Hluboká Castle | Plzen

Hluboká Castle is a Neo-Gothic chateau located in Hluboká nad Vltavou, approximately 150km south of Prague and 140km southeast of Plzeň. Originally a royal castle founded in the 13th century, it was redesigned in the 19th century to serve as the primary seat of the House of Schwarzenberg, modeled after Windsor Castle in England.

Visual Characteristics

The castle features white-plastered walls, 11 towers, and crenelated battlements typical of the Tudor Gothic style. The exterior is decorated with hunting trophies and intricate stone carvings, while the interior is noted for its extensive wood carvings, coffered ceilings, and walls lined with embossed leather or silk. The complex includes a massive conservatory (Orangery) made of glass and iron and is surrounded by an English-style landscape park.

Location & Access Logistics

The site is located at Bezručova 142, 373 41 Hluboká nad Vltavou. From Plzeň, access is via road I/20 and I/22 or by train with a transfer in České Budějovice. Public parking is available in the town center at the base of the hill; a 1km uphill walk on a paved road leads to the entrance. A seasonal tourist train operates between the central parking lot and the castle gates for a fee.

Historical & Ecological Origin

Originally a Gothic fortress established by King Wenceslaus II, the castle underwent multiple transformations until the Schwarzenberg family commissioned Viennese architect Franz Beer to rebuild it in the Romantic Neo-Gothic style between 1840 and 1871. The surrounding park occupies the former site of Vltava river terraces, featuring rare exotic trees and a 58-hectare landscape layout.

Key Highlights & Activities

Visitors can choose from multiple tour routes including the Representative Rooms, Private Apartments, the Castle Kitchen, and the Lookout Tower (accessible only in good weather). The Alšova Jihočeská Gallery, located in the former riding hall, houses significant collections of Gothic and modern art. The adjacent park is open for hiking and features a marked circular trail.

Infrastructure & Amenities

Restrooms are located in the main courtyard and at the gallery entrance. The castle grounds include a hotel (Hotel Štekl) and several cafes offering shaded outdoor seating. 5G signal is consistent throughout the town and the castle plateau. The interior of the castle is strictly climate-controlled, while the park provides ample natural shade.

Best Time to Visit

The best light for exterior photography is in the early morning or late afternoon, as the white walls reflect the sun intensely at midday. The castle is open year-round, but the winter tour route is restricted to specific chambers. The most visually striking time is late May when the azaleas in the park are in bloom or October for the autumn foliage.

Facts & Legends

The door handles of the main entrance are shaped into the form of a raven pecking at a Turk's head, which is the heraldic symbol of the Schwarzenberg family, commemorating their 1598 victory over the Ottoman Empire at the Battle of Raab. Local tradition holds that the castle’s massive mirrors in the reception hall reflect the true character of whoever gazes into them.

Nearby Landmarks

Ohrada Zoo & Hunting Lodge (2.5km South)

Munický Pond (1.5km South)

Church of St. John of Nepomuk (0.4km East)

Hluboká nad Vltavou Golf Course (1.2km Southeast)

Alšova South Bohemian Gallery (0.05km North)