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.

Křivoklát Castle - Name origin

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

Křivoklát Castle - Brief History

The history of the castle goes back all the way to the 12th century. Křivoklát was founded by Přemysl Otakar II, who built a prominent royal residence for the future Přemyslid rulers. The most famous Czech king and the Holy Roman Emperor, Charles IV also visited Křivoklát several times. His first visit though was not something he necessarily desired. Charles IV was imprisoned in Křivoklát 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 Křivoklát Castle - Wladyslaw of Jagelo, who reconstructed and refurbished the castle so well that it survived till today. 

At some point, Křivoklát 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 Křivoklát Castle. We talked about that man and his crazy story in our video.

The last owners of Křivoklát 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. 

Křivoklát Castle - What To Do

• It is possible to visit Křivoklát castle’s exteriors and interiors, even in winter!
• Křivoklát Castle - for free. You can visit the castle courtyard. And even explore parts of the defense walls and some towers.
• Viewpoints of Křivoklát 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!

Křivoklát 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 Křivoklát Castle by train

The best connection to Křivoklát 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 Křivoklát.