En

Two Castles – Two Eras: Karlštejn and Konopiště

Reviews or rating
15 reviews
10 hours
Day Trip
Car
permanently
Date *
Tour start *
Group Size *
Tour Language *
PRICE per person from
140 EUR
Check tour details or book by phone:
+420775101236

Short tour description

Discover two iconic symbols of Czech history: the majestic medieval Karlštejn Castle, once the treasury of royal relics, and the elegant Konopiště Castle, steeped in aristocratic grandeur and hunting traditions. This journey will transport you to the era of knights, kings, and imperial intrigues, offering breathtaking landscapes and a chance to uncover the secrets of the past.

Two Castles – Two Eras: Karlštejn and Konopiště

What`s included

  • Private licensed tour guide
  • Car/van
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off

What`s not included

  • Any entrance fees
  • Food and drinks
  • Entry/Admission

Discover two iconic symbols of Czech history: the majestic medieval Karlštejn Castle, once the treasury of royal relics, and the elegant Konopiště Castle, steeped in aristocratic grandeur and hunting traditions. This journey will transport you to the era of knights, kings, and imperial intrigues, offering breathtaking landscapes and a chance to uncover the secrets of the past.


Starting Point:

Our guide will be waiting for you in front of your hotel.

Immerse yourself in the world of kings, knights, and palace intrigues as you embark on a fascinating journey through two of the most picturesque castles in the Czech Republic. This day will offer you a contrast between medieval Gothic architecture and the aristocratic luxury of the 19th century, taking you back in time to a past filled with legends while allowing you to enjoy the breathtaking landscapes of Czech nature.

Early in the morning, we will leave the bustling Prague and head towards the majesty of Karlštejn. The journey to the castle is not just a transfer but an opportunity to admire the scenery, where historic vineyards, forest trails, and charming villages are nestled among green hills. From afar, the powerful silhouette of the fortress will appear before us, towering on a cliff like a sentinel of medieval Bohemia.

We will begin with a walk through the charming town of Karlštejn, where time seems to have stopped in the 14th century. Narrow cobbled streets, old houses with red roofs, the aroma of freshly baked trdelník and roasted chestnuts—everything here is imbued with the spirit of old Europe. In the souvenir shops, you can find handcrafted items by local artisans, medieval-style jewelry, magnets with Czech coats of arms, and miniature castles.

Next, we will explore Karlštejn, the most mysterious fortress in the Czech Republic. Built by order of Charles IV in 1348, it was not just a royal residence but a secret repository for imperial treasures and sacred relics. Here, European history was made, and many secrets are still hidden behind its mighty walls. We will learn the legends about the ban on women entering the castle, uncover the secrets of dukes and knights, hear about the treasures once kept in the Chapel of the Holy Cross, and admire the impressive Gothic towers that have guarded the castle’s tranquility for centuries. From the castle walls, a breathtaking panorama of the Berounka Valley opens up—a mesmerizing sight, especially in spring, when the surroundings bloom in vibrant colors.

After the tour, there will be some time to soak in the atmosphere of the town, visit a café, and try Czech pastries or a glass of beer brewed according to old recipes. Then, we will continue our journey to Konopiště, another corner of the Czech Republic that holds aristocratic luxury, hunting trophies, and historical dramas.

The road will take about an hour, and along the way, the landscape will change—dense forests, mirror-like lakes, and picturesque meadows with grazing deer will create the impression of traveling to another era. And then, before us, appears Konopiště Castle—an elegant residence that belonged to Archduke Franz Ferdinand, heir to the Austro-Hungarian throne.

This castle impresses with its exquisite interior, luxurious halls, and an extensive collection of weapons amassed by Franz Ferdinand, a passionate hunter. We will learn how his passion for hunting influenced the castle’s interiors, see knightly armor decorated with engravings, firearms over 300 years old, and uncover the tragic story of the heir to the throne, whose death in Sarajevo marked the beginning of World War I.

Strolling through the magnificent park of Konopiště, we will see graceful peacocks, rare tree species, swans on the pond, and, if we are lucky, even noble deer that often come close to the castle grounds. This place enchants with its serene aristocratic atmosphere and seems to invite you to linger longer to enjoy its tranquil beauty.

After the walk, we will head back to Prague. This day will leave not only stunning photographs but also the feeling of a true journey through time. We will see two sides of the Czech Republic—a formidable medieval fortress and a luxurious 19th-century palace, hear legends of kings and princes, and enjoy the picturesque views and scents of the Czech spring. This tour is a unique opportunity to connect with history, nature, and the grandeur of the past, which comes alive in every stone and wall of these legendary castles.


Tour Details

  • Transfer from Prague to Karlštejn – scenic views of hills, vineyards, and villages.
  • Walk through Karlštejn town – narrow streets, historic houses, souvenir shops.
  • Tour of Karlštejn Castle – 14th-century fortress, Gothic towers, royal relics, panoramic views.
  • Free time – cafés, souvenirs, stroll through the town.
  • Transfer to Konopiště – journey through forests, lakes, and valleys.
  • Tour of Konopiště Castle – residence of Franz Ferdinand, royal interiors, weapon collection.
  • Walk through Konopiště Park – peacocks, swans, rare trees.
  • Return to Prague.

