Karlstejn Castle

Karlstejn · Czechia · Tier B

Karlstejn Castle, a B-tier castle in Czechia

Karlštejn Castle rises above the Berounka River valley about 30 kilometres southwest of Prague. Construction began in 1348 and was completed by 1365, built by Charles IV to safeguard the imperial regalia, the Bohemian crown jewels, and sacred relics. The Gothic structure underwent a Neo-Gothic reconstruction between 1887 and 1905.

Its Chapel of the Holy Cross contains 129 Gothic panel paintings by court painter Master Theodorik, a collection described as without parallel in the world. Open to the public since 1905, the castle receives over 200,000 visitors annually, making it one of the most-visited historic monuments in the Czech Republic.

Official site · Wikipedia

Visitor information

Location
Karlstejn
Country
Czechia
Tier
B (Great castles)
Coordinates
49.9394, 14.1881
Official site
https://www.hrad-karlstejn.cz/

Frequently asked questions

Where is Karlstejn Castle?
Karlstejn Castle is in Karlstejn, Czechia (approximately 49.9394, 14.1881).
Can you visit Karlstejn Castle?
Yes — Karlstejn Castle is open to visitors; see the official site at https://www.hrad-karlstejn.cz/ for hours and tickets.
What tier is Karlstejn Castle on the Castle Atlas?
Karlstejn Castle is rated B tier on the Castle Atlas — Great castles.
What can you see at Karlstejn Castle?
Karlštejn Castle rises above the Berounka River valley about 30 kilometres southwest of Prague. Construction began in 1348 and was completed by 1365, built by Charles IV to safeguard the imperial regalia, the Bohemian crown jewels, and sacred relics. The Gothic structure underwent a Neo-Gothic reconstruction between 1887 and 1905.

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The Castle Atlas
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Methodology

A castle here means anything Wikipedia lists as a castle — which often includes fortresses, palaces, monasteries, and châteaux. The list also includes historicist creations like Neuschwanstein, but only when their main construction was completed before the 20th century.

All castles are sorted into tiers based on nothing but the author’s vibe and whim. Feel free to rearrange them however you personally see fit. Ultimately, the criteria were not historical significance or defensive capability, but how exciting a visit there would likely be.