“Medieval castle, local village”
5-6 hours
One way drive: 45 min.
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The impressive high gothic style castle was founded in 1348 as the royal treasury for the imperial crown jewels. You can see the medieval residential rooms of the emperor Charles IV. Walk around the castle yards and walls. We also recommend the visit of the precious “golden” Chapel of the Holy Cross – it is necessary to book the tickets ahead (open only 1.6. – 31.10.).
Walking down from the castle we can enjoy the local village full of galleries and shops. Would you prefer a short walk in the nature? Would you like to stop at the near by picturesque stone quarry called “America”?
Tour by train
This tour can be easily done by train! You can see the real life of the local people, enjoy an adventure and save your money! The train goes through the beautiful countryside along the river Berounka (about 50 min.).
Sightseeing options
- 1. Castle interior tour (60min)
- 2. Golden Chapel (80 min, Book ahead!)
- Czech history wax work museum (30min)
- Shopping in the village (60 min)
- Walk in the nature (60 min)
- America stone quarry (30 min)
Related websites
Karlštejn castle
Nature Reserve Český Kras – Czech Karst
2in1 TOUR COMBINATIONS with KARLŠTEJN
Create various tour combinations with the Karlštejn castle: glassworks, caves, local market … Make your traveling unique and get the most of the day! Choose the tour combination listed below and let us know about your interests.
These tour combinations are very interesting, they usually take 7-8 hours and cost a bit more. Click and see the prices of the 2in1 Tour combinations for 7-8 hours »
GALSSWORKS and Karlštejn
Visit the famous Bohemian glass factory Rückl, located in Nižbor town, and see the amazing process of glass making (40 min excursion, entry fee 120 CZK includes also a small glass gift!). This big factory in Nižbor is closed on Sa & Su. If you prefer, we can visit the smaller art glassworks – GLASSTAR Nenačovice, focused on coloring glass and glass art. They even made a glass memorial of Indira Ghandi for the residence of the Indian Prime Minister. (The workshop is 10 min away by driving, 30 minutes excursion, entry free.) In this small family workshop you can even make your own piece of glass. There is also a very priceworthy factory shop. Open 7 days a week.
Museum – Celtic Europe
Bohemia Glassworks – Nižbor
Small Glassworks – Nenačovice
CAVES Golden Horse and Karlštejn
Not far away from the Karlštejn castle, you can find the 400 million years old limestone caves called Koněprusy, “the Golden Horse caves”. 200ft underground winds the 1800ft long cave system, accessible for the public. The entire tour takes 1 hour and shows the unique opal-bearing decorations and a 15th century secret workshop of money forgers. (Caves opened from 1.4. to 31.10., entrance fee 130 CZK)
Nature Reserve Český Kras – Czech Karst
The caves Golden Horse
The caves – pictures
KŘIVOKLÁT CASTLE and Karlštejn
Combine Karlštejn and Křivoklát and see two majestic medieval castles! The gothic castle Křivoklát is located in deep forests 20 minutes away from Karlštejn. It is one of the oldest and most important royal castles of Bohemia. It once used to also be an infamous prison. The interior tour takes 60 minutes (entrance fee 160 CZK) and includes the magnificent castle chapel, the Royal Hall and the Hall of Knights, the library, the picture gallery, the prison and torture chamber with torture instruments.
GOLF Resort and Karlštejn
If you like, you can enjoy a “golf tour”, you can see the castle and later enjoy a golf course with a beautiful scenery of the majestic castle Karlštejn, forming a romantic backdrop. (minimum time 4,5 hrs, Rent costs affordable)
LOCAL MARKET, Beroun town and Karlštejn
The old town of Beroun is attractive for its historical sights and the local “untouristy atmosphere”. (Šárka`s current home town.) The dominant features are: the neo-renaissance Town Hall, medieval gates, overrests of the city walls, moat and bulwarks from the 14th century. The town is famous for its ceramics fairs (around 8 May and 18 October). (15 min drive from Karlštejn).
The regular Local Market takes place on every We & Sa, from 7 am to noon. You can get there anything from local vegetables and handmade products to the “flee market stuff” and cheap clothes from Vietnamese shops.
Every first and third Saturday of the month – Farmers market with the local products (cheese, wine, honey, sausages, bread …)
HIDDEN VILLAGE – Svatý Jan and Karlštejn
Get off the beaten track and enjoy a tranquil hidden village with a religious pilgrim place. Svatý Jan pod Skalou (Saint John under the Cliff) is a pictoresque village surrounded by the natural scenery and historical landmarks of the Český Kras (Czech Karst) nature reserve. In the 9th century, the first Czech Christian hermit, Ivan, settled down in a local cave under a cliff. Later it became a famous pilgrimage site with the church of St. John the Baptist and a Benedictine monastery. Visit the small village, church, the legendary cave and try the healing powers of the local St. Ivan’s Spring. The monastery used to be a training place for the KGB during the communistic times.
Saint John under the Cliff – radio info
Saint John under the Cliff on Wiki
KONOPIŠTE CHATEAU and Karlštejn
Konopiště used to be a magnificent seat of the Habsburg heir. It dates back from 14th century, later reconstructed and refurbished in the romantic style for Archduke Franz Ferdinand d`Este in the 1890s. The chambers of this magnificent seat of the Austro-Hungarian heir boast a large collection of hunting trophies, historical hunting weapons, paintings and porcelain.
Konopiště chateau – overview
Konopiště chateau