  • Total tour duration: Approximately 10 hours

Why Choose This Tour?

  • Two legendary castles in one trip – Visit the medieval Karlštejn Castle, once home to royal relics, and the aristocratic Konopiště Castle, the former residence of Franz Ferdinand, featuring a unique collection of weapons and hunting trophies.
  • A journey through history and medieval atmosphere – Walk along the narrow streets of Karlštejn, admire Gothic architecture, and immerse yourself in fascinating legends of knights and kings.
  • Breathtaking landscapes and natural beauty – Travel through forests, lakes, and rolling hills, and enjoy the serene Konopiště Park, home to peacocks, swans, and rare trees—perfect for a relaxing stroll.

This tour offers a perfect blend of history, legends, and stunning nature, making it an unforgettable journey through the heart of the Czech Republic. Book your adventure today and step into the past!


Important Information


Maximum group size: up to 5 people. For groups larger than 5, the price is calculated individually.
The tour is available in multiple languages: Russian, Czech, English, and French.
Lunch is not included in the tour price and is paid separately.

You might also like other tours

Reviews

Emily R., USA
The contrast between the two castles was fascinating. Karlstejn feels like pure medieval legend, while Konopiste is refined and elegant. Loved the peacocks in the garden!
5
Johannes M., Deutschland
Zwei Schlösser, zwei Welten. Besonders beeindruckt hat mich die Waffensammlung in Konopiste. Unser Guide war freundlich und hat alles sehr lebendig erklärt.
5
Jana K., Česko
Výlet předčil očekávání. Karlštejn je majestátní a plný historie. Konopiště mě překvapilo krásou parku. Nejvíc mě ale zaujaly lovecké trofeje a příběh Františka Ferdinanda.
5
Oleksii V., Україна
Справжній подих середньовіччя. Карлштейн виглядає як із фільму. А Конопіште — затишок і аристократичність. Гід був супер!
5
Grace T., USA
Amazing tour, I booked it for my mom and myself. We’re both history nerds and were blown away by how different and beautiful both castles were. Recommend 100%.
5
Sebastian L., Deutschland
Ein perfekter Tagesausflug von Prag aus. Die Aussicht vom Karlstejn war atemberaubend. Und der Park von Konopiste im Winter – fast magisch.
5
Barbora Z., Česko
Dvě úplně jiné atmosféry. Karlštejn má gotickou sílu, Konopiště zase jemnou krásu. Výborný průvodce, krásné trasy, pohodlný přesun.
5
Natalia D., Україна
Чудовий тур. Конопіште дуже вразило — справжній палац із парком, як у казці. Подорож організована бездоганно.
5
Mark W., USA
I’m not usually into castles, but this was awesome. Especially the weapon collection and all the weird hunting stuff at Konopiste. Well organized.
4
Anja F., Deutschland
Die Führung in Karlstejn war sehr detailliert, aber die vielen Treppen sind nichts für jeden. Trotzdem ein toller Tag.
4
Lukáš T., Česko
Skvělý výlet pro milovníky historie. Nejsem fanoušek davů, takže jsem ocenil klid v Konopišti. Průvodce velmi znalý.
5
Sofiia H., Україна
Карлштейн дуже фотогенічний! Але Конопіште – то вже інша епоха. Вразило, що замки такі різні, але однаково красиві.
5
Jason L., USA
I think I preferred Karlstejn more – the views, the village, the legends. But both stops are worth it. We had time for coffee too.
4
Lisa M., Deutschland
Der Park in Konopiste war mein Highlight. Pfauen, weiße Schwäne und ein Schloss wie aus einem Märchen. Ein gelungener Tag!
5
Kateřina D., Česko
Nečekala jsem, že se mi bude víc líbit Konopiště než Karlštejn – ale ten park je fakt nádherný. Dobrý poměr informací a volného času.
5
Yurii B., Україна
Гарно організовано, встигли побачити дуже багато. Трохи втомились наприкінці, але воно того вартувало.
4
Anna V., USA
Peaceful scenery, fantastic storytelling. Loved the relics at Karlstejn and the hunting room in Konopiste. It was like time travel.
5
Thomas B., Deutschland
Ein langer Tag, aber abwechslungsreich. Karlstejn wirkt roh und mächtig, Konopiste dagegen filigran und höfisch. Beides spannend.
5
Lucie K., Česko
Karlštejn byl krásný, ale přeplněný. Konopiště bylo příjemně klidné, hlavně procházka parkem. Dobře zvolená kombinace.
4
Andrii K., Україна
Було цікаво побачити обидва замки. Карлштейн – це велич, Конопіште – розкіш. Обидва місця варті уваги!
5