Day trip - Karlstejn, Prague

Karlstejn Castle is probably the most photographed castle in all of the Czech Republic. For certain it is the most visited. This is obviously because of its dramatic setting on a rocky outcrop overlooking the Berounka River. The castle was originally built in 1348 by Charles IV to serve as sort of a summer home and to hide away his crown jewels. Like many castle from the medieval era, it fell into disrepair as the development of modern weaponry made these types of fortification obsolete. Only in the 19th century did anyone care to restore the place. This restoration was mostly done by Josef Mocker. If Karlstejn Castle has a flaw, it is possibly it is because of it's over restoration. The castle has a Disney-like aspect to it. Certainly the crowds do not help to eliminate.
There are two tours that can be taken of the castle. The most common, and the one that I took was Tour I (200kc) which takes you through the Knight's Hall, where there was a costumed singer and magician, Charles IV bedchamber, the Audience Hall and the Jewel House. Unfortunately you have to book Tour II (300kc) ahead of arrival. It takes you through the picturesque main tower and the very important Chapel of the Holy Cross.
The Karlstejn Castle is open from Tuesday to Sunday from 9am to 5pm.

We took one of the organised tours that included dinner, bus to the bottom of the castle and guided tour. When we got to the bottom of the castle, it was a long walk up and we were warned that the English speaking guides would be going on lunch break until 2pm so everyone had to pay extra to get transported up to the castle. That annoyed us. But...the castle is gorgeous...the outside moreso than the inside, as they're still refurbishing it inside. Definitely worth a day trip.

The home for many years of the Royal Jewels. Can be seen in an afternoon trip from your hotel or any tour centre. Well worth a look, especially in winter when it looks amazing.

In winter wear good shoes as the path can be very slippery with ice.

Take the train out to Karlstejn - we were lucky enough to see a black stork in the river on our journey. From the station you'll walk up the hill that draws you slowly in towards the castle. Stop off for a hot chocolate or grog. Carry on up to the waxworks and the kaleidoscope. Bask in the sun and its reflection off the white walls of the castle. On the way down stop off to cool your feet under one of the red and brown trees...

The Castle 'Karlštejn' is situated about 40 km. far from Prague and is certainly the most important medieval castle built under Karel IV. It was built to serve as a treasury for coronation jewels and stete documents.

Bohemian King and Roman Emperor Charles IV commissioned this Gothic castle in 1348 as a place for safekeeping of the royal Bohemian treasures and the coronation jewels of the Roman Empire. The construction of the castle was finished in 1365. It has been reconstructed since then, the last reconstruction being carried out the end of the 19th century. Interesting things on display in the castle are the original decoration of wall paintings dating back to the 14th century, the largest portrait gallery of Czech rulers in the country, and replica of St. Wenceslas crown, the coronation crown of the Czech Kings etc.

I wll tell you about Carlshtein castle. It is near Peague. Not, about what is near castle - some rooms of wax figures from history of Check Respublic. Is the name of country, which capital Prague is correct ? In lithuania we call it cekija. ok, so some pictures with Shveik and others !

This is the castle where the Czech crown jewels were held before they were moved to Hradcany. It is a very imposing castle rising up above a valley about 30 km out of Prague. It has an outstanding chapel, which was unfortunately closed to visitors because of the delicacy of the fresco works inside. We could only see a model of the chapel and even that looked great. I tried to imagine how it looks in reality then.