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Český Šternberk Castle
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Český Šternberk Castle perched high on a rocky ridge above the Sázava River, stands as one of the oldest and most remarkably preserved castles in Bohemia. Founded in 1241 by Zdeslav of Divišov, who adopted the name 'Sternberg' from the golden star in his coat of arms, the castle remains in the ownership of the same family today. This nearly 800-year continuity of possession is exceptionally rare in European history. Originally a formidable Gothic stronghold, it was reinforced in the 15th century following a major siege and later transformed into a luxurious residence with Baroque interiors. The rooms feature exquisite stucco work by Carlo Brentano and house one of the largest collections of 17th-century copper engravings in the world. Visitors can explore fifteen generations of family history through the grand knight's hall, period salons, and vast art collections, all while enjoying panoramic views of the Sázava valley.
- Location: Czech Republic
- Nearby: Vlašim (10 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | -2 | -1 | 3 | 9 | 14 | 18 | 20 | 20 | 15 | 9 | 4 | -1 |
| Rain mm | 45 | 35 | 41 | 36 | 70 | 80 | 82 | 82 | 55 | 47 | 43 | 43 |
📋 Practical info
Visiting
Český Šternberk Castle is open to the public. Visitors can see the medieval castle with original furnishings and the armoury.
Typical hours
The castle has seasonal opening hours. It is usually open from April to October, closed in winter.
Photography
Indoor photography is allowed without flash. The castle’s exterior view over the Sázava River is worth any photo.
Time needed
A guided tour takes about 45 minutes. For a walk around the castle and down to the river, add another 30 minutes.
Combine with
Combine the visit with a hike along the Sázava River. The town of Český Šternberk with its small museum is also worth seeing.
Getting there
The castle overlooks the Sázava in the village of Český Šternberk. Parking is on the village edge, the train station is a 15-minute walk.
Insider tip
Ask about the 700-year history of the Sternberg family. The armoury contains an impressive collection of historical weapons.
Geography
Facts
- Founded by Zdeslav of Divišov in 1241
- Owned by the Sternberg family for nearly 800 years
- Features Baroque stuccoes by artist Carlo Brentano
- Houses a collection of over 500 copper engravings from the 17th century
- The castle was captured in 1467 after a long siege
- Restituted to the Sternberg family in 1992 following the Velvet Revolution
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
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© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Český Šternberk Castle (1)
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
Is the castle open all year?
In high season (April-October) daily except Mondays; limited access in winter.
Is photography allowed inside?
Photography is usually not allowed in the interiors.
Who lives in the castle today?
The Sternberg family still owns and lives in the castle.
How long does a tour take?
A standard tour of the castle takes about 45 to 60 minutes.
Is the castle accessible?
Due to the historical construction, wheelchair access is difficult.
Český Šternberk Castle: where is it located?
Český Šternberk Castle is located in Czech Republic.
Český Šternberk Castle: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Český Šternberk Castle: why is it worth visiting?
Český Šternberk Castle perched high on a rocky ridge above the Sázava River, stands as one of the oldest and most remarkably preserved castles in Bohemia.
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