Státní zámek Hluboká nad Vltavou · 남보헤미아주 (흘루보카 나트 블타보우)
Location
Overview
Hluboká Castle (Státní zámek Hluboká nad Vltavou) is a gleaming white neo-Gothic chateau set on a hill above the Vltava River in South Bohemia, often called the most beautiful castle in the Czech Republic. Founded as a Gothic fortress in the 13th century, it passed to the Schwarzenberg family in 1661 and was rebuilt between 1841 and 1871 into its present Romantic neo-Gothic form, modeled on England's Windsor Castle. As of 2026 it remains a protected national cultural monument and state-run chateau, pairing a vast English landscape park with lavish interiors — a favorite day trip from České Budějovice or Prague.
The snow-white neo-Gothic silhouette with 11 towers inspired by Windsor Castle — picture-perfect from anywhere in the park
The Representation Rooms (piano nobile): grand dining hall, library and salons with carved wooden ceilings, tapestries and Schwarzenberg family collections
The armory and hunting-trophy displays that vividly evoke aristocratic life in the house
The Aleš South Bohemian Gallery in the former Riding Hall, with its paintings and sculpture collection
The 1.9 km² English-style castle park and the tower lookout over the Vltava and surrounding countryside
Good to know
RulesInteriors are accessible by guided tour only, and each circuit (Representation Rooms, guest/suite rooms, kitchen, tower lookout, winter tour) has its own price and schedule. Foreign-language (e.g. English) tours have fewer slots and cost slightly more, so book ahead via the official eTicket portal in high season. The park is free to enter.
SeasonThe main season runs roughly April–October with frequent Monday closures; in winter only a heated winter tour operates on limited (mostly weekend) days. Always check the official website for that year's exact open days and hours before you go.
SafetyFrom the car park and train stop it is about a 900 m walk up a steep hill to the castle entrance. Wear comfortable shoes, allow extra time, and carry water and a hat in summer.
MannersPhotography is often restricted or prohibited inside, and you should not touch the furnishings or exhibits. Tours depart at fixed times, so arrive at the ticket office at least 15–20 minutes early.
CautionThe town itself is low-risk, but watch for pickpockets at train stations and busy transfer points in Prague and České Budějovice. Buy tickets only from the official website or on-site box office to avoid resale markups.
SeasonPeak season (June–August) and weekends get busy from mid-morning and popular tour slots sell out. Arrive early or reserve online to secure the time you want.
Practical info
The castle lies about 10–15 km from České Budějovice by bus or train, with a tourist train (train4you) running to near the car park, from which it is roughly a 900 m climb up the hill. From Prague it is about a 2–2.5 hour trip by bus or train. The park is freely open, but the interiors require a paid guided tour (reservation recommended); opening hours, prices and available circuits change by season, so verify the latest details on the official website.
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