20 Reasons the Czech Republic Is Europe’s Underrated Castle Capital

There is no better place in the world to live out your fairytale experience than the Czech Republic. Travel along the enchanting country roads, through meadows, woodland and forests to discover the most charming castles in Europe. Most of these Czech castles look like they are straight out of Disneyland and are built to take your breath away. Here are the best fairytale castles in the Czech Republic to visit.

Castles in the Czech Republic

1- Hluboká Castle

Hluboká Castle is an ideal destination in South Bohemia for history buffs and romance lovers.

Constructed in the 13th century, Hluboká Castle has a vast and impressive past.

It originated as a Gothic structure and was owned by the Schwarzenberg family, who expanded it in the Renaissance style after a century.

During the 18th century, the building took on the Baroque appearance and was modeled directly after Windsor Castle in England in the 19th century.

It is now open to the public and features 140 luxurious rooms, 11 great towers and large gardens.

Often praised as Czech Republic’s most famous and frequently visited castle, this is definitely not one to miss.

2- Karlštejn Castle

Emerges like something from a fairytale in the southwest region of Prague, Karlštejn is another beautiful castle in the country.

The Czech ruler and Roman Emperor Charles IV founded it to store treasures, holy relics, and absolute gems.

Despite its extensive history, Karlštejn is not added to the UNESCO World Heritage Sites as it was reconstructed in 1910 and got its appearance changed.

Interestingly, this castle sits on the famous route Burgenstrasse, connecting almost 90 castles of Czechia and Germany.

Today, the estate owns the castle, and it is operated as a museum open to the public.

3- Český Krumlov Castle

Český Krumlov Castle is a UNESCO World Heritage Site which sits on top of the gorgeous town of Český Krumlov.

This Gothic castle complex is one of the biggest in Central Europe and the second biggest in the country.

The complex comprises forty buildings and palaces, located around five castle courts and a castle park spanning almost 7 hectares.

The main castle tower boasts an impressive and multi-colored façade.

And its Baroque garden dates back to the 17th century, featuring a fountain, hedges, and flowers.

In 1989, this UNESCO-protected gem was named a National Monument for its historical significance.

Today, its chambers and courtyards are open to the public.

4- Pernštejn Castle

Also called The Marble Castle, Pernštejn is among the most impressive Moravian castles, which have stood in the forests of the Bohemian-Moravian Highlands for nearly eight centuries now.

The castle sits on the rock over the village of Nedvědice and the rivers Svratka and Nedvědička.

It was constructed in the 13th century in the Gothic and Renaissance style architecture by the Lords of Medlov.

Today, people visit this well-preserved masterpiece to walk on spiraling staircases, gaze up at vaulted ceilings, and see the Baroque chapel.

5- Prague Castle

Established in 880 by Prince Bořivoj of the Premyslid Dynasty, Prague Castle is the biggest castle complex worldwide as per the Guinness Book of World Records and is a part of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Spread over nearly 70,000 sq. m., there are a number of buildings one can visit that make up the castle.

Different architectural styles can be witnessed within the fortress, i.e., Baroque, Gothic, Renaissance, and Romanesque.

Museums, churches, halls, and towers represent each other.

The structure was once a seat of power for kings of Bohemia and presidents of Czechoslovakia and is presently among the most visited tourist attractions in the region.

6- Bouzov Castle

Bouzov Castle is a 14th-century fortress nestled over the hill between Hvozdek and Bouzov.

With its tall turrets and pretty colors, the castle looks like it has come right out of a fairytale.

The castle was originally built as the Gothic stronghold but was later rebuilt in the romantic style and changed into the summer seat of the Teutonic Knights in the 19th and 20th centuries.

Of all the parts of the castle, the most important and worth visiting is the neo-Gothic chapel.

At present, it serves as a national cultural monument and remains open to the public.

7- Kost Castle

It is an amazing Medieval castle located near Prague, making it an ideal place for a day trip.

This impressive castle has been altered and renovated a number of times after getting constructed in the 14th century.

Also called Bone Castle, it is the best-preserved structure that lies in the charming scene of woodlands and sandstone rocks.

The castle boasts Gothic architecture and is currently open to the public.

8- Trosky Castle

What today remains of Trosky Castle are some ruins, yet its history and appearance are unique and impressive.

The two towers of the castle are located in the Gothic style in the scenic landscape.

While many of the castles mentioned on this list are known for their classic interior and exterior, Trosky Castle is worth visiting for other reasons, such as its long, impressive history, underground cellars, and dungeons.

9- Lednice Castle

This A UNESCO World Heritage Site is among the most beautiful complexes in the English neo-Gothic style in the region.

Located in the Lednice village, Lednice Castle has served as home to many aristocratic families across many centuries, which include the House of Sirotci and the Lichtensteins.

What’s more, the castle is enclosed in a huge garden with many other things to see and do.

People can visit the greenhouse located right next to the castle or the minaret that stands almost 40 minutes’ walk away.

Visitors can also hop on the boat or use many of the horse carriages.

10- Orlik Castle

Dating back to the 13th century, the grand Orlik Castle is an ideal place to step into history while admiring the fantastic interiors.

