Loket Castle

Loket Castle, also known as the 'Key to the Kingdom of Bohemia,' perches on a prominent granite cliff almost entirely encircled by the Ohře River. Founded in the 12th century, it originally served as a royal border fortress and administrative center. Throughout its long history, it was the site of significant events, including the childhood imprisonment of the future Emperor Charles IV by his father, John of Luxembourg. The architecture blends Romanesque and Gothic elements, with the distinctive square tower and well-preserved casemates standing out. In the 19th century, part of the castle was used as a prison, which is commemorated today by an impressive exhibition on historical justice and torture. The castle's rooms also house a significant collection of porcelain from regional manufacturers. Thanks to its photogenic location and strategic importance, the castle remained a symbol of royal power in West Bohemia for centuries.

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…

Příbram

Příbram is a traditional mining town southwest of Prague, known primarily for silver and uranium mining and as a pilgrimage site.

Písek

Písek is a historic city in South Bohemia on the Otava River, famous for the oldest preserved stone bridge in the country.

History & landmarks

Cheb

A historic town near the Bavarian border, famous for its imperial castle and the unique Špalíček half-timbered houses.