Karlstejn

Karlštejn is a town approximately 20 km west of Prague, best known for Karlštejn Castle, the most visited and one of the most beautiful castles in the Czech Republic. Construction of the castle was completed in 1365 under Holy Roman Emperor Charles IV, who intended it as a safe storage place for imperial treasures including the Crown Jewels. The castle sits atop a hill surrounded by the Český Kras (Bohemian Karst) protected area, offering excellent hiking through unspoiled forests.

While the castle itself is genuinely impressive, the village below is heavily tourist-oriented, with souvenir stalls and overpriced restaurants. The real charm lies in the surrounding forests and the nearby monastery at Svatý Jan Pod Skalou, which provides a more authentic Czech experience.

The climate follows the continental pattern with warm summers ideal for hiking and cold winters. The area is best visited April through October for hiking and castle touring.

By Plane

Václav Havel Airport Prague (PRG) is approximately 40 km east. From the airport, reach Prague and take the commuter train to Karlštejn.

By Train

Karlštejn station is on commuter line S7 from Prague's Hlavní nádraží or Smíchovské nádraží. Journey time is 40 minutes. A return ticket costs 99 Kč; group discounts apply (second person 69 Kč, each additional person 50 Kč). Walk-up one-way fare is 78 Kč. Trains run roughly every 30 minutes.

By Car / Road

Driving from Prague takes about 30 minutes. A car park is available at the river near the castle.

Everything is within walking distance. From the train station, turn right, walk 200 meters, then turn left over a bridge into the village. The castle is a 500 m uphill walk from the village. A taxi costs 100 Kč one way; a horse-drawn carriage costs 150 Kč.

• Karlštejn Castle – The main attraction. Enter the castle walls for free; interior tours cost 220 Kč (50-minute standard tour) or a 70-minute extended tour visiting the Chapel of the Holy Cross. A free interpretive video in the wine cellar provides a good historical overview. Closed on Mondays. Online booking available.

• Svatý Jan Pod Skalou Monastery – "Saint John under the rock," built on a natural spring at the base of a 100 m cliff topped with a large cross. The monastery is open daily, donations requested. The "holy cave" opposite the entrance contains five modified chambers including a crypt and altar. The spring water is drinkable.

• Solvayovy Lomy (Solvay Quarry) – A former quarry transformed into a museum. On weekends in season, a narrow-gauge railway operates along with a small buffet in a tram.

• Hiking – The Český Kras protected area offers excellent trails. The 12 km hike from Karlštejn Castle to Svatý Jan Pod Skalou through the karst is picturesque but challenging. Red trail markings lead through forests and streams. Continue to Beroun (5.5 km) for the train home, or hike to Srbsko (8 km) for a 20-km day trip.

• Rock Climbing – Some of the best rock climbing near Prague is in Srbsko and Svatý Jan Pod Skalou.

• Abandoned Quarries – Velká Amerika and Malá Amerika are impressive open-pit limestone quarries reachable on foot. Entry is officially prohibited but viewing from footpaths is possible. The owner company organizes tunnel tours on weekends.

• Krčma u Ezopa – Near the train station. An authentic Czech pub with great food at low prices and good service.
• Hike to Beroun – The restaurants around the castle are overpriced. Follow the red-marked trail 300 m downhill from the castle for a more authentic Czech pub.

In Svatý Jan Pod Skalou, a pub 75 m from the monastery serves good Czech food at reasonable prices with local beer.

Czech beer is served at all pubs. Tap water is safe to drink.

• Budget: A campsite in Srbsko (5 km from Karlštejn) with an outdoor restaurant serving klobása (Czech sausage). Walk along the Berounka river to reach it.
• Mid-range: Hotel Karlštejn, with a swimming pool. Comfortable rooms with castle views.

Czech garnet, Bohemian crystal, and local blacksmith wares are sold in the village. Avoid the overpriced shops at the base; a bottle of water can cost 45 Kč versus the normal 12 Kč. A small village-style grocery store about one-third up the hill offers reasonable prices.

• Beroun – 12 km southeast. The main town of the Bohemian Karst area with city walls, Medvědárium bear enclosure, and hiking access to Velká Amerika.
• Křivoklat – 20 km northwest. A medieval royal hunting castle in a deep forest setting.
• Prague – 20 km east. The capital city, 40 minutes by train.
• Svatý Jan Pod Skalou – 12 km south. The monastery and cave complex, best reached by hiking through the karst.