Karlstejn Castle, Karlstejn

Beautiful, historic site about 45 minutes by train from Prague. Just a short walk from the train station up a very steep hill will bring you to the front gates of the castle. Check tour times and availability because two of the towers are closed in winter. Still worth the effort to take the tour. Our very informative guide was a wealth of knowledge. Several restaurants nearby serve local-style cuisine and souvenir shops are plentiful along the walking route to/from the train station.

The king of Bohemia and Holy Emperor Charles IV built this castle as an impregnable fortress for the imperial crown jewels and the holiest of relics. In the Gothic Chapel of the Holy Rood the ceiling and walls are lined with gold and precious stones. The most valuable treasure is a set of nearly 130 Gothic paintings by the Prague painter Master Theodoric. You have to travel and park in the town of Karlstein not at the end of the road leading to the castle. From the parking lot there is a relatively steep walk up to the castle or a taxi or lovely horse carriages. Many souvenirs shops and restaurants are on the streets up to the castle

Very picturesque castle in a beautiful setting. We walked from the train station and it was worth it. Very nice walk. Exploring outside was fascinating. Our tour guide inside the castle was excellent, and in English. The treasury is the culmination of the tour we took (there are several options for tours to take), and it was beautiful. The sun was setting as we left, making for some great picture taking opportunities, and we had an excellent dinner at a nearby restaurant.

It's a beautiful Castle on a quaint touristy town with many shops and attractions. Refreshing hike up the hill to get to the castle. We didn't plan enough time to take the tour, so unfortunately I can't comment on anything other than the parts with no admission fees or controlled access, but what we saw was excellent: beautiful view from the walls, a nice courtyard, and the impressive well tower with a very deep well.

It is truly a magical place worth visiting. The castle is beautiful and the tour people kind. My only complaint would be that it was closed the last time I went there. But my previous visits were always great.