Be tempted by ancient history and discover the most beautiful of castles. These are spread out throughout the Karlovy Vary Region and boast ancient exhibits, preserved interiors, and amazing views. Plus, you will learn a heap of new facts from each visit, as well as hear many interesting tales and legends. So where will you head out?
Loket Castle
You will find the picturesque small town of Loket and its majestic castle on the granite rocks towering over the meander of the Ohře River. The castle was built in the 12th century for defence, and thanks to its strategic position, Loket was endowed with royal town privileges. Today, the castle is just a tourist attraction well worth seeing. You can expect a tour of the several-storey dungeon in its original appearance, the castle tower, the margraviate, the festivities hall, the ceremony room, the regional chairman office, the exhibition of paintings and porcelain, and the exhibit of historic crafts. It is open daily from 9 am to 5 pm, and guided tours cost CZK 195 for adults and CZK 165 for children.
Seeberg Castle
Seeberg Castle stands near Františkovy Lázně. It was probably constructed at the end of the 12th century for one of the Cheb ministerialis, but the first written account of the castle dates to 1322. The castle itself is divided into two sections —the Romanesque and the Gothic branches. Plus, there is the Renaissance wing with its arcade corridor, and the settlement around the castle with farm buildings and the Baroque barn. Aside from the exhibition itself, many events, for example crafts weekends, concerts, theatre productions, or the wine festival, take place at the castle. In April, October, the castle is open from 10 am to 5 pm, in November, it is open from 10 am to 4 pm, and from May to September, from 10 am to 6 pm. Adults pay an admission fee of CZK 120 and children aged 7 – 15 and up pay CZK 60.
Cheb Castle
Cheb Castle was also constructed in the 12th century and is a Czech rarity. It is the only Kaiserpflaz in our country, in addition, it is one of the few that has a perfectly preserved castle chapel. Besides this, you can also find the main body of the palace, the Romanesque-Gothic tower of St Martin, Erhard, and Ursula, or the Black Tower, which in the past served for defensive purposes. From November to March, the castle is just open on the weekends. In April, May, September, and October, it is open from Tuesday to Sunday from 10 am to 5 pm, in June from Tuesday to Sunday from 10 am to 6 pm, and in July and August, it opens its gates daily from 10 am to 6 pm. Adults pay an admission fee of CZK 100, and children aged 6 and up pay CZK 50.
Vildštejn Castle
Vildštejn was originally constructed between 1166 to 1225 but was not opened to the public until 2001. Before then, it had served the aristocracy, and in 19th century, the castle was transformed into the malthouse of the local brewery, only to later become the seat of the district court. Under communism, it was practically destroyed, but it is currently under reconstruction and ready for hordes of tourists. At Vildštejn, you will find a castle museum, a medieval feast room, a royal hall, a ceremony room, and a museum of fire-fighting equipment. In the newer building of the castle, you can visit a medieval smithery, a dungeon, and the museum of prisons. It is open daily from 10 am to 8 pm and Restaurant from 11 am to 9 pm.
