If you are looking for unforgettable one day trips from Prague, better to look beyond the typical tourist spots. There are incredible places to visit from Prague that offer deep history and raw nature without the massive crowds. One of the absolute best places to visit from Prague is Křivoklát Castle. Tucked away inside a protected, deep green forest nature reserve, it feels much wilder and more authentic than other castles nearby. If you are researching things to see outside Prague, here is a complete list of everything you can see, eat, and do during your visit.
How to Pronounce Křivoklát
The correct Czech spelling is Křivoklát.
- The letter ř can be hard for visitors. It sounds like saying the letters “R” and “G” at the exact same time.
- Don’t worry if it is difficult! If you say “Krivoklat” or “Kgivoklat”, local people will easily understand you.
If you are trying to decide which fortress fits your travel style, check out our master list of Czech Republic Historical Sites & Castles: Choose the Best to find the perfect match for your trip.
Why It is One of the Best One Day Trips from Prague
Křivoklát Castle was built in the 12th century and remains in fantastic condition. When exploring things to see outside Prague, its unique history makes it stand out. Over the centuries, its purpose changed completely:
- Royal Home: For many hundreds of years, Czech kings lived here and used the surrounding deep forests for hunting.
- State Prison: In the 16th and 17th centuries, the building became a feared prison. When you see it, you will understand why—it sits on top of a high hill with incredibly thick stone walls.
- Private Noble Home: In 1733, a rich noble family called the Fürstenbergs took over the castle.
- National Treasure: Today, the castle belongs to the Czech state.
When you walk through the rooms, you might notice something surprising. The “great royal rooms” are actually quite small! It makes you wonder: if the king’s rooms were this small, how tiny were the homes of regular people?
What to Do and See Inside the Castle Walls
Křivoklát feels like a small, hidden medieval village. Once you pass through the main gate, you enter a lively courtyard full of activities.
1. Take a Guided Castle Tour
To see the best parts of the interior, you can buy a ticket for a guided tour.
- The Gothic Chapel: This is one of the most beautiful and best-preserved medieval chapels in Central Europe. Look closely at the altar—it features unique, detailed carvings of angels carrying instruments of torture.
- The Royal Library: This stunning room holds over 52,000 historic books and ancient manuscripts collected by noble families.
- The Torture Chamber & The Alchemist’s Tale: See real historical instruments used on prisoners centuries ago. A famous prisoner here was the royal alchemist Edward Kelley. He tried to escape by climbing down the walls, but his rope snapped! He broke his leg so badly it had to be amputated.
- Climb the High Great Tower: If you want a panoramic view of the entire river valley and forests, you can climb the stairs to the top of the main circular stone tower. Inside the tower, there is also a fascinating exhibition about medieval hunting techniques.
🎬 Spot the Movie Set: Křivoklát Castle is a very famous filming location! Hollywood blockbusters like The Brothers Grimm (starring Matt Damon and Heath Ledger), Last Knights (starring Morgan Freeman), and the popular Disney/Netflix holiday movie A Boy Called Christmas were all filmed right inside this courtyard.
2. Shop for Authentic Czech Crafts
You will not find cheap plastic souvenirs here. The castle courtyard is famous for real, traditional workshops:
- The Blacksmiths: You can watch masters melt metal over a fire and buy beautiful, hand-forged iron decorations.
- Leather & Wood Crafts: Local artists sell handmade belts, bags, wallets, and traditional wooden toys for children.
- Unique Jewelry: You can buy special handmade pieces that you cannot find in regular Prague souvenir shops.
- The Official Gift Shop: Visit the main ticket office shop to find special Křivoklát medals, collectible tourist stamps, souvenir coins, and postcards stamped with a real royal wax seal.
3. Taste Traditional Bohemian Food & Drink
There are traditional taverns and cafes located directly inside the castle walls.
- Local Craft Beer: Try the local ales. They are made using old Czech traditions and taste perfect with hearty local food.
