Křivoklát Castle

Křivoklát stands on a rocky spur above the Rakovnický stream in the middle of the Křivoklátsko forests, about 39 km north of Orlov as the crow flies. It is one of the oldest and most important castles of the Czech kings, and a good destination for a full day out by car for families and anyone interested in history.

What you will see

There are three guided tours of different lengths. The shortest takes you through the Gothic palaces, the chapel and the prison with its dungeon. The longer tours add the Royal Hall, the castle library of about 52,000 volumes and the picture gallery, and the longest also includes the walls and the Great Tower. The Royal Hall is 28 metres long and, after Vladislav Hall at Prague Castle, is one of the largest Gothic halls without central supports in Central Europe. The late Gothic chapel has a net vault and a Gothic altarpiece.

A bit of history

Křivoklát is first mentioned in the early 12th century, and the Přemyslid kings built the stone castle in the 13th century. The young Charles IV spent several years of his childhood here, and Wenceslas IV rebuilt the castle and liked to come here to hunt. Vladislav Jagiellon gave it its late Gothic appearance. Later the castle became a feared prison, and the English alchemist Edward Kelley was held here. The last private owners, the Fürstenbergs, sold it to the state in 1929.

Good to know

The car park is about 400 metres from the castle. Dogs on a lead are allowed in the courtyard but not on the tours. The castle lies in a protected landscape area with extensive forests, so you can combine your visit with a walk. Current opening hours and admission prices are on the castle website.