Karlštejn Castle
Karlštejn
Best Castle Day Trips from
Prague
Eight Gothic fortresses and medieval chateaus within a day's reach — with train routes, driving times, and what to see at each
Explore castles30 km from Prague
Karlštejn Castle
Karlštejn
Castles for your day trip
Prague is among the best-placed capitals in Europe for castle day trips. Within 40 minutes by direct train, you can stand inside Karlštejn — the Gothic fortress Emperor Charles IV built in 1348 to guard the Bohemian crown jewels. An hour further brings you to Křivoklát, one of the oldest royal castles in Bohemia, rising above a forested river valley virtually unchanged since the 12th century. Eight of the country's most dramatic castles lie within a two-hour radius of Prague, each offering a completely different experience: Gothic ruins, guided treasure tours, hiking trails through nature reserves, ghost legends dating back to the Middle Ages. Whether you have half a day or a full day, and whether you prefer the train or your own car, this guide covers every realistic option.
8 castles
Getting there by train
Karlštejn — 40 min
Direct train from Praha hlavní nádraží every 30–60 minutes.
From Karlštejn station it is a 15-minute uphill walk to the entrance. The easiest castle by public transport in the country.
Křivoklát — 1h 15 min
Direct train from Praha Smíchov — not the main station.
Around 75 minutes. Service is less frequent than Karlštejn, so check the timetable at cd.cz before you go.
Konopiště — 1h + walk
Train from Praha hlavní nádraží to Benešov u Prahy (1h).
Then a flat 2.5 km walk or local bus 192 to the castle entrance. The formal gardens are free to enter.
Bezděz — 1h 30 min
Train from Praha Masarykovo nádraží to Doksy (90 min), then a 3 km forest walk to the castle.
Best combined with a swim in Mácha Lake on the way back.
Car is better for the rest
Houska, Točník, Kost, and Český Krumlov have no practical direct train connection from Prague.
A car gives far more flexibility and unlocks every castle on this list.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about castle day trips from Prague
What is the easiest castle to visit from Prague by train?▾
Karlštejn Castle is by far the easiest — direct trains run every 30–60 minutes from Praha hlavní nádraží (Prague's main station) and the journey takes 40 minutes. From Karlštejn station it is a 15-minute uphill walk to the entrance. No car, bus, or transfer is needed. Křivoklát is also accessible by direct train from Praha Smíchov station, taking around 75 minutes.
How far is Český Krumlov from Prague by train?▾
Český Krumlov is approximately 170 km from Prague — around 3 hours by train, with a change in České Budějovice. The train from Praha hlavní nádraží to České Budějovice takes about 2 hours, with a connecting regional train adding another 30–40 minutes. It works best as a full-day trip with an early departure, or as an overnight stay.
Can I visit two castles from Prague in one day?▾
Yes, with a car. Točník and Křivoklát are both in Central Bohemia and can be combined comfortably — Točník takes around 45 minutes to explore and Křivoklát needs about 2 hours. Bezděz and Mácha Lake make a natural full-day pairing. Avoid combining Karlštejn with anything else on the same day — the uphill walk and guided-tour format make it a half-day commitment on its own.
Which castle near Prague is best for children?▾
Konopiště is ideal for families — it has large formal gardens, a deer park, and a bear moat that children find memorable. The guided interior tours are accessible and not overly long. Karlštejn is also very popular with children due to its dramatic Gothic silhouette and the adventure of the uphill walk. Both are reachable by public transport from Prague.
Are the castles near Prague open year-round?▾
Karlštejn and Konopiště are open year-round, though with reduced hours in winter (November–February). Most other castles — including Křivoklát, Houska, Bezděz, and Kost — close from November to March. Always check the official castle website before travelling in the off-season, as hours can change without notice.