Half a Day, Half an Hour Uphill, and All Sales Are Final Here

Half a day from Prague to Karlštejn, by car, with a professional guide who stays with you throughout.

The drive out is used rather than endured: the guide sets up what the castle was for before you see it. Then a walk of about half an hour up to the gates, through the woods and the village, which is how the place was always approached and worth the legs.

Inside, a full hour of guided tour through the interiors. Charles IV founded the castle in the 14th century for one job: to keep the coronation jewels of the Holy Roman Empire, the holy relics and the royal treasure somewhere defensible. The Gothic building that came out of that requirement is the reason people still climb the hill.

One condition to settle before booking: all sales are final here. No refund is given for a cancellation, whatever the reason, so be sure of your date.