A Baroque castle not far from Prague makes for a royal weekend getaway

Just 25 km southeast of Prague in the town of Kamenice, the Hotel Chateau Štiřín is a lesser-known Baroque gem and a convenient country retreat for those who want to escape the hustle and bustle of the capital without going too far.

As more and more domestic travelers rediscover the wealth of adventures the Czech Republic has to offer, many seek quick getaways that combine relaxation and proximity to nature with historic splendor.

“During summer, the majority of our bookings are done by local individual clients and a couple of clients from neighboring countries – Europe only,” says Jana Ďuračková, trade and marketing leader at Chateu Štiřín.

With its extensive grounds, encompassing a golf course, restaurant, and spa, Chateau Štiřín fits the bill; it is currently offering a number of packages tailored for short trips from a one-night getaway that includes a picnic and massage to family deals that give little ones the royal treatment.

Štiřín's history dates as far back as the 14th century, with historical evidence of a Gothic fortress sitting on the site where the current chateau is located. Over the next couple of centuries, the estate changed owners several times and it was destroyed, rebuilt, and expanded more than once – though you can still see remnants of the original Gothic fortress on the ground floor of the chateau.

In the 1700s, a chapel was added and a century later industrialist František Ringhoffer re-infused the entire chateau with life through a major reconstruction that included the introduction of golf to the grounds of the chateau.

Today, that tradition continues in the form of a 9-hole golf course carefully built in a meadow within the French- and English-style gardens that surround the property. Inside the chateau, former lounges and hunting halls have been restored to their former glory and can now be rented for conferences and corporate events, weddings, and private receptions.

There are multiple options for accommodation at Chateau Štiřín with 63 rooms spread across five different buildings.

Those include the chateau itself, which offers elegant interiors furnished with original late-Baroque furniture. Visitors can also choose to spend the night at the Baroque-style Salm House, the rustic Jockey House, or the chateau-style Arminia House.

The Atis House, designed in an enchanting mix of artistic and natural style, also accommodates guests.

The hotel's Atis Restaurant, serving a selection of Czech and international cuisine, and a wide assortment of Moravian and premium wines is located here as well. The restaurant's architecture is unique; built in an organic style, it's meant to resemble natural elements such as the banks of streams and flying clouds.

There are certainly plenty of possibilities for active rest and relaxation at Chateau Štiřín, including a wellness center with a sauna, whirlpools, a bio-solarium, and massage services. Guests can also play pétanque, take horse-riding lessons or rent a mountain bike to explore the many local trails. Maps with cycling and hiking circuits are available at the front desk.

For those looking for a more organized getaway, the chateau offers several packages, including a romantic one-night getaway for couples that includes a stay in the Chateau Building, a bottle of sparkling wine in the pavilion by the lake, a relaxing full body massage (60 minutes) and access to the private wellness center (50 minutes), a buffet breakfast, and a picnic basket, all for CZK 4,690.

Those looking to connect with nature can instead choose a package that includes a one-night stay at the Salm/Jockey buildings, horseback riding, a self-guided tour through the Baron Ringhoffer's landscape, access to the fitness center, plus a number of other perks for CZK 4,490.

For families, the chateau offers a very special “Prince/Princess for a Day” package, where 2 adults + 2 children get to spend a night at the Chateau, can dress up like royalty, and search for treasure in the garden. The package also includes a family picnic basket, a special surprise gift in the room, and a breakfast buffet for the entire family for a total of CZK 4,490.

Many of the packages allow you to add extra services for an additional charge, such as professional hairstyles, photoshoots, and even make-up courses. There are also getaways for active retirees and ladies' weekends.

During the summer, chamber recitals, violin concerts, and jazz evenings are part of the program at the chateau as well. Visitors can arrange a trip to the nearby Velké Popovice Brewery or the birthplace of the Czech children's book illustrator Josef Lada in the nearby village of Hrusice. Nature trails inspired by his work wind around the chateau area.

Those seeking a single-day reprieve from Prague can also enjoy a game of golf, a memorable meal or picnic, or a walk around the stunning grounds of this hidden-gem Czech castle as a part of the perfect day trip.