Hefaiston Blacksmith Festival Helfštýn Tickets and Dates for 2026

The Hefaiston festival traditionally happens during the last full weekend of August. For 2026, you should mark your calendar for late August. The event usually runs from Friday morning until Sunday afternoon. Most people prefer visiting on Saturday to see the main competitions. However, Friday is often less crowded for viewing the finished gallery pieces. You can usually buy tickets directly at the castle gate. Some years offer online pre-sales to help you skip the long lines. Expect ticket prices to range between 150 and 300 CZK for adults. Discounts are usually available for children, students, and seniors.

Parking can be a challenge during the festival weekend. You should look for official event parking in the nearby town of Lipník nad Bečvou. Shuttle buses often run from the town to the castle entrance. It is wise to research where to park near Helfštýn Castle entrance before you arrive. Arriving before 9:00 AM will help you find a spot more easily. Wear comfortable shoes because you will walk up a steep hill to reach the ruins. The path is paved but quite long for some visitors.

10 Best Things to See at Hefaiston and Near Helfštýn

The festival offers a mix of artistic displays and historic atmosphere. You will find many places to visit near Olomouc during your stay. Here are the top experiences to include in your Hefaiston itinerary:

1. Name: Live Forging Competitions Type: activity Why go: Watch masters create art from red-hot iron in real-time. Best for: Families and craft lovers. Where: Castle courtyards. Time: 2-4 hours. Cost: Included in entry. Tip: Find a spot near the anvils early for the best view.
2. Name: Helfštýn Palace Ruins Type: sight Why go: Explore the award-winning modern architecture inside the ancient walls. Best for: History buffs. Where: Main castle core. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Included in entry. Tip: Walk the high glass footpaths for amazing views.
3. Name: The Blacksmith Market Type: experience Why go: Buy unique handmade jewelry, tools, and home decor. Best for: Souvenir hunters. Where: Third courtyard. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Varies by item. Tip: Bring cash as many small vendors do not take cards.
4. Name: Night Forging Show Type: experience Why go: See the sparks fly against the dark castle walls. Best for: Photographers. Where: Main forge area. Time: 2 hours. Cost: Included in entry. Tip: Check the schedule as this usually happens on Saturday night.
5. Name: Iron Sculpture Gallery Type: museum Why go: View hundreds of submitted works from international artists. Best for: Art enthusiasts. Where: Throughout the castle grounds. Time: 2 hours. Cost: Included in entry. Tip: Vote for your favorite piece in the visitor's choice award.
6. Name: Olomouc Holy Trinity Column Type: sight Why go: Visit a UNESCO World Heritage site in the nearby city. Best for: Sightseers. Where: Olomouc Main Square. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Free. Tip: Visit at sunset for the best photos of the baroque carvings.
7. Name: Bouzov Castle Type: day trip Why go: See one of the most romantic fairy-tale castles in Moravia. Best for: Couples. Where: 40 minutes from Olomouc. Time: 3-4 hours. Cost: Moderate. Tip: Book your tour in advance during the festival weekend.
8. Name: Svatý Kopeček Type: sight Why go: Visit a beautiful baroque basilica on a hill overlooking the region. Best for: Viewpoints. Where: Suburbs of Olomouc. Time: 2 hours. Cost: Free (Basilica). Tip: Take the local bus number 11 from the Olomouc train station.
9. Name: Lipník nad Bečvou Town Center Type: neighborhood Why go: Explore the charming historic houses and the "Metal Trail." Best for: Walking. Where: Below Helfštýn Castle. Time: 1-2 hours. Cost: Free. Tip: Look for the permanent iron sculptures hidden around the town.
10. Name: The Castle Mint Type: activity Why go: Strike your own commemorative festival coin. Best for: Children. Where: Second courtyard. Time: 15 minutes. Cost: Small fee for the blank coin. Tip: It makes a perfect cheap souvenir for the trip.

Planning Your Trip from Olomouc to Helfštýn

Olomouc is the best base for attending the Hefaiston festival. The city offers many hotels and restaurants for every budget. You can reach the castle by train or car in about 30 to 45 minutes. Trains run frequently from Olomouc to Lipník nad Bečvou. From the station, you can walk or take a local bus. If you drive, remember that traffic near the castle is heavy. Many visitors choose to stay two nights in the city. This allows one full day for the festival and one for city sights.

Dining at the festival is a fun experience. You will find many stalls selling traditional Czech sausages and beer. Try the local Moravian wines if you want something different. Be prepared for queues during the lunch hour. Most food vendors only accept Czech Koruna (CZK). If you have mobility issues, check the latest info on access. There is specific information regarding barrier-free access at Helfštýn Castle ruins. Some parts of the ruins are easier to reach than others.