Illustration of Karlštejn Castle with a tall tower and walls on a wooded hill.
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Thematic route

Explore the Entire Castle (exclusive tour)

Imperial chambers, sacred interiors and the final ascent to the upper Great Tower.

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  • Duration180 min
  • Starts atImperial Palace
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About the route

“Celým hradem” combines the imperial rooms with the chapels and the Great Tower’s upper floors. From the palace, visitors continue to the Marian church and view St Catherine’s Chapel from the threshold.

The programme then leads to the Chapel of the Holy Cross, before ending above it in the upper Great Tower, with a view of the castle’s surroundings. This is a separate guided option that includes spaces unavailable on the regular chapels tour.

For children

Rooms first, chapels next, and the tower view at the end. This is the sequence of “Celým hradem”. After the palace, visitors explore the church and look into St Catherine’s Chapel.

Next comes the Chapel of the Holy Cross. Afterwards the guide leads higher, above the chapel, into the upper Great Tower. This extension is not part of the regular chapels tour.

Stops along the way (5)
  1. Illustration of Karlštejn Castle with a tall tower and walls on a wooded hill.1Point of interestImperial PalaceCharles IV’s rooms and a palace enlarged as the castle towers changed function.Quiz
  2. Illustration of Karlštejn Castle with a tall tower and walls on a wooded hill.2Point of interestChurch of the Assumption of the Virgin MaryA former residential chamber converted for the chapter, with paintings of the Apocalypse.Quiz
  3. Illustration of Karlštejn Castle with a tall tower and walls on a wooded hill.3Point of interestSt Catherine’s ChapelA small treasury chapel whose dedication and function changed over the castle’s history.Quiz
  4. Illustration of Karlštejn Castle with a tall tower and walls on a wooded hill.4Point of interestChapel of the Holy CrossThe treasury of imperial regalia, with panel paintings from Master Theodoric’s workshop.Quiz
  5. Illustration of Karlštejn Castle with a tall tower and walls on a wooded hill.5Point of interestGreat TowerThe castle’s highest part, with a treasury and upper floors visited on the “Celým hradem” tour.Quiz
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Author or origin
Národní památkový ústav - Státní hrad Karlštejn