Cesky Sternberk

Czech Šternberk is a small village in the Central Bohemia region, situated along the Sázava River approximately 40 km southeast of Prague. The village is best known for Český Šternberk Castle, a beautifully preserved 13th-century Gothic castle that remains in the private ownership of the Sternberg family. Perched dramatically on a rocky cliff above the river, the castle offers one of the most photogenic castle settings in the Czech Republic.

The surrounding landscape is typical of central Bohemia's river valleys and forested hills. The area is popular for hiking along the Sázava River and exploring the countryside between Prague and Kutná Hora.

The climate follows the continental pattern with warm summers and cold winters. Spring and early autumn provide ideal visiting conditions.

By Plane

Václav Havel Airport Prague (PRG) is approximately 60 km northwest.

By Train

The nearest train station is at Sázava, roughly 4 km from the castle. Trains run from Prague's Hlavní nádraží toward Kutná Hora, with Sázava as a stop on the route. The journey takes approximately 50 minutes.

By Car / Road

Driving from Prague takes about 45 minutes via the D1 motorway. From the D1, follow signs toward Sázava and Český Šternberk.

The village is small and the castle is walkable from the main road. Local buses connect Sázava station with the area.

• Český Šternberk Castle – A 13th-century castle perched on a cliff above the Sázava River. Considered one of the best-preserved Gothic castles in Bohemia. The castle is open to the public with guided tours of the interiors, featuring family collections, Gothic and Baroque furnishings, and armour displays.

Hiking along the Sázava River and through the surrounding forests. The Sázava Valley offers scenic walking routes connecting castles, monasteries, and villages.

Czech restaurants in the area serve traditional dishes including svíčková (marinated beef with cream sauce), guláš (goulash), and trdelník (cinnamon pastry). Local pubs serve affordable Czech meals with daily lunch menus typically priced 100–150 Kč.

Tap water is safe to drink.

• Budget: Guesthouses and pensions in the village and nearby Sázava.
• Mid-range: Accommodation options in the Sázava area.

The castle gift shop offers souvenirs and local crafts. The nearby town of Sázava provides basic shopping facilities including a supermarket and small retail shops.

• Sázava – 5 km south. The historic Sázava Monastery, founded in 1032, one of the oldest in Bohemia.
• Kutná Hora – 30 km east. A UNESCO World Heritage town famous for the Sedlec Ossuary (bone church) and the Church of St. Barbara.
• Prague – 40 km northwest. The capital city with countless attractions.
• Benešov – 20 km southwest. Gateway to Konopiště Castle.