Best things to do in Karlstejn

Karlštejn Essentials

Centered around the 14th-century Gothic castle of Charles IV, this selection highlights the historical and natural landmarks of the Bohemian Karst. It includes the medieval Church of St. Palmácius, specialized museums featuring nativity scenes and horology, and the dramatic limestone landscapes of the Malá Amerika quarry and Budňanská skála. Natural sites like the Bubovické waterfalls and the ancient Oak of the Seven Brothers complement the architectural heritage of this protected landscape area.

Karlštejn Essentials — Map

Olaf1541 / CC-BY-SA-3.0

A

Karlštejn Castle

This impressive Gothic castle built by the "father of the country" Charles IV in 1348, is one of the most visited monuments in the Czech…

Pastorius / CC BY 3.0

B

Malá Amerika

A 165-meter-long flooded limestone quarry located within the Bohemian Karst. It forms part of a larger network of interconnected quarries and tunnels near Mořina.

Petr Vodička / CC BY-SA 4.0

C

CHKO Český kras

A protected landscape area characterized by limestone formations, deep canyons, and extensive cave systems. It covers the karst territory between Prague and Beroun.

D

Muzeum betlémů

Museum housing a collection of historical and contemporary nativity scenes, including a large mechanical nativity scene with moving figures and scenes of the castle's history.

Půjčovnavzducholodí / CC BY-SA 4.0

E

svatý Palmácius

Gothic parish church founded in 1351 by Charles IV during the construction of Karlštejn Castle. The building retains its medieval core with later Baroque interior modifications.

F

Dům hodin

Museum dedicated to horology, exhibiting a private collection of hundreds of historical clocks and watches dating from the 16th to the 20th century.

G

Bubovické vodopády

A series of limestone cascades and small waterfalls on the Bubovický stream, where water flows over moss-covered tufa steps within the Bohemian Karst.

H

Dub sedmi bratří

A 350-year-old sessile oak tree standing 16 meters tall with a trunk circumference of 460 centimeters. It is located along the hiking trail north of the castle.

I

Wax Museum

Exhibition featuring wax figures of historical personalities associated with Karlštejn, including Charles IV, his four wives, and various medieval tradespeople.

J

Budňanská skála

A geologically significant limestone cliff displaying sharply folded rock layers. It marks the boundary between the Silurian and Devonian geological periods.