Czechia Castles and Fortresses
map viewCzechia is dotted with castles, and these eight are among its highlights. Český Krumlov rises above a bend of the Vltava, and Prague Castle is one of the largest castle complexes in the world. Karlštejn, a Gothic castle built for Emperor Charles IV, is an easy day trip from Prague. In South Bohemia, Hluboká nad Vltavou and Orlík stand above the Vltava, while Moravia offers the palaces and parks of Lednice–Valtice and Kroměříž. Litomyšl is a Renaissance château in eastern Bohemia. May to September is the most pleasant time to visit.
Český Krumlov castle & old city, Czech Republic
Český Krumlov, a UNESCO-listed town in a bend of the Vltava, has the Czech Republic’s second-largest castle; the old town is free, castle tours from CZK 260.
Karlštejn Castle, Czech Republic
Karlštejn, the Gothic castle Charles IV built for the crown jewels, is a day trip from Prague; the basic tour costs CZK 300, the chapels tour CZK 640.
Lednice–Valtice Complex, Czech Republic
The Lednice–Valtice landscape in South Moravia links two Liechtenstein castles with parks and follies; the parks are free, main castle tours cost CZK 300.
Hluboká nad Vltavou Castle, Czech Republic
Hluboká Castle, the Schwarzenbergs’ white neo-Gothic castle near České Budějovice, was modelled on Windsor; the main guided tour costs CZK 300.
Prague Castle
The city fortress and palace, the residence of the president of the Czech Republic
Kroměříž Castle & gardens, Czech Republic
Kroměříž in Moravia has the Archbishop’s Palace and two Baroque gardens on the UNESCO list; palace routes cost CZK 350–480, the Flower Garden CZK 180.
Orlík nad Vltavou castle, Czech Republic
Orlík, the Schwarzenbergs’ white neo-Gothic castle, rises from the Orlík Reservoir in South Bohemia; tours cost CZK 450 and it closes from November to March.
Litomyšl Castle, Czech Republic
Litomyšl Castle in eastern Bohemia is a UNESCO-listed Renaissance château covered in sgraffito, with an arcaded courtyard and a castle theatre; tours CZK 220.
Castles in Czechia on the map
Numbers match the ranking above. Click a pin to open the place.
Best time to visit castles in Czechia
When sightseeing is most pleasant: comfortable 18–26 °C daytime temperatures and more dry days. Averaged over the places on this page.
ERA5 climate data 2015–2024 (Open-Meteo, CC BY 4.0), averaged for the places on this page.
Tickets: what it costs to visit castles in Czechia
Adult entrance prices, cheapest first. What the ticket includes and what you can see for free.
| Place | Region | Adult ticket | Ticket includes | Free without a ticket | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Litomyšl Castle | Bohemia | CZK 220 | Guided castle tour | Courtyard and gardens | Reduced CZK 180; children CZK 70 |
| Český Krumlov castle & old city | Bohemia | CZK 260–400 | Castle tours and Baroque theatre | Old town, courtyards and castle garden | Route I CZK 300; museum and tower CZK 280 |
| Karlštejn Castle | Bohemia | CZK 300–640 | Guided castle tours | — | Reduced CZK 240; chapels tour May–October, booking needed |
| Lednice–Valtice Complex | Moravia | CZK 300 | Main castle tour | Parks and gardens | Reduced CZK 240; Minaret CZK 100; greenhouse CZK 140 |
| Hluboká nad Vltavou Castle | Bohemia | CZK 300 | Representative rooms tour | — | Reduced CZK 240; other routes CZK 180–320 |
| Kroměříž Castle & gardens | Moravia | CZK 350–480 | Palace tour routes | Chateau Garden | Flower Garden CZK 180; Via UNESCO combined ticket CZK 580 |
| Prague Castle | Prague | CZK 450 | Castle | — | |
| Orlík nad Vltavou castle | Bohemia | CZK 450 | Guided castle tour | — | Children, students and over 65 CZK 350; closed November–March |
Prices checked: 10.2026. Always check the official website before you go.
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