Czech Castle Summer Escapes

Why not indulge in a royal weekend this summer? Afterall, the Czech Republic is the second most castle-dense country in the world. We asked Harriet Landseer, author of Castles, Country Houses and Other Monuments to suggest summertime castle and chateau stays for a range of budgets and interests:

Chateau Mcely is a luxurious property with fabulous food conveniently located to Prague. For those looking for something new but similarly indulgent, Chateau Herálec is a good option. Located in Vysočina, the 5-star boutique property has 19 rooms and suites and posh amenities that make it the perfect place to wind down. The country’s only L’Occitane spa offers massage and beauty treatments, a pool and a Finnish sauna. Kids are welcome too, there’s a special family suite available, plus a playground, cinema and babysitting service.

Chateau Herálec

Another family friendly stay recommended by Landseer is Zámek Hostačov, located between Kutná Hora and Havlíčkův Brod.

View from the Verona room, Zámek Hostačov

Another good choice for a stay with kids is Svojanov, a medieval castle that is also ideal for groups, couples or individuals, says Landseer. It is actually the only castle in the country in which the architecture ranges from Gothic Empire to the 19th century. 

Svojanov

Central Bohemia is resplendent with castle stays. Moving a bit closer to our century, Chateau Kotěra is a must for 20th-century art and architecture lovers. The chateau, built by architect Jan Kotěra is enough of a draw, but the interior is furnished with pieces designed by Kotěra’s contemporaries.

Chateau Kotěra

There’s more for the art lovers who want to stay in a castle crowd. Chateau Třebešice combines a Renaissance building with contemporary art decor. Located a few miles from Kutná Hora, the owners have reconstructed the chateau and now invite artists for residences; works are designed and donated to the chateau so the grounds are something of an ongoing exhibition.

Chateau Třebešice

Moravia boasts a few castle stays of its own and if you are a wine lover, going there is a must. Chateau Čejkovice is a former Gothic fortress, but sits in the middle of Moravian wine country. The rooms are sparse, but the recreational options in the area include wine biking routes, Moravian folk festivals, vineyard tours, and, of course, plentiful opportunities for tastings. Staying in Čejkovice means you get the charm of a little village in close proximity to Mikulov and the Valtice-Ledice area.

If you’d like to get a group together for a bit of a different weekend away, the entire Chateau Luka is available for rent. The capacity is 14 guests and the owners can arrange for a chef to prepare your meals. Not far from Prague, the chateau is set amidst a 19-hectare park.

Chateau Čejkovice

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Have you spent a night in one of the Czech Republic’s grand castles or chateaus?