Attractions Nearby Prague, Day Trips and Excursions

(Prague, Czech Republic)

There are many different attractions that tempt visitors away from Prague, including a number of Bohemia's medieval fortresses. At around 25 km / 16 miles from Prague and lying directly south-west, Karlstein Castle was established during the middle of the 14th century and was once the official home of the Empire crown jewels.

Regular sightseeing tours are organised to the main historic attractions close to the city, such as Konopiste Castle and Krivoklat Castle. Also nearby Prague, sited in the small town of Veltrusy and within the Czech Republic's Central Bohemian Region, Veltrusy Château stands around 20 km / 12 miles to the north, near to the River Vltava.

Karlstein Castle (Karlstejn)

Tel: +420 311 681 617
Email: karlstejn@stc.npu.cz
Website: www.hradkarlstejn.cz
Standing high above the River Berounka, attractions within the Karlstein Castle include the Church of Our Lady, which is located in the central tower and contains many wall paintings from the 14th century. Further panels of paintings can also be observed in St. George's Convent, along with a number of religious artefacts and statues.
Open hours: February, late November and December, Saturday and Sunday - 10:00 to 15:00; March, Tuesday to Sunday - 09:30 to 16:00; April, Tuesday to Sunday - 09:30 to 17:00; May and September, Tuesday to Sunday - 09:30 to 17:30; June, Tuesday to Sunday - 09:00 to 17:30; July and August, daily - 09:00 to 18:30; October, Tuesday to Sunday - 09:30 to 16:30; early November, Tuesday to Sunday - 10:00 to 15:00
Admission: charge, admission by guided tour only reserved in advance

Konopiste Castle

Address: Chateau Konopiste, 256 01 Benesov, Czech Republic
Tel: +420 317 721 366
Email: info@zamek-konopiste.cz
Website: www.zamek-konopiste.cz
Konopiste Castle lies around 50 km / 31 miles to the south-east of Prague and alongside the city of Benesov. Featuring Gothic-style fortification and dating back to the 13th century, the moated Konopiste Castle is one of the region's main attractions, although much of the castle was actually remodelled during the 19th century. Inside Krivoklat Castle, you will discover extensive collections of armour, hunting weapons and even some Meisen porcelain, along with literally hundreds of stags' heads adorning the castle walls.
Open hours: April and May, Tuesday to Sunday - 09:00 to 12:00 and 13:00 to 16:00; June to August, Tuesday to Sunday - 09:00 to 12:00 and 13:00 to 18:00; September - 09:00 to 12:00 and 13:00 to 17:00, October and November, Saturday and Sunday - 09:00 to 12:00 and 13:00 to 16:00, Thursday and Friday group reservations only
Admission: charge, discount available for seniors, students and children

Krivoklat Castle

Tel: +420 313 558 440
Email: krivoklat@stc.npu.cz
Website: www.krivoklat.cz
A small and charming market town located approximately 45 km / 28 miles to the west of central Prague, Krivoklat is known for its medieval character and spectacular triangular-shaped castle. Krivoklat Castle is located atop a tall hill and is dominated by its Great Tower, which features a orange-tiled conical roof and is around 42 metres / 130 feet high. The castle was founded as long ago as the 12th century, when it was originally a hunting lodge, although it has suffered fire damage a number of times over the years. Attractions within the Krivoklat Castle include the Royal Palace, which is located on the eastern side of castle and features a grand vaulted Gothic hall.
Open hours: May to June and September, Tuesday to Sunday - 09:00 to 17:00; July to August, Tuesday to Sunday - 09:00 to 18:00; October, Tuesday to Sunday - 10:00 to 16:00; November and December' Saturday and Sunday - 10:00 to 15:00; January to March, Monday to Friday - 10:00 to 15:00; April, Tuesday to Sunday - 09:00 to 16:00
Admission: charge, discount available for seniors, students and children

Veltrusy Castle (Veltrusy Château)

Tel: +420 315 781 146
Email: veltrusy@stc.npu.cz
Website: www.zamek-veltrusy.cz
The Veltrusy Castle is a famous attraction built by the wealthy Chotek family in the 18th century and boasts a magnificent central dome, along with a splendid staircase lined with many statues, representing both the seasons and months of the year. The Veltrusy estate is vast and covers an area of around 750 acres / 300 hectares and encompasses the Maria Theresa and Doric pavilions, and a large arboretum with some 100 different tree species.
Open hours: April to October, Tuesday to Sunday - 08:30 to 17:00
Admission: charge