most enchanting castles in the Czech Republic. It has been partly renovated inside and out. The romantic look of the castle came from a Neo-Renaissance renovation at the end of the 19th century. In 1917, it was bought by the president of Škoda Works and a Senate member, Josef Šimonek, who lived here with his family until nationalization in 1950. Post-nationalization, the castle functioned as a children’s home (with the outer bailey hosting a collective farm), leading to many insensitive changes to the building. Since 2003, Stránov has been returned to the Šimonek family. In 2004, the castle finally opened to the public, and renovations are ongoing. Visitors can also relax at a delightful castle café. The tours available include The castle interiors (which feature a hall with a Gothic chapel, restored rooms, and a Gothic tower with a viewing platform) or just The tower separately without a guide. Popular events at the castle comprise Private Castles and Chateaux Day, Castle and Chateau Night, and European Heritage Days.

Načeradec Chateau

Neustupov Castle

Explore more castles and châteaux in the Central Bohemian Region

• • Nelahozeves Manor, dating back to the 16th century, is one of the few Renaissance manors still standing in Bohemia.

• • The National Agricultural Museum Kačina is housed in the stunning castle built by Count Jan Rudolf Chotek between 1806 and 1824.

• • Loučeň Castle is a romantic chateau with beautiful grounds, a maze, and numerous attractions. Exhibits cover the Czech branch of the Thurn-Taxis family and life at the chateau around the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries.

• • Karlštejn Castle, a Gothic jewel situated southwest of Prague, was established in 1348 by Charles IV to store valuable crown jewels.

• • The castle in Zruč nad Sázavou in the Kutná Hora region offers guided tours, tower climbs, and, for younger visitors, a fun educational trail featuring Knight Milota of Kolowrat.

• • Český Šternberk Castle is one of the oldest castles in Bohemia, still owned by the Sternberg family, who founded it in 1241.

• • The Baroque Jemniště Manor House was built from 1720 to 1725; its current owner is Jiří Sternberg, who lives in the left wing of the manor house year-round.

• • Dobříš Manor House, located near Prague and owned by Dipl. Ing. Jerome Colloredo-Mannsfeld, welcomes visitors throughout the year. The grounds include a French park and an Orangery with five exhibitions.

• • Křivoklát Castle is one of the most significant and oldest royal castles in the Czech Republic. Its predecessor was a hunting lodge mentioned in Cosmas’ Chronicle back in 1109-1110.

• • The Manor House in Vrchotovy Janovice, along with its historic park, has a unique charm that is both simple and powerful. It has been part of displays at the National Museum in Prague for 50 years.

• • Kokořín Castle is set on a sandstone rock promontory overlooking the Kokořín Valley, north of the village of the same name, within a protected landscape area.

• • The extensive Křinice Castle complex, featuring 122 rooms, was built in the early Baroque style in 1649 by Count August Pavel I of Morzín. The castle and the conjoined town are situated in fertile landscapes of the central Elbe River basin, close to the River Mrlina at the base of Chotuc hill.

• • Krakovec Castle exemplifies High Gothic architecture and is notable for being intended as the last refuge of Master Jan Hus when he was declared a heretic and expelled from Prague. It was also the filming location for the movie *Long Live the Ghosts*.

• • In 1610, Záruba of Hustiřany constructed a Renaissance Radim Castle, which has remained mostly in its original condition. The castle is open all year with winter and summer guided tours available.

• • Kutná Hora will celebrate a special year in 2026 with significant anniversaries for two notable locals, Mikuláš Dačický of Heslov and Josef Kajetán Tyl, leading to a variety of cultural events throughout the year. In summer 2026, Tyl House, a renovated space dedicated to the life and work of one of the most prominent Czech writers and playwrights, will be unveiled.