Journey along the castles of Czech Bohemia

Konopiště Castle

I am in awe as I step into Konopiště Castle. The long corridor we walk through is adorned with hundreds of small antlers. The guide tells us the life story of the castle's inhabitants, of whom Franz Ferdinand was a notable figure. The numerous antlers were evidently a lifelong passion of his. In his study, there are 1063 of them. I also learn about the lives of his children and how, ironically, he himself was ultimately shot down as if he were wild game.

^{Foto: Jiri Jirousek}

Despite my disapproval of hunting, it is fascinating to see the vast collection of antlers and other game in this castle. And the vivid stories told by the guide truly transport you into a piece of noble history.

Chateau Orlik

The grand white Chateau Orlik stands majestically on a cliff above the Vltava River. We take a walk in the nearby nature, from where you have a clear view of this beautiful castle. It dates back to the 13th century, but was largely destroyed by a fire in the 16th century. In the 18th century, Prince Karel Schwarzenberg chose to completely rebuild the castle and make it his seat. You can still see his style shine through when taking a guided tour of the castle.

Taking a boat trip from Orlik to Zvikov Castle, which is located on a promontory nearby, is another lovely activity. You can also opt for the nature trail that leads you on an 18-kilometer walk to Zvikov Castle.

^{Foto links: Pavel Balek}

Zvikov Castle

I visit the ancient Zvikov Castle from Srubový Kemp Zvíkov Village campsite. This castle is one of the oldest structures in the Czech Republic. King Přemysl Otakar began construction of the castle in 1197. From the campsite, I walk for fifteen minutes to this ancient castle, strategically built on a promontory. I enter through a large gate and explore the old grounds within the castle walls. The sun sets, casting a beautiful glow over the structure.

Chateau Blatna

Upon arrival at Chateau Blatna, my eyes are immediately drawn to the castle's stunning tower. The tower is white with a red roof. The section beneath the roof features a beautiful timber-frame construction. Along with Švihov and Červena Lhota, Chateau Blatna is one of the best-preserved water castles in the Czech Republic. Since 1299, it has been recognized as a true castle.

I walk across the sturdy bridge into the castle. When visiting Chateau Blatna, it's worth it to take a stroll through the castle's lush park. I walk along quiet streams and hills, surrounded by the fresh greenery of spring. There are about 60 deer that roam the park freely. I see quite a few of them grazing. Peacocks and alpacas can also be seen in the castle park. With children, you can visit a Lego exhibition in the summer, where they can also enjoy building. Or you can have a picnic in the castle park with the family.

You can also opt for a guided tour of the castle. During this, you may learn of the legend of a Templar treasure, discovered by a clever writer. The writer solved the mystery of a painting that hung in the fort in the 17th century. The treasure behind the painting and the writer disappeared together thereafter.

Hluboká nad Vltavou 

In the city of České Budějovice, I rent a bike, and before I know it, I'm on my way to Hluboká nad Vltavou Chateau. After half an hour of cycling, I see it in the distance on a hill. Glittering in the sun like a beautiful white castle plucked straight from a fairytale. I park the bike at the bottom of the hill before embarking on the ten minute walk up to the castle.

The Hluboká nad Vltavou chateau, inspired by England's Windsor Castle, is one of the most famous and frequently visited castles in the Czech Republic. Given its fairytale-like appearance, this isn't surprising. Its current style was created by the Schwarzenberg family in the 19th century. Inside the castle, you can see how the Schwarzenbergs lived.

Český Krumlov Castle Complex

I stand on a bridge above the rushing Vltava River, look around, and am overwhelmed at the sight of the large castle to my left. It's the castle complex of Český Krumlov. A short walk through the picturesque town brings me to the castle gate. I take a one-hour guided tour through the castle. The guide, clearly passionate about his work, tells us about the noble families who lived in the castle at length - the Habsburgs, the Rosenbergs, and the Schwarzenbergs.

The style on the first floor is Renaissance, while the second floor is predominantly in Rococo and Baroque styles. You can also see original paintings from the 16th century. You can marvel at a gigantic golden carriage, the value of which the guide cannot express in monetary terms. The castle's shining star is saved for last: the Baroque castle theater. A ballroom of the very highest class.

Červená Lhota Water Castle

I conclude my castle tour with a truly fairytale castle, namely the Červená Lhota Water Castle. This castle can rightfully be called a fairytale castle, on account of the several Czech fairytales that have been filmed here, such as Goldilocks and the Princess and the Pea. When I arrive at the castle, I immediately fall for its beauty. The castle's red color stands out, and it is situated beautifully in a pond. The old tree in front of the bridge and the gorgeous flowers in the castle garden complete the picture. Legend has it that this castle is red because the blood it was once stained by proved impossible to remove. As a result, the entire castle was painted red.
In the summer, you can take a boat ride on the pond.

Picnicking in a Castle Garden

Because castles often have beautiful gardens, they're lovely places to settle down for a picnic. This can be done, for example, in the summer at Chateau Blatna. Earlier in the season, I picked up a picnic basket at Chateau Jemniště. The basket includes a blanket that you can spread out somewhere in the garden. In the tranquility of the garden, you can enjoy a delightful lunch.

Sleeping in a Castle

If you've still not had enough of all the grandeur after a full day of visiting castles, book a night in a castle and imagine yourself as a castle lord or lady. Chateau Jemniště has three guest suites in aristocratic style.

I had the pleasure of spending a night at Chateau Berchtold. The family managing this castle purchased it in a dilapidated state and then fully renovated it over six years. The castle originally dates back to 1388. In the castle hotel, you can also visit a small museum that was already present in the castle at the start of the renovation. There are various 19th and 20th-century objects on display.

Castle Circuit

The castles I visited are quite close to each other. Chateau Berchtold is the most northern, while the castle complex of Český Krumlov is the most southern. These two castles are less than a two hours' drive from one another. The other castles are located in between. Perfect for a short castle trip, but also easily combinable with a longer vacation in Central or South Bohemia.

Excited about a trip to the Czech Republic? Request a free information package via [email protected].

This blog was created based on a press trip in collaboration with the Czech Tourist Board. For more information, visit the tourist board's websites: www.visitczechia.com/nl-NL, www.visitcentralbohemia.com, and www.jiznicechy.cz/en.