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

Karlštejn as a Closed Fortress (exclusive tour)

Gates and courtyards, the well, imperial rooms and chapels outside normal visitor traffic.

Content language

  • Duration180 min
  • Starts atFirst castle gate
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About the route

From the gate and courtyards, the tour leads to the well area, then returns towards the imperial rooms. “Karlštejn jako uzavřená pevnost” takes place outside the usual visitor traffic.

The next part explores residential interiors and the castle’s sanctuaries, including the Chapel of the Holy Cross. Four entries introduce the programme’s main areas; it also includes walls and other chapels. Returning from the well to the courtyard is a necessary part of the walk.

For children

Gates, the well, chambers and chapels make up this programme. After entering through the courtyards, the group descends to the well. It then returns up the same steps and continues to the palace.

The guide shows the emperor’s rooms and the castle’s places of worship, including the Chapel of the Holy Cross. The visit takes place outside the usual traffic of other groups.

Stops along the way (4)
  1. Illustration of Karlštejn Castle with a tall tower and walls on a wooded hill.1Point of interestFirst castle gateThe beginning of the approach through successive levels of fortifications and open courtyards.Quiz
  2. Illustration of Karlštejn Castle with a tall tower and walls on a wooded hill.2Point of interestWell TowerThe castle well and its surviving water-lifting mechanism.Quiz
  3. Illustration of Karlštejn Castle with a tall tower and walls on a wooded hill.3Point of interestImperial PalaceCharles IV’s rooms and a palace enlarged as the castle towers changed function.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
Details
Author or origin
Národní památkový ústav - Státní hrad Karlštejn