Overview

Karlstejn castle half day tour

If you want to see a genuine medieval castle built in the 14th century, join this romantic tour to Karlstejn Castle.

This gothic castle is one of the most visited and photographed castles in the country, attracting tourists with its architecture, rich history and scenic surroundings. Karlstejn castle is situated on a hill overlooking the Berounka river, about 30 km southwest of Prague.

Karlstejn Castle is  a large Gothic castle that was founded in 1348 by Charles IV, Holy Roman Emperor and King of Bohemia. He built the castle as his private residence and a place of safekeeping for his royal treasures, especially his collections of holy relics and the Imperial Crown Jewels .

Karlstejn castle has a unique structure with several towers and buildings arranged on different levels. The highest point is the Great Tower, which houses the Chapel of the Holy Cross, where the crown jewels and holy relics were stored. The chapel has a remarkable wall decoration with 129 paintings by Master Theodoric, the largest set of his works in the world. The lower levels include the Imperial Palace, the Marian Tower, the Well Tower, and the Burgrave’s House.

The castle underwent several changes over the centuries. In 1421, during the Hussite Wars, the Imperial Regalia were moved to Nuremberg and never returned to Karlstejn. In 1436, the Bohemian Crown Jewels were brought back to the castle and remained there until 1619. Karlstejn castle was also rebuilt in late Gothic style after 1480 and in Renaissance style in the late 16th century. The last major reconstruction took place at the end of the 19th century by architect Josef Mocker, who restored the castle to its original Gothic appearance.

Today, Karlstejn Castle is a national cultural monument and a token to fascinating history of Bohemia.

Tour program example

All our tours can be customized according to your specific vision.

This is a half day tour , duration 4 hours

Pick up at your accommodation

Transfer to Karlstejn (about 40 minutes from Prague)

Visit of Karstejn Castle complex

Transfer  back to Prague, to your selected location (about 40minutes)