Plizio Visual Lab
Krivoklat Castle
Plizio editorial teamData Sources
Landmark
Křivoklát Castle is one of the crown jewels of Czech heritage. Founded in the 12th century, it served Bohemian kings for centuries as a favorite hunting lodge and residence. The castle is striking for its Late Gothic architecture, particularly the castle chapel with its delicate altar and the massive Knights' Hall, the second largest of its kind in the Czech Republic after Prague Castle. In the castle's dark dungeons, there was once a notorious prison that held prominent figures like the alchemist Edward Kelley. Today, the castle houses a valuable library containing over 52,000 volumes and a painting gallery. Its location amidst deep forests makes Křivoklát a handy starting point for hiking and cycling trips along the Berounka River. Year-round, the castle hosts markets, craft demonstrations, and concerts that keep the rich royal traditions alive for modern visitors.
- Location: Czech Republic
- Top sights: Na hřebínku · U Trojice · Nakřivo
- Nearby: Rakovník (12 km)
- Population: ~676 (2018)
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 | 8 | 13 | 17 | 20 | 19 | 14 | 9 | 3 | -1 |
| Rain mm | 43 | 33 | 40 | 37 | 69 | 76 | 78 | 79 | 54 | 47 | 44 | 44 |
📋 Practical info
Visiting
The castle gives guided tours of its interiors, including the royal chambers and chapel. The outdoor courtyards are freely accessible.
Typical hours
Typical opening times: April-October daily except Monday, November-March weekends only. Verify exact days on the official site.
Photography
Photography inside the castle is generally allowed without flash. In some chapel areas, restrictions may apply.
Time needed
A full tour takes about 90 minutes. Add 30 minutes for walking in the surrounding forest reserve.
Combine with
Combine with a visit to the Křivoklátsko Protected Landscape Area for hiking. Nearby castles like Točník and Žebrák are also worth seeing.
Getting there
The castle is accessible by car from Prague via R6 road (about 50 km). Train from Prague to Rakovník then a local bus. Parking available near the castle.
Insider tip
Arrive early to enjoy the peaceful forest surroundings. The castle's brewery gives local refreshments - try the traditional beer.
Geography
Facts
- Founded in the 12th century.
- Favorite hunting seat of Bohemian kings.
- 2nd largest Knights' Hall in Czechia.
- Library with 52,000 volumes.
- Former prison for famous alchemists.
- Magnificent Late Gothic chapel.
- Part of a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.
- Located only 50 km from Prague.
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.
Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Krivoklat Castle (5)
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
What is the historical significance of Křivoklát Castle?
It was one of the most important residences of Bohemian kings and often served as a prestigious state prison.
What can you see inside the castle?
The magnificent Late Gothic chapel, the Royal Hall, and one of the largest castle libraries in the Czech Republic.
How far is Křivoklát from Prague?
The castle is about 50 km west of Prague, reachable in an hour by car or easily by train.
Are there events held at the castle?
Medieval fairs, craft demonstrations, and film festivals are regularly held here.
Can you go hiking in the surrounding area?
Yes, the castle is in the Křivoklátsko Protected Landscape Area, offering many marked trails through dense forests.
Krivoklat Castle: where is it located?
Krivoklat Castle is located in Czech Republic.
Krivoklat Castle: what is there to see?
Highlights include Na hřebínku, U Trojice, Nakřivo.
Krivoklat Castle: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Krivoklat Castle: why is it worth visiting?
Křivoklát Castle is one of the crown jewels of Czech heritage.
Explore with Plizio
Discover more places in Europe
More places in Czech Republic →
Nearby cities
Prague
The Golden City on the Vltava River, famous for its historic Charles Bridge and the massive Prague Castle complex.
Prague
Prague is the capital and largest city of the Czech Republic, situated on the Vltava River and famous for its historic center and Charles…
Plzeň
Plzeň is known worldwide as the birthplace of Pilsner beer and is a major industrial and cultural center in Western Bohemia.
Kladno
Kladno is the largest city in the Central Bohemian Region and historically a major center of coal mining and heavy industry.
Most
Most is a North Bohemian city whose historic center was demolished in the 1970s to make way for lignite mining and subsequently rebuilt.
Lužiny Housing Estate
Lužiny is a large housing estate in the southwest of Prague, known for its modernist architecture and excellent connections to the city c…
Teplice
Teplice is a spa city in northern Bohemia at the foot of the Ore Mountains, considered one of the oldest spas in Central Europe.
Chomutov
Chomutov is a city in northwestern Bohemia at the foot of the Ore Mountains, shaped by the heavy industry and mining of the region.
Děčín
Děčín is located in the deep valley of the Elbe in northern Bohemia, serving as a major river port and the gateway to Bohemian Switzerland.
Karlovy Vary
Karlovy Vary is the most famous spa town in the Czech Republic, known for its hot springs, grand colonnades, and international film festi…
Mladá Boleslav
Mladá Boleslav is a major industrial city in Central Bohemia and the heart of Czech automobile production.
Česká Lípa
Česká Lípa is located in northern Bohemia on the Ploučnice River and grew rapidly in the 20th century due to uranium mining in the area.
Tábor
Tábor was founded in the 15th century by the Hussites as a fortified settlement and is closely linked to the history of the Czech Reforma…
Kolín
Kolín is a city on the Elbe River in Central Bohemia, known for its significant historical heritage and as a major industrial and chemica…
Příbram
Příbram is a traditional mining town southwest of Prague, known primarily for silver and uranium mining and as a pilgrimage site.