Hluboká Castle Travel Guide: Czech Republic’s Most Romantic Chateau

Introduction to Hluboka Castle

In the heart of South Bohemia lies one of the Czech Republic’s most enchanting landmarks—Hluboká Castle (Zámek Hluboká). With its pristine white towers, turrets, and lush English gardens, it looks like it was pulled straight from a fairytale. Inspired by England’s Windsor Castle, Hluboká is a masterpiece of Neo-Gothic architecture and one of the top attractions for visitors to the Czech countryside.

Whether you're a history buff, architecture lover, or simply in search of storybook scenery, this grand castle in the town of Hluboká nad Vltavou is an unmissable stop on your Czech itinerary.

📍 Where Is Hluboká Castle?

Country: Czech Republic

Region: South Bohemia

Town: Hluboká nad Vltavou

Nearest Major City: České Budějovice (~15 min by car)

Distance from Prague: ~150 km (about 2 hours by car)

🏰 A Brief History of Hluboká Castle

Originally built in the 13th century as a Gothic fortress

Rebuilt several times over centuries—Renaissance and Baroque periods

Final and most iconic version: Neo-Gothic design by the Schwarzenberg family in the mid-19th century

Modeled after Windsor Castle in England

Nationalized in 1947, now state-owned and open to the public

Official name: Státní zámek Hluboká

✨ Why Visit Hluboká Castle?

Regarded as the most beautiful castle in the Czech Republic

Stunning English-style park with fountains, sculptures, and manicured lawns

Lavishly furnished interiors: tapestries, hunting trophies, wood carvings

Scenic views over the Vltava River

Art exhibitions, guided tours, and seasonal events

Easily accessible from Český Krumlov and České Budějovice

🎟️ Hluboká Castle Tours & Entry

There are several types of guided tours available:

Tour Type	Duration	Description	Language
Representative Rooms	60 mins	Main salons, dining room, library, chapel	CZ/EN
Private Apartments	50 mins	Personal rooms of the Schwarzenberg family	CZ/EN
Castle Tower	30 mins	Climb 60 meters for panoramic views	CZ/EN
Winter Tour	40 mins	Limited rooms, seasonal	CZ only

🎫 Entry Fees (as of 2024):

Adults: 320 CZK (~13 EUR)

Students/Seniors: 260 CZK

Children under 6: Free

Tower-only ticket: ~100 CZK

Tip: Guided tours are required for interiors. Book in advance, especially in summer!

🖼️ Interior Highlights

The Great Dining Hall: Rich wood paneling and long banquet table

Library: Rare book collection and intricately carved bookshelves

Hunting Hall: Trophies and historic hunting gear

Chapel: Small but exquisitely decorated

Art Gallery: Paintings by Dutch, Flemish, and Central European masters

🌳 Gardens and Castle Grounds

1.9 square kilometers of landscaped English-style park

Features geometrically designed flower beds, fountains, and benches

Free to enter and open year-round

Ideal for picnics, romantic walks, or wedding photography

Seasonal blooms: roses in summer, fiery foliage in autumn

📸 Best Photography Spots

Spot	Best Time	What to Capture
Front Castle Courtyard	Morning light	Full facade and symmetrical towers
Garden Paths	Spring/summer	Castle framed by roses and greenery
Tower Viewpoint	Sunset	Vltava River and Bohemian countryside
Rear Garden Steps	Midday	Elegant side angles with floral border

🕰️ Best Time to Visit Hluboká Castle

Season	Pros	Notes
Spring	Flowers blooming, mild weather	Ideal for garden lovers
Summer	Full access, long opening hours	Book in advance, can get crowded
Autumn	Colorful foliage, fewer tourists	Great for photography
Winter	Magical snowy scenes, limited access	Some tours suspended, garden less vibrant

🍽️ Where to Eat Nearby

Lovecká Chata – Rustic-style Czech cuisine with game meats

Restaurace Hubert – Traditional dishes and local beer

Bistro Dvorek – Casual lunch with garden seating

Hotel Štekl Restaurant – Elegant dining with castle views

🛏️ Where to Stay in Hluboká nad Vltavou

Hotel Name	Type	Features
Hotel Štekl	4-star hotel	Directly beside castle, luxury stay
Wellness Hotel Diamant	5-star	Spa, pool, fitness, near river
Parkhotel Hluboká	3-star	Modern, budget-friendly, great location
Pension L-Club	Guesthouse	Cozy, garden, short walk to castle

🧭 How to Get to Hluboká Castle

🚗 By Car

From Prague: ~2 hours via D3/E55 south

Parking available in town (paid lots near castle)

🚆 By Train/Bus

Take a train to České Budějovice, then a bus to Hluboká nad Vltavou

Bus ride: ~20 minutes

Train from Prague to České Budějovice: ~2.5 hours

🚴‍♀️ By Bike

Hluboká is on the Vltava River cycling route

Popular ride from České Budějovice through forests and riverside

🧭 Nearby Attractions

Attraction	Distance	Why Visit
Český Krumlov	40 km (~40 min)	UNESCO town with castle and medieval charm
České Budějovice	12 km (~15 min)	Historic Old Town, Budweiser brewery
Holašovice Village	30 km (~30 min)	UNESCO-protected folk baroque village
Zoo Hluboká	1 km walk	Family-friendly zoo with over 300 species

🛍️ Souvenirs to Buy

Castle-themed postcards and magnets

Local ceramics and lacework

Czech crystal and glassware

Books about the Schwarzenberg family

Traditional Czech snacks and sweets

🧳 Travel Tips

Book tours early in summer and holidays

Arrive early to beat the crowds and secure parking

Wear comfortable shoes—some walking uphill required

Photography inside the castle is limited unless you buy a photo permit

Combine your visit with a half-day trip to České Budějovice

🧭 Summary Table

Feature	Detail
Location	Hluboká nad Vltavou, Czech Republic
Style	Neo-Gothic (Windsor-inspired)
Entry Fee	100–320 CZK depending on tour
Best Season	Spring to Autumn
Accessibility	Easy via car, train + bus
Castle Gardens	Free and open all year
Family Friendly	Yes – zoo nearby, open grounds

Final Thoughts

Hluboká Castle is more than just one of the most photogenic castles in Europe—it’s a true cultural treasure. From its regal halls and royal history to the sprawling gardens and riverside location, it offers a peaceful yet majestic experience for every traveler.

Whether you're doing a full Czech Republic castle tour or simply passing through South Bohemia, a stop at Hluboká will leave you with unforgettable memories—and a camera full of magical shots.