10 Best Castles Near Prague for Your Next Trip

Choosing which fortress to visit can be difficult. Each site has its own unique charm and history. Most are located within an hour of the city center. Here are our top picks for the best castles near Prague.

• Best Overall: Karlštejn Castle
• Best for Families: Konopiště Castle
• Best for Nature: Křivoklát Castle
• Best Free Grounds: Průhonice Castle

1. Name: Karlštejn Castle Type: Iconic sight Why go: It was built by Charles IV to hold royal treasures. The Gothic towers are truly legendary. Best for: History buffs and photographers. Where: Karlštejn village. Time: 4-5 hours. Cost: 250-500 CZK for tours. Getting there: 40-minute train from Prague Main Station. Tip: Read our full Karlštejn Castle guide before you go.
2. Name: Konopiště Castle Type: Museum/Indoor Why go: This was the last home of Archduke Franz Ferdinand. It houses a massive collection of antlers and armor. Best for: Families and hunters. Where: Benešov. Time: 5 hours. Cost: 300-450 CZK. Getting there: Train to Benešov, then a short walk. Tip: Visit the Rose Garden during the summer months.
3. Name: Křivoklát Castle Type: Viewpoint/Nature Why go: One of the oldest royal castles in the country. It is surrounded by deep forests and hiking trails. Best for: Nature lovers. Where: Křivoklát village. Time: 6 hours. Cost: 200-400 CZK. Getting there: Train with one transfer in Beroun. Tip: Climb the Great Tower for views of the Berounka river.
4. Name: Český Šternberk Type: Experience Why go: This castle is still owned by the Sternberg family. It offers a personal look at aristocratic life. Best for: Intimate history. Where: Sázava River valley. Time: 4 hours. Cost: 250 CZK. Getting there: Train or car via the D1 highway. Tip: The castle is perched high on a cliff for great photos.
5. Name: Mělník Castle Type: Viewpoint/Market Why go: It sits at the confluence of the Elbe and Vltava rivers. The town is famous for its local wine production. Best for: Couples and wine enthusiasts. Where: Mělník. Time: 5 hours. Cost: 150-300 CZK. Getting there: Direct bus from Ládví station. Tip: Book a wine tasting in the medieval cellars.
6. Name: Kokořín Castle Type: Nature/Unique Why go: This "knight's castle" is hidden in a sandstone valley. It looks like something from a storybook. Best for: Adventure seekers. Where: Kokořínsko Protected Area. Time: 6 hours. Cost: 150 CZK. Getting there: Best reached by car. Tip: Combine this with a hike through the sandstone rock formations.
7. Name: Průhonice Castle Type: Viewpoint/Nature Why go: The castle is a UNESCO site with massive botanical gardens. The park is one of the largest in Europe. Best for: Relaxing walks. Where: Průhonice (Prague outskirts). Time: 3-4 hours. Cost: 100 CZK for park entry. Getting there: Bus from Opatov metro station. Tip: Visit in May when the rhododendrons are in bloom.
8. Name: Točník Castle Type: Experience/Ruins Why go: It is a unique double castle ruin. You can see bears living in the castle moat. Best for: Medieval fans. Where: Near Žebrák. Time: 4 hours. Cost: 150 CZK. Getting there: Car or bus from Prague. Tip: Wear sturdy shoes as the terrain is quite rocky.
9. Name: Nelahozeves Castle Type: Museum/Art Why go: A stunning Renaissance palace with a famous art collection. It features works by Canaletto and Velázquez. Best for: Art lovers. Where: Nelahozeves village. Time: 4 hours. Cost: 200-350 CZK. Getting there: 45-minute train from Masarykovo station. Tip: Visit the birthplace of composer Antonín Dvořák nearby.
10. Name: Hluboká Castle Type: Iconic sight Why go: Often called the most beautiful castle in the country. It was inspired by Windsor Castle in England. Best for: Fairytale vibes. Where: Hluboká nad Vltavou. Time: Full day. Cost: 300-500 CZK. Getting there: Bus or train (about 2.5 hours). Tip: This is a long trip, so start your day very early.

Planning Your Day Trips to Castles Near Prague

Getting to these sites is usually very easy. The Czech rail network is efficient and affordable. You can find many day trips from Prague by train that require no car. Always check the schedule on the IDOS website or app.

For sites closer to the city, consider half-day trips from Prague. These allow you to see a castle and return for dinner. Most castles require a guided tour to see the interiors. These tours often start at specific times throughout the day.

If you prefer driving, renting a car offers more flexibility. This is helpful for visiting remote spots like Kokořín. Parking is usually available near the castle entrances for a small fee. You can also visit the official Prague Castle site for transport tips within the city.

What to Know Before Visiting Czech Castles in 2026

Many castles have limited hours during the colder months. Some close entirely from November until March. However, there are still great winter day trips from Prague available. Karlštejn and Křivoklát often stay open on weekends in winter.

English language tours are common but not always frequent. You might have to wait for the next English slot. Alternatively, you can join a Czech tour with a printed guide. This is often cheaper and faster than waiting.

Photography is usually allowed in the courtyards for free. However, many castles forbid photos inside the historic rooms. Always look for signs or ask your guide first. Respecting these rules helps preserve the delicate interiors for the future.