Karlstejn Castle
A grand Gothic castle on a wooded hill near Prague - built by an emperor to guard the crown jewels, its terraced towers a classic Bohemian sight.
Saved in this browser only - no account, nothing sent anywhere. See your map
Karlstejn is a grand Gothic castle rising in terraced towers on a wooded limestone hill near Prague, built in the 14th century by the Holy Roman Emperor Charles IV to safeguard the imperial crown jewels and holy relics. Its stepped silhouette against the forest is one of the classic images of Bohemia, and its jewel is the richly decorated Chapel of the Holy Cross.
What you actually see
- The terraced castle - the stepped Gothic towers rising up the wooded hill.
- The Chapel of the Holy Cross - the richly decorated chapel that held the crown jewels.
- The state rooms - the imperial halls and chambers on the guided tours.
- The hilltop setting - the castle above the forest and village.
When to go
The warm months for the full tours and the wooded setting; it is an easy day trip from Prague by train. The special chapel tour books ahead and runs seasonally.
Honest expectations
The interior is seen only on guided tours, and the famous chapel is a separate, limited tour that books up. The walk up from the station passes a strip of souvenir stalls. It is busy, being a popular Prague day trip.
Nearby
Prague is forty minutes away; the Bohemian Karst and its caves are nearby.
What to pack for Karlstejn Castle
Chosen from what this place is for. Tap a kit for the full checklist.
Opening times, ticket prices and seasonal closures change - check the official source before you go: official site.
