Krivoklat Castle - How To Visit

Krivoklat Castle is located 57 km away from Prague, which makes it a perfect day-trip destination. Its rich history and medieval look will keep you entertained, and the nature around the castle will give you more opportunities to explore.

Køivoklát Castle - Name origin

The name Køivoklát could have possible originated in either crooked foundations of the castle, køivé klatby, or from the twisted trees that surrounded it. 

Køivoklát Castle - Brief History

The history of the castle goes back all the way to the 12th century. Køivoklát was founded by Pøemysl Otakar II, who built a prominent royal residence for the future Pøemyslid rulers. The most famous Czech king and the Holy Roman Emperor, Charles IV also visited Køivoklát several times. His first visit though was not something he necessarily desired. Charles IV was imprisoned in Køivoklát as a child by an order of his father John of Luxembourg. Needless to say, this experience was traumatic for Charles. Do not worry about him, his life turned out to be nothing short of legendary.

We have to mention another ruler in connection to Køivoklát Castle - Wladyslaw of Jagelo, who reconstructed and refurbished the castle so well that it survived till today. 

At some point, Køivoklát became a state prison of a sort. If you are familiar with alchemy, you might know Edward Kelly, who was serving his sentence in one of the towers of Køivoklát Castle. We talked about that man and his crazy story in our video.

The last owners of Køivoklát Castle, the House of Fürstenbergs, has helped to preserve the castle’s fantastic history and architecture and even enriched it with a museum and a picture gallery. 

Køivoklát Castle - What To Do

• It is possible to visit Køivoklát castle’s exteriors and interiors, even in winter!
• Køivoklát Castle - for free. You can visit the castle courtyard. And even explore parts of the defense walls and some towers.
• Viewpoints of Køivoklát Castle - there are multiple viewpoints, all on a hill opposite the castle. We went to two of them, you can check it out in our video!

Køivoklát Castle - Tickets 

• Gothic palace - 80 minutes long tour. This tour includes the second castle courtyard, silver smithery, August’s prison, prison, dungeon, chapel, small Knight’s Hall, Large Knight’s (Royal) Hall, library, picture gallery, Fürstenberg Museum, lapidarium. The ticket costs 240 czk and includes the castle guide.
• Gothic palace- 60-minute long tour. This tour includes the second castle courtyard, silver smithery, August’s prison, prison, dungeon, chapel, small Knight’s Hall, Large Knight’s (Royal) Hall, lapidarium. The ticket costs 210 czk and includes the castle guide.
• Castle Grand Tour - 100-minute long tour. It includes the second castle courtyard, silver smithery, August’s prison, prison, dungeon, chapel, small Knight’s Hall, royal room, library, picture gallery, Fürstenberg Museum, ramparts, and Large Round Tower. The ticket costs 260 czk and includes the castle guide.
• On the ramparts and tower - 20-minute long tour. A self-guided tour that allows you to explore the castle’s defensive system and illustrative exhibition of hunting in the Large Round Tower.

 Here is the official website of Kivoklat castle where you can book your tickets!

From Prague to Køivoklát Castle by train

The best connection to Køivoklát Castle from Prague is the train that leaves from Prague Main Train Station, and goes to Beroun where you will have to change (be careful, as there is only around 5-10 min for you to hop on the next train), and then get off at Køivoklát.

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