Czech private castles open for rare public access: Which to visit this weekend?

Czechia’s Days of Private Castles and Chateaux will see 20 historical buildings open to the public from Friday, May 24, to Sunday, May 26, featuring guided tours and wine tastings. These castles and chateaux are normally inaccessible year-round, making the event all the more notable. Entry is free.

The owners of some properties will personally welcome visitors and offer tours, offering their own perspective on how developments in Czechia’s political, social, and religious history shaped the castles. Visitors will be able to see centuries-old libraries, clothing, and small museums where possible.

For those looking for a private historic building not far from Prague, there are a range of castles and chateaux to choose from, such as the 17th-century Lobkovice Castle or the neo-renaissance Stránov Castle in Central Bohemia, dating back to the 15th century.

Úholichky Castle in the Prague-West district is also taking part in the event. This neo-renaissance-style building was acquired by the wealthy Valdštejn family in the 19th century and is based on sprawling country grounds that visitors may explore. Líšno Castle, in the district of Benešov in Central Bohemia, also welcomes visitors this weekend.

Dobříš Castle in Central Bohemia is similarly reachable less than 30 minutes away by car from Prague. Built in rococo style, the castle housed Czech royalty around the 14th and 15th centuries – historical records show King Wenceslas IV residing there.

Over in South Moravia, visitors to Dolní Kounice Castle, which dates back to the 14th century, will be able to see a range of early modern oil paintings, and those who see Blatná Castle – built in the 13th century, but restored in early modern times – in South Bohemia will have a range of family-friendly activities to choose from. 

Among other castles and chateaux participating in the event are Houska (Liberec), Kost (Hradec Králové), Palupín (South Bohemia), Hrádek u Sušice (Pilsen), and Chyše (Karlovy Vary).

Since its establishment in 1995, the Association of Castle and Chateau Owners has been bringing together owners of historically valuable buildings in Czechia, helping preserve and promote the country's cultural heritage.