Description

Karlštejn Castle

A trip from Prague to Karlštejn

Visit Karlštejn Castle with us, a perfect destination for enthusiasts of Czech history and architecture, where medieval design harmonizes with a rich historical background. Aside from its historical castle, the View Tower offers a breathtaking panorama of the surrounding landscape. Allow us to introduce you to this structure from the times of King Charles IV and medieval Czechia.

History of Karlštejn

Named after the Luxembourg king Charles IV (Karel IV.), Karlštejn Castle was built by the king between 1348 and 1355 as a royal fortress and treasury to safeguard valuables, especially the crown jewels. Perched on a rocky peak, the castle stands amidst the picturesque surroundings of Český Kras.
While its original function as a treasury gradually diminished, Karlštejn retained its significance in the history of the Czech state, undergoing various periods, renovations, and purposes.

Main parts of the Castle

1. Great Tower: The impressive Great Tower served as a multifunctional space. It housed the castle treasury and the Chapel of the Holy Cross. Visitors can ascend to the top for a captivating view of the surroundings.
2. Imperial Palace: This beautiful palace was the residence of Emperor Charles IV. Private and representative spaces in the palace indicate the wealth and significance of the ruler.
3. Chapel of the Holy Cross: The chapel was designed to house valuable religious relics. Its intricate Gothic architecture and historical significance make it an interesting stop during the tour.
4. Burgrave’s House: Originally serving as the administrative centre of the castle, Burgrave’s House now hosts a museum with exhibited artefacts related to the history of Karlštejn and its various owners.
5. Well Tower: Karlštejn’s Well Tower, dug deep into the rock and ensured a reliable water supply for the castle. The well stands as a testament to medieval engineering and strategic planning.
6. Gate Tower: The tower is a fortified structure contributing to the defensive character of Karlštejn. Visitors pass through this tower when entering the inner courtyard.
7. Marian Tower: Located near the Marian Gate, this tower was dedicated to the Virgin Mary. Its architecture and location contribute to the overall aesthetic impression of Karlštejn.

Karlštejn Today

Today, Karlštejn is a popular tourist destination. Our excursion lets you admire the historical beauty of this place but also learn more about its fascinating history from our qualified guide.
Book Your Trip with Us
For a comfortable and hassle-free experience, we offer various booking options:

• Tourist Bus: Up to 44 people
• Luxury Bus: Up to 27 people
• Exclusive Luxury Bus: Up to 19 people

An intriguing addition is a private guide from Verner Tour, who will elucidate the history of Karlštejn and address your questions.

If you enjoy exploring interesting places, you might also be interested in Villa Müller in Prague, a gem of modernist architecture. Another captivating historical tour we can arrange for you is at the National Museum.