Castles Near Prague: Day-Trip Ideas

The Central Bohemian Region and Prague form the densest castle area in Czechia — over 400 monuments. Many are an easy day trip from Prague. Here are the best.

Karlštejn — Bohemia's most famous castle

Karlštejn Castle is just 30 km from Prague and one of the country's most visited monuments. Emperor Charles IV kept the royal jewels and relics here.

Konopiště — seat of Franz Ferdinand

Konopiště Castle near Benešov was made famous by heir to the throne Franz Ferdinand d'Este. A vast park with a rose garden surrounds it.

Křivoklát — a royal hunting castle

Křivoklát Castle is one of the oldest and most important castles in the country. It served as a royal hunting lodge and a feared prison.

Prague Castle — the world's largest castle complex

Prague Castle is, per the Guinness Book of Records, the largest coherent castle complex in the world, seat of Czech kings and presidents.

Romantic day-trip tips

• Český Šternberk Castle — a Gothic castle above the Sázava, still held by the founding family.
• Kokořín Castle — a romantic castle in a picturesque valley.
• Okoř Castle — a striking ruin close to Prague.
• Nelahozeves Castle — a Renaissance château and birthplace of composer Antonín Dvořák.

Practical tips

• Go by train. Several sites (Karlštejn, Křivoklát) are easy to reach from Prague by rail.
• Combine stops. The nearby monuments make a pleasant circuit.

Find more in the catalogue and under castles by region.