Czech castle season ends: Which was most visited and where to go all year?

The Czech Republic’s main tourist season has ended, and cleaners and restorers have taken over castle halls once bustling with visitors.

This year, over 3.8 million people visited one of the more than 100 state-owned castles and chateaux managed by the National Monuments Institute (NPU). While the total fell slightly short of last year’s record 4.08 million visitors, it marked a successful season overall, according to NPU spokesperson Blanka Černá.

Lednice Castle topped the list of most-visited sites, followed by popular landmarks like Český Krumlov, Hluboká, Karlštejn, and Bouzov.

The largest year-on-year visitor growth was reported at Lysice, Litomyšl, and Uherčice castles, each offering new attractions and experiences: Terrace gardens were restored in Lysice, Litomyšl’s historic theater and kitchen reopened, and Uherčice saw splendidly updated interiors.

The extended season continued through the first weekend of November, attracting over 23,000 additional visitors. Some castles will remain open on weekends throughout the winter with special programs, while others will reopen for the Advent season with events themed around traditional Czech Christmas customs.

Castle Advent will feature costumed tours, nativity displays, Christmas concerts, and traditional culinary tastings in castle kitchens, with Sychrov and Křivoklát castles offering especially rich programs.

Admission prices, which rose by about 10 percent this year, are expected to remain steady in 2025, and existing discounts will continue. Children under six can enter for free, and discounts are available for children, youth, and seniors.

Rankings reflect state-run properties of the National Heritage Institute. For a complete list of events, year-round openings, annual closures, and castle advent programs, visit the NPU website.