Karlštejn Castle rises above the Berounka valley as Charles IV's Gothic treasury — built in 1348 specifically to house the Bohemian crown jewels, the Holy Roman imperial regalia, and the emperor's personal collection of sacred relics.
What to see
- The Chapel of the Holy Cross — the most significant room in the castle, its walls inlaid with 129 panel paintings by Master Theodoric and encrusted with semi-precious stones; advance reservation required
- The Great Tower — the sequence of fortified chambers climbing to the chapel, revealing the castle's layered defensive logic
- The Berounka valley views — the forested gorge and river below the ramparts reward the walk up from the village
What to do
- The approach road from the village of Karlštejn is car-free and lined with shops selling mead, wooden crafts, and regional produce — allow time for the walk both ways
Take note
- Entry is by guided tour only; the Chapel of the Holy Cross requires a separate advance reservation — book at hrad-karlstejn.cz