Eight castles and chateaus accessible from South Bohemia — from a fairy-tale neo-Gothic chateau on the Vltava to UNESCO sites in Bohemia and South Moravia
České Budějovice sits at the centre of one of the most scenically rewarding regions in the Czech Republic. Within half an hour's drive, two world-class heritage sites compete for your attention: Hluboká nad Vltavou, a dazzling white neo-Gothic chateau modelled on Windsor Castle that rises above the Vltava valley just 12 km to the north; and Český Krumlov, 25 km to the southwest, a UNESCO-listed medieval castle and historic town that is arguably the most photogenic place in Central Europe. Together, these two sites make České Budějovice one of the best-positioned bases for castle tourism in the country — and the city's excellent bus connections mean neither requires a car.
Český Krumlov, South Bohemian
A UNESCO World Heritage masterpiece, Český Krumlov Castle crowns a dramatic horseshoe bend of the Vltava River with Gothic towers and opulent Baroque interiors.
Lipnice nad Sázavou, Vysočina
The romantic Gothic ruin where Jaroslav Hašek finished writing The Good Soldier Švejk, Lipnice nad Sázavou Castle stands guard over the Sázava River highlands.
Loket, Karlovy Vary
Perched on a granite island almost entirely encircled by the Ohře River, Loket Castle is one of the oldest royal fortresses in Bohemia — and a James Bond filming location.
Vranov nad Dyjí, South Moravian
Vranov nad Dyjí is a Baroque chateau perched dramatically on a sheer cliff above the Dyje River gorge — one of the most breathtaking settings of any castle in Moravia.
Lednice, South Moravian
Part of the UNESCO Lednice-Valtice Cultural Landscape, Lednice Chateau is a Neo-Gothic marvel surrounded by a 200 km² English park with a minaret and lake pavilions.
Valtice, South Moravian
A grand Baroque chateau at the heart of the UNESCO Lednice-Valtice area, Valtice is surrounded by Moravia's finest vineyards and monumental garden pavilions.
Buchlovice, Zlín
Rising from forested hills in the Slovácko folk region, Buchlov Castle is the best-preserved medieval fortress in Moravia with views stretching to the White Carpathians.
Hluboká nad Vltavou is closer at just 12 km north of České Budějovice — about 15 minutes by car or 20 minutes by bus. Český Krumlov is 25 km to the southwest, approximately 30–35 minutes by car or 45 minutes by bus. Both are very easy to reach from České Budějovice, and visiting both in a single day is entirely feasible.
Hluboká nad Vltavou is one of the most visited castles in the Czech Republic and is often called the Czech Windsor. The current neo-Gothic building was remodelled in the 19th century by the Schwarzenberg family in the style of Windsor Castle in England, resulting in a striking white-turreted silhouette above the Vltava valley. The interiors are among the most richly decorated of any castle in Bohemia, including a celebrated collection of Flemish tapestries and Dutch paintings.
Yes — Český Krumlov is one of the most remarkable heritage sites in Central Europe. The castle complex is the second-largest in the Czech Republic after Prague Castle and dates to the 13th century. It was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1992, together with the historic town below it. Highlights include the baroque theatre — one of the best-preserved of its kind in the world — the painted tower, and a five-arched bridge connecting the castle wings above the Vltava gorge.
Yes. Hluboká nad Vltavou is open year-round, including winter (with reduced Saturday and Sunday tours only in January and February). Český Krumlov is also open year-round, with limited winter tour options. Always check the official websites before visiting in the off-season, as hours and available tours change significantly between seasons.
Český Krumlov is approximately 170 km south of Prague, about a 2.5-hour drive. Direct bus services run from Prague's Florenc or Na Knížecí bus stations to Český Krumlov (about 3 hours). It is a manageable but full day trip from Prague; many travellers find it more convenient to base themselves in České Budějovice (25 km away) for a more relaxed visit.
