Traditionally,
Karlštejn Castle (map), previously the residence of Czech kings, keeps its gates open for tourists throughout the year. Not only can you admire the historic interiors of the Imperial Palace with valuable furnishings which originate from between the 14th and 19th centuries, there are replicas of the Bohemian and the Imperial Royal Crowns as well.
Perhaps the best-known and most beautiful chateau in the Czech Republic,
Chateau Hluboká nad Vltavou (map) offers visitors a special winter tour.
Among the Czech castles and chateaus which are open during the winter season, one of the most significant is definitely
Lednice Castle (map) in southern Moravia, a part of the
Lednice-Valtice Cultural Landscape which is registered in the list of monuments protected as World Cultural Heritage by UNESCO. In addition to the castle, you can admire other historic monuments in the castle park, such as the Apollo Temple, Temple of the Three Graces, John’s Castle, Border House and the Minaret. The castle green-house is also open to visitors all year.
Apart from a tour around the castle interiors, another UNESCO Site, the renaissance
Telč Castle (map), offers an exhibition of old toys as well (until the end of 2011).
In 2011 in Český Krumlov a new
castle museum was opened. Contrary to standard museums, it is a museum exposition with the spirit of the 19th century. The interiors are equipped with historic lights, a renovated tile stove and replicas of old museum display cases. Moreover, there is a special display which presents a precious pictorial almanac (facsimile) called Liber depictus or “Krumlov Codex”, created in the 14th century in the Minorite monastery in Český Krumlov.
Křivoklát Castle (map) is one of the most important and oldest castles in the Czech Republic. It is situated in the heart of a beautiful forest and Bohemian kings and dukes would use it as a hunting residence. Visitors can explore noticeable interiors and miscellaneous elements of medieval decorative techniques. For example, the Grand Tower offers an extensive collection of hunting weapons and trophies. In addition, the castle is unique due to its large library which includes nearly 52,000 books. Moreover, the first two weekends in December 2011 feature a traditional Christmas village fair with the sale of traditional arts and crafts and juggling performances.
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(map), a beautiful monument in the neo-renaissance style, is located near Mladá Boleslav. It is not ranked among the best-known chateaus but it is really worth visiting, even during the winter. It offers marvellous interiors and exteriors, including a tower with breathtaking views of the surrounding area. It is often mentioned as the most “fairytale” chateau in the Czech Republic, which is certainly why several Czech fairytale movies have been shot in its premises.
Another amazing castle which is open during the winter season is the neo-Gothic Sychrov Chateau
(map), which offers special fairytale tours conducted by guides wearing period costumes.
You may further be amazed by
Kunín Chateau (map), one of the most valuable jewels of baroque architecture in Moravia.
As regards private monuments open throughout the year, you can visit e.g. the baroque Dětenice Chateau
(map) with its popular medieval pub located in the adjacent brewery. The cosy Rococo
Dobříš Chateau (map) near Prague offers Christmas concerts. Another good tip for a winter visit is Loučeň Chateau
(map) in the Nymburk Region with its live nativity scene, which is prepared for visitors shortly before Christmas. The empire
Boskovice Chateau (map) offers Christmas tours with guides dressed in costumes and
Chateau Hrádek u Sušice (map) is also attractive for its special Christmas nativity scene display.