Karlstejn castle

Karlstejn castle Review

Once Charles IV's summer palace, Karlstejn was originally built to hold and guard the crown jewels (which were moved to Prague Castle's St. Vitus's Cathedral in 1619). Sitting high up on the hillside, the stunning castle can't be missed from below. There is a fairly strenuous hike up to the castle—sadly lined with souvenir stands and overpriced snack bars—but worth the journey. Once you've reached the top, take time to walk the ramparts and drink in the panorama of the village and countryside below.

The interior tours are time-consuming—55 minutes for the first circuit and 75 minutes for the second. Opt for tour number two, which includes the castle's greatest treasure, the Chapel of the Holy Cross, which once held the crown jewels. One hundred and twenty-nine painted wooden panels and an arched canopy with semi-precious stones envelope the room. The rest of the tour covers the castle's picture gallery, library, and church. Tours of the chapel are limited (and more expensive than the other tour route), so be sure to book in advance. Tour 1 passes through a variety of rooms dating from the 14th to 19th centuries, plus you'll see some historic interiors from the imperial palace. If you're not a castle buff, stick to the (free) exterior courtyards of the castle. Because of its proximity to Prague, it is the most-visited site outside of the Czech capital, so be prepared for crowds, especially in the high summer months.