The castle is located near the village of Orlík nad Vltavou and has been home to several Bohemian kings over centuries, including Field Marshall Charles Philip.

Orlik Castle changed hands a number of times and was changed from a wooden fort to a Gothic stone castle and then to neo-Gothic style in the 19th century.

The castle houses artwork which shows historical events and personalities, the biggest private collection of hunting rifles in the country, weaponry from the 16th-20th century, and the presents given to Charles Philip from Napoleon.

Now, tourists are attracted by the castle’s impressive history and fairytale aura, as well as its amazing surroundings.

11- Křivoklát Castle

Situated in Central Bohemia, Křivoklát Castle is among the oldest and most beautiful structures in the entire country.

Initially structured in the 12th century during the rule of Přemysl Otakar II, many royals afterward have made changes to the structure and appearance.

Many Czech rulers have lived here, which boasts various notable architectural features.

Currently, the building operates as a museum and a prime tourist spot, housing old hunting weapons, Gothic paintings, and the library with 52,000 volumes.

The beautiful view from the top of the Great Tower is also quite famous among the visitors.

12- Litomyšl Castle

Litomyšl Castle is among the biggest Renaissance structures in the Czech Republic.

This UNESCO World Heritage Site was established during the 17th century by Vratislav of Pernštejn as a present for his lovely wife, Maria Manrique de Lara.

Its Renaissance appearance went through some changes made by the succeeding owners Trauttmansdorff and Waldstein-Wartenberg.

Even today, the structure impresses connoisseurs of architecture with its appearance, arcades, façade graffiti, and an enchanting park, which are perfectly preserved to this day.

13- Valtice Castle

Next on the list is the wonderfully-built example of Czech architecture – Valtice Castle.

The structure was originally constructed in the 12th century as a fortified residence but later got reconstructed into a Roman-style castle.

This is where the knight tournaments and games were held.

The castle was acquired during the 14th century by the Liechtenstein family, who had it until 1945.

Since the castle survived many owner changes and battles, it was then registered as the UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Today, people can witness the Baroque style of the feature rooms of the previous owners, the beautifully-painted ceilings and walls, and the 18th-century outdoor theatre.

14- Loket Castle

Another best castle in the Czech Republic is the medieval Loket Castle.

It is located about 15 km from Karlovy Vary and 80 km from Plzeň.

Loket Castle was constructed in the second half of the 12th century over the rock hill near the Ohře river.

The castle is open to visitors, and its interiors offer various interesting expositions.

Interesting areas of this castle to visit are the museum of medieval torture, the museum of weapons, and porcelain exhibition.

15- Castle Frýdlant

Castle Frýdlant is among the biggest and most major heritage sites in Northern Bohemia.

The castle was originally constructed in the 13th century owned by the Biberstein house.

During the 16th and 17th centuries, the Redern house built the structure and the new Renaissance chateau and chapel.

The castle is adorned with original features, which include wonderful furniture and artwork.

Today, the property serves as a museum and is partially open to the public.

18- Kokorin Castle

Constructed in the 14th century by order of Hynek Berka of Dube, the structure was greatly damaged during the Hussite Wars.

Later, it was reconstructed in the late Gothic style and had no owner until 1894.

Kokorin Castle has been designated a national cultural site since 2001.

Situated in a landscape full of unremembered villages, lakes, and sandstone, one can find a lovely surprise here.

Now, it is privately owned and is one of the major tourist destinations in the country.

19- Zvíkov Castle

Zvíkov is a picturesque castle located where the Otava and Vltava Rivers converge.

There has been a fort in this particular place. After the 13th century, a permanent castle was constructed here – Zvíkov Castle.

The castle comprises a brilliant residential tower along with an amazing open-air courtyard.

Almost all walls are decorated with murals, with some of the most prominent remains in the historic chapel of St. Wenceslaus.

20- Castle Hruba Skala

Castle Hruba Skala – A worth-visiting place for every fan of the fairytale castle.

It is a 14th-century architectural wonder which features towering turrets and beautiful views of the luscious green landscape.

Castle Hruba Skala changed hands a number of times, and today, it is owned by the state and operates as a hotel.

The compact structures form a small courtyard where a church is also located.

There is a viewing platform outside the castle walls, which is also used as an open veranda of the hotel and offers pretty views of the surroundings.

21- Castle Benatky nad Jizerou

It is a cultural landmark in the country that was constructed in the 11th century.

This wonderful set of buildings was rebuilt again when the ruler of this castle, Jan von Dražice, died.

The structure of Castle Benatky nad Jizerou ranges from a different era, including the Renaissance and Baroque eras.

Today, the castle remains partially open to the public and hosts exhibitions also for visitors to learn about the history of the area.

22- Castle Červená Lhota

A unique and other-worldly water castle with beautiful surroundings, Castle Červená Lhota is a must-visit place for any fan of Czech architecture and heritage.

The red hue of the walls and the location over the rocky island make it unique and absolutely unforgettable.

Located in Pluhův Žďár, the castle was built in the 15th century in the Gothic style but was changed into the Renaissance style during the ownership of Káb of Rybňan family.

Castle Červená Lhota has changed hands multiple times, and in 1949, it was opened to the public.