Hluboka nad Vltavou Castle: photo, description, history, opening hours, map

Hluboka nad Vltavou Castle is rightfully one of the most recognizable and photogenic historical monuments of the Czech Republic. Erected by a nobleman at the beginning of the 13th century as a fortress intended for protection, the castle originally had a different name – Frauenberg. Since then, it has undergone numerous renovations and transformations. Let's talk about the history of this place, when is the best time to visit and how much does it cost.

Story

It was only at the end of the 15th century that a Czech-Moravian magnate named Wilem II endowed him with Gothic features. Later, the building became the property of the monarchs, but already in 1562 the castle passed into the hands of a wealthy Czech family, known as Vitkovici from Hradec.

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In 1490, a pond called Bezdrev, which is the second largest in the Czech Republic, was equipped. In 1563, the castle was reconstructed: its appearance changed from Gothic to Renaissance. At the beginning of the XVIII century, the fortress tried on the baroque style. And from 1840 to 1871 there was an extensive transformation of Hluboka nad Vltavou into a romantic neo-gothic style. The changes also affected the surrounding landscape with the park.

Windsor Castle became the prototype of the last transformation. For 31 years, two architects worked on the project of the castle Gluboka nad Vltavou: the first drawings belonged to Franz Beer, Damasius Devoretsky continued and completed the work.

Let's mentally walk around the fortress and its environs.

Hluboka nad Vltavou Castle is located among enchanting forests and looks like a wondrous vision. He seemed to have descended from the pages of fairy tales by Hans Christian Andersen or Charles Perrault.

Landscape park and ancient garden

In the park you will meet unusual, exotic trees and charming flowers of indescribable beauty. In addition, here you can see a two-flight staircase with a fountain in the style of “new Gothic” and a rounded pool framed by bushes. It was in him in the famous Czech fairy tale film “The Proud Princess”, filmed in the fifties, that the main character fell.

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The ancient garden is located in the central part of this magical park. Here you can walk along twisted paths and streets, winding like a snake between trees and shrubs. This place looks so fabulous that it does not leave any visitor indifferent.

castle tower

In warm weather, you should definitely climb the tower. To do this, you will have to make an effort, you will need to overcome 245 steps. And it's worth it! The view from the observation deck is indescribably beautiful.

Halls

The primary route of the tour runs through the halls intended for official receptions. You will have the opportunity to see a collection of wall tapestries and applied arts.

The tour will delight regardless of age and gender. Within the walls of the castle is a stunning collection of weapons and an ancient mirror, looking into which, as legend has it, you will remain forever young.

Climbing up to the second floor, you can observe the chambers of Princess Eleonora located there and a library of impressive size. There is also a smoking room here – among the Schwarzenbergs it was considered bad manners to smoke on the balcony.

Kitchen

This place is striking in its eccentricity. Here you can see specialized elevators for transporting food, a potato peeler and self-rotating skewers.

The kitchen area is divided into 3 functional areas for cooking: for cold, hot and all kinds of sweet dishes.

Hluboka nad Vltavou is one of the most beautiful fortresses in all of Europe. It is worth coming here in order to touch the luxury and rich history of these walls. In addition, this place is valued by married couples, who can often be found here. Wedding photos against the backdrop of the castle walls are a beautiful highlight of the marriage album.

Rules of conduct in the castle

Today, the fortress Gluboka nad Vltavou belongs to the Czech government and is available for sightseeing visits almost all year round.

The administration is prohibited:

Working hours

Monday is a day off; in August and July – the castle receives guests every day, seven days a week.

From January to March, November and December: from 10:00 to 16:00; April and August to October: from 9:00 to 16:30; from May to July: from 9:00 to 17:00.

In December, excursions are held until the 18th inclusive. After the New Year holidays, the castle begins to receive guests from January 2.

Practical information

Guided tour prices vary depending on the part of the castle you want to visit and the age group. There are also family, they are the most expensive tickets. You can clarify the nuances, prices and find out the details of the routes on the official website of the Hluboka nad Vltavou castle.

Hluboka nad Vltavou Castle on the map

Houska Castle is another notable castle in this country.