- The Atmosphere: It is wonderful to sit inside a dining room with giant, old wooden ceiling beams, or relax on the stone terrace with a cold drink.
- The Castle Bakery: Look for fresh local pastries, gingerbread, or traditional mead (honey wine) served warm on colder days.
Best Things to Do Outside the Castle Walls
If you love nature, photography, and local culture, the area directly surrounding the castle has some incredible hidden gems.
1. Hike to the Best Panoramic Viewpoints
Because the castle is nestled in a deep valley, climbing the nearby hills gives you breathtaking, picture-perfect views of the fortress rising above the trees.
- The Paraplíčko Lookout: A beautiful, easy-to-reach viewpoint named after a historic wooden umbrella structure that once stood there. It gives you a sweeping view of both the castle and the Berounka river.
- The Monument of Prince Karl Egon II: Follow the yellow-marked trail up the hill to find a grand, neo-Gothic stone monument. The view of the castle from this specific spot is spectacular, especially in the autumn when the leaves change color.
- The Brdatka Nature Trail (Naučná stezka Brdatka): This beautiful forest path leads you through a deeply wooded nature reserve along the valley slopes. It features educational signs about local plants and wildlife, making it a wonderful, quiet walk.
- Pro Tip: Download the Mapy.cz app before your trip and turn on the “Outdoor” map layer. It shows every hidden forest trail and lookout point perfectly, even if you lose internet connection.
2. Fun for Families: The Křivoklát Forest Playground (Lesní hřiště)
If you are traveling with children, you must visit this amazing, large recreational area hidden inside a beautiful oak forest nearby.
- It is completely free and open all year round.
- It features fantastic wooden climbing frames, a zipline (lanová dráha), massive slides, and sports fields.
- There are plenty of wooden gazebos, benches, and designated campfire spots where families can sit down and relax under the trees.
3. See the Renaissance Watermill (Renesanční mlýn)
Down in the valley village below the castle, keep an eye out for a beautiful, historical Renaissance-style watermill. This ancient building was the birthplace of the famous 16th-century Czech painter Matěj Huťský. It adds a lovely touch of old-world charm to your walk through the town.
4. Visit the Motorcycle Museum (Muzeum motocyklů)
Just a short walk down the hill from the castle gates is a fantastic treat for automotive fans. This private museum holds an impressive collection of historic, vintage Czechoslovak motorcycles, including beautifully restored Jawa and ČZ models. It is a great glimpse into 20th-century history.
5. Look for Seasonal Steam Trains
If you plan your trip well, you might get a chance to ride a historic, old-fashioned steam locomotive directly from Prague to Křivoklát. The Czech railways run these special vintage trains during major holidays like Easter, localized festivals, or specific summer weekends. It turns the journey into a magical time-travel experience!
Where to Stay: Hotel Sýkora Křivoklát & Castle Apartments
Most people visit as a day trip, but staying overnight lets you experience the village after all the daytime travelers leave. You have two great options:
- The Castle Apartments: You can actually sleep inside the castle fortress! Part of the castle has been turned into historic apartments with stone walls. To find the official booking page, search online for the exact Czech phrase: “Ubytování na hradě Křivoklát”.
- Hotel Sýkora Křivoklát: If you prefer a traditional hotel with modern comfort, Hotel Sýkora Křivoklát is located right below the castle hill. It features newly renovated family rooms, an excellent restaurant serving Czech classics (and great pizza), and a green garden where you can look up at the castle walls while sitting by a real outdoor fireplace.
🚗 Ready to Plan Your Journey?
Now that you know what to see, you need to plan your route. Because Křivoklát is hidden deep in a protected forest valley, taking the wrong train or missing a transfer can easily ruin your afternoon.
Read our companion guide on How to Get to Křivoklát Castle from Prague (and Back) for exact timetables, hidden train platform numbers, and step-by-step local bus directions.
