Prague to Krivoklat – Krivoklat Castle Tours

TOUR INFO

Private day trips from Prague to Krivoklat Castle

If you are looking for a Gothic experience, do not hesitate to visit Krivoklat Castle. A mere glance at Krivoklat Castle will transport you back to the Middle Ages. A spectacular Gothic chapel, a vast and impressive library, a portrait gallery and an exhibition of medieval art are just a few of the highlights of the 100-minute tour. As we drive through a nature reserve, you can gaze at the forest, rivers and villages.

Prague – Krivoklat Castle – Prague: 5-hour Itinerary

1 hour Prague to Krivoklat transfer
1.5 hours Tour of Krivoklat Castle
30 minutes Tour of the castle courtyard and ramparts
60 minutes Lunch at a traditional restaurant
1 hour Krivoklat to Prague transfer

This is a private tour, so the itinerary can be adjusted as you wish.

About Krivoklat Castle

Krivoklat’s history is intriguing, though riddled with fires. First mentioned at the beginning of the 12th  century, the castle was completed in early Gothic style when the Premyslid dynasty ruled the Czech lands in the 13th   and beginning of the 14th  centuries. The upper courtyard and tower that can be climbed today hail as far back as the 13th century. Krivoklat Castle was reconstructed and expanded in the 14th  and 15th  centuries, when Czech king and later Roman king Vaclav IV reigned. Under his guidance Krivoklat Castle played a significant role in the country. Then dark days came as Krivoklat was conquered by both the Hussites and the Catholics during the Hussite wars in the 1400s. In the 15th  and 16th  centuries, Vladislav Jagollen, also known as Czech king Vladislav II, reconstructed it again, this time in late Gothic style. Once more, life at Krivoklat flourished. However, the castle was not well cared for during the 16th  and 17th  centuries when it only functioned as a prison. Later, in 1733, Krivoklat Castle came into the hands of the Fürstenbergs. A fire devastated the castle in 1826, but the Fürstenberg clan restored it in the 19th  and 20th  centuries. Then, in 1929, the Fürstenberg family sold Krivoklat Castle to the Czech state.  Historical figures spent time in the prison that is visited on the tour. The future emperor Charles IV was imprisoned here as a child for three years. During 1591 alchemist Edward Kelly was incarcerated at Krivoklat because he killed someone in a duel.

Krivoklat Castle – One of the best preserved Gothic chapels in Europe

The gem of the tour is one of the best preserved Gothic chapels in Europe, with an altar hailing from 1490. Statues of the 12 apostles hover high on the walls. Saint Peter grips a golden key and dons gold drapery, while Saint Andrew wields a sword. Jesus, flanked by two angels, is on top of the altar with two side wings. It is almost possible to see Jesus’ scant clothing blowing in the wind. The angels are adorned with golden wings. The altar celebrates the crowning of the Virgin Mary, who wears gold drapery, and the four panels show the Virgin Mary and Christ in various scenes.

Krivoklat Castle – Ramparts and tower

Take advantage of the spectacular views from the ramparts and the 42-meter high tower. It takes 72 steps on a narrow, winding staircase to get to the top of the 13th  century structure.

Krivoklat Castle – Admission fees and opening times

Admission: 240 CZK / person; children under 14 and seniors over 65: 170 CZK / person. Open all year: from January 2 until March 22 open on Saturdays from noon until 2 pm; from March 24 until October 31 open daily except Mondays and from November 1 until December 31 open on weekends and holidays.

Try your hand at archery

While waiting for a tour, it is possible to visit various shops in the main courtyard. One small store sells coins embossed with pictures of the castle, while another specializes in items made from wood. Ceramics are also for sale. You can even try your hand at archery.

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