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Pernštejn Castle
Nedvědice, South Moravian
GothicBest preservedMoraviaMedieval fortification
Description
- Never captured in battle throughout its entire history
- Best-preserved Gothic castle in the Czech Republic
- Original medieval fortifications intact since the 15th century
- Dramatic hilltop setting above the Nedvědička river valley
- Impressive Renaissance additions inside a Gothic shell
Pernštejn Castle stands on a rocky promontory above the Nedvědička river valley in the South Moravian Region, its walls rising so naturally from the bedrock that the fortress seems to grow directly from the hillside. First mentioned in records around 1285, the castle was substantially expanded in the 14th and 15th centuries by the powerful Pernštejn noble family, who made it one of the mightiest strongholds in Moravia. Uniquely among Czech castles of its age, Pernštejn was never taken by force — its layered system of walls, moats, and towers proved impregnable to every attacker.
The Pernštejn lords were among the wealthiest nobles in Bohemia and Moravia in the 15th and 16th centuries, and their castle reflects this ambition. Behind the formidable Gothic exterior lie Renaissance halls and chambers added during the height of the family's power, creating an interior that blends two distinct architectural eras. The family's fortunes eventually declined, and the castle passed through several hands before being acquired by the state after World War II.
Today Pernštejn is celebrated as the best-preserved Gothic castle in the Czech Republic. Its original medieval fortifications — including the outer walls, towers, drawbridges, and gate system — survive in a condition rarely seen elsewhere in Central Europe. Visitors can walk the same battlements that defenders manned five centuries ago, with sweeping views over the Bohemian-Moravian Highlands.
Founded
13th century
Style
Gothic
Region
South Moravian
Plan your visit
Everything you need to know before visiting the castle
Opening Hours
Jan–Mar
Closed
Castle closed in winter months
Apr
9:00–15:00
Closed: Monday
May–Jun
9:00–16:00
Closed: Monday
Jul–Aug
9:00–17:00
Closed: Monday
Sep–Oct
9:00–16:00
Closed: Monday
Nov–Dec
Closed
Castle closed
* Guided tours only — independent visits are not permitted. Last tour departs one hour before closing. Check the official website for exact seasonal dates.
Tickets & Tours
Tour I — Gothic & Renaissance Interiors
60 min
- Adult
- 200 CZK
- Child / Student / Senior
- 130 CZK
* Covers the main palace interiors including the Gothic halls, Renaissance chambers, and the castle chapel.
Tour II — Fortifications & Towers
45 min
- Adult
- 150 CZK
- Child / Student / Senior
- 90 CZK
* Walk the medieval walls, towers, and drawbridge system with views over the Nedvědička valley.
Free entry: Children under 6 enter free on all tours.
* Combination tickets covering both tours are available at the ticket office at a reduced rate.
Getting There
Car
From Brno, take the D1 motorway west towards Prague, exit at Devítky (exit 182), then follow Route 43 and local roads to Nedvědice — about 45 minutes.
From Prague, take the D1 east towards Brno and exit at Devítky.
45 min
Bus / Tram
Buses run from Brno's Zvonařka bus station towards Bystřice nad Pernštejnem, stopping at Nedvědice.
From the village, the castle is a 20-minute uphill walk. Check idos.cz for current timetables.
75 min
Parking
Parking available
Parking is available in Nedvědice village below the castle. The castle itself is accessible only on foot — a steep 20-minute walk up a forest path from the village.
Visitor Tips
Wear sturdy shoes — the path from Nedvědice village to the castle is steep and can be slippery after rain.
Combine the visit with Bystřice nad Pernštejnem town (8 km), which has good restaurants and a pleasant town square.
The castle is at its most atmospheric in morning mist — arrive early if you want dramatic photos of the towers emerging from fog.
Book guided tours in advance for weekends in July and August — group sizes are limited.
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about visiting this castle
Was Pernštejn Castle really never captured?▾
Yes — Pernštejn Castle has no recorded instance of being taken by force throughout its entire history. Its elaborate defensive system, including multiple rings of walls, a deep moat, and a complex gate arrangement, made it too formidable for any besieging army. This is one of the reasons it survived in such exceptional condition.
Who were the Pernštejn lords and why are they significant?▾
The Pernštejn family were one of the most powerful noble houses in Bohemia and Moravia during the 15th and 16th centuries, accumulating vast wealth through land, mining, and political office. At their peak they owned dozens of castles and estates across Moravia. Their decline came in the late 16th century through debt and political misfortune. The castle bears their name and reflects the height of their ambition.
How do I get to Pernštejn Castle from Brno?▾
By car, take the D1 motorway west and exit at Devítky (exit 182), then follow Route 43 to Nedvědice — about 45 minutes. By public transport, take a bus from Brno's Zvonařka station towards Bystřice nad Pernštejnem and alight at Nedvědice, then walk 20 minutes uphill to the castle.
Is Pernštejn Castle open in winter?▾
No — the castle is closed from November to March. It opens in April (with reduced hours) and runs through October. Always check the official website before visiting as exact dates can vary year to year.
What makes Pernštejn different from other Czech castles?▾
Pernštejn's uniqueness lies in its extraordinary state of preservation. Most Czech castles of comparable age were damaged by war, fire, or neglect and later extensively rebuilt or romanticised. Pernštejn's original 15th-century Gothic fortifications — walls, towers, moats, drawbridges — remain largely intact and unaltered. Combined with its unbroken record of never being captured, this makes it the most authentic Gothic fortress experience in the country.
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