The State Chateau of Hluboká — Attraction in okres České Budějovice

Hluboká Castle is a historic château situated in Hluboká nad Vltavou, a town lies on both banks of Vltava river. Hluboká Castle is considered one of the most beautiful castles in the Czech Republic. Hluboká Castle is considered one of the most beautiful, most famous and most frequently visited castles in the Czech Republic. As of 2019, it was the 3rd most visited castle in the country with 293,000 visitors.

Hluboká Castle is located about 12 km north of České Budějovice (about 15 minutes by car) and about 145km south of Prague (about 2 hours by car)

Hluboká Castle was erected in Neo-Gothic style. The first building that was built here was a 13th-century fortress. The present shape owes its renaissance from the nineteenth century, when it was modeled on the castle of Windsor. Today you can visit 140 chambers, admiring a rich collection of antique furniture, furniture and paintings.

Visitors can see, for example, a small and large dining room, a smoker's lounge, a morning lounge, a library and an armory. A major attraction is the castle kitchen with original decor. Authentic equipment and equipment were used until the 1940s. Visitors can also climb the 50-meter tower to enjoy the panoramic view of the area.

The ceilings and walls of the chambers were lined with precious wood, richly carved. In several halls, paintings of European masters, from the 18th century, portraits of the Schwarzenber family (castle owners) and Delft ceramics were exposed.

Originally a royal castle on a promontory above the Vltava River, after many changes in 1661 became the property of the Schwarzenberg family. The current appearance of the chateau complex, including the park and the surrounding landscape, was inspired by the trips of Prince Jan Adolf II. Schwarzenberg to Great Britain, who as a representative of an important and wealthy family participated the coronation of Queen Victoria in 1838. As an honorary diplomat of the Habsburg monarchy, he traveled to the coronation with his wife, Princess Eleonora, who greatly influenced castle appearance. Hluboká soon became the seat of the Schwarzenberg family.

The chateau itself was rebuilt in the Baroque style in the first third of the 18th century and maintained its appearance until the romantic reconstruction in the mid-19th century. The inspiration for the reconstruction of the chateau was mainly the royal castle Windsdor.

In 1947 the chateau was nationalized pursuant to a special law (Lex Schwarzenberg). At present, Hluboká Chateau is administered by the National Monument Institute.

The walls and ceilings of the interiors are richly decorated with woodcarvings and noble wood. Some rooms are decorated with paintings by 16th-18th century European masters, chandeliers, stained glass and pottery from Delft. The portraits on the walls depict the most important members of the Schwarzenberg family. Private rooms of the last owners of Hluboká, Prince Adolf and his wife Hilda are also accessible. In the basement of the chateau there is a chateau kitchen with a personal and dining elevator from the beginning of the 20th century.

Opening hours: November - March: 10:00-12:00 12:30-16:00 daily except Monday April, September, October: 9:00-12:00 12:30-16:30 daily except Monday May, June: 9:00-17:00 daily except Monday July, August: 9:00-17:00 daily

Admission: -Adults 25-65 years: 210 CZK Seniors 65+, Youth 18-25 years, Persons with disabilities with valid identification card/certificate: 170 CZK Children 6-18...

The State Chateau of Hluboká is an enchanting architectural gem located in Hluboká nad Vltavou, Czech Republic. As I explored this magnificent chateau, I was captivated by its fairy-tale-like appearance and rich history. The chateau, originally built in the 13th century, has undergone several renovations, with the most significant transformation occurring in the 19th century when it was redesigned in the Romantic Gothic style. Here are four key aspects that stood out during my visit:

The chateau's architecture is nothing short of breathtaking. The exterior is adorned with stunning Gothic and Renaissance elements, while the interiors are a testament to opulent European design. The chateau's white facade contrasts beautifully with the surrounding gardens and the reflection in the nearby Vltava River. It's a photographer's dream come true, and visitors will find themselves constantly reaching for their cameras to capture its beauty.

The chateau is surrounded by meticulously landscaped gardens that are a sight to behold. The extensive English-style park features perfectly manicured lawns, colorful flowerbeds, and meandering pathways. Exploring the gardens is a tranquil experience, and they provide an excellent backdrop for a leisurely stroll or a picnic.

The Chateau of Hluboká is steeped in history. It was originally a Gothic fortress before being transformed into a Renaissance chateau and later remodeled into its current Romantic Gothic style. The interior is equally impressive, with lavishly decorated rooms, antique furnishings, and a remarkable art collection. Guided tours are available, and the knowledgeable guides provide fascinating insights into the chateau's past.

Hluboká nad Vltavou is easily accessible from Prague, making it a great day trip option for those visiting the Czech capital. The chateau is well-maintained, and there are facilities for visitors, including a cafe where you can enjoy a coffee or light

The State Chateau of Hluboká is a true masterpiece of architecture and history, and it offers a delightful escape into a bygone era. Whether you're an architecture enthusiast, a history buff, or simply someone seeking a peaceful and picturesque setting, this chateau is a must-visit destination in the Czech Republic. For more details follow me on YouTube:...

This place is in my top 3 castles of all time. It's very different from visiting castle/fortress ruins or medieval castles that were mostly function - this one was built for luxury!

We did Tour 1. (There are maybe 4 different tours, but mostly just Tour 1 & 2 happen regularly? Anyway, only Tour 1 was offered this week.) When we arrived to the ticket office the lady said there was only one tour available that day in Czech at 13:15, so then I asked, to clarify, about an English tour (there were none available that day) or an audio guide (none in English, but 6 other languages available)... So I thought, hmm, ok what if we came tomorrow? And I shared this thought with her and asked about English tours tomorrow...she pondered this for awhile...and mysteriously, there was suddenly an English tour at 14:15 and we got tickets (320 czk for adults). Miracle of miracles! :) We had coffee, cold drinks, and pizza at the onsite cafe while we waited for the tour to start.

The tour was great, although the guide seemed a little nervous at speaking English but was perfectly understandable. The interior of the castle is MARVELOUS. I would highly recommend doing a tour if at all possible! Totally worth the price (lasts about an hour and you get to see many different rooms, including Princess Eleanor's private rooms). The woodwork is stunning, and the furniture is in perfect, gorgeous condition.

The parking lot is a long way from the castle. It's still walking distance, but all uphill, so while it's a doable walk, consider your physical condition and temperature of the day. Also bring an umbrella for shade and sunscreen. Alternatively, take the train from the parking lot (50 czk uphill, 25 czk downhill). I'm glad we did it; even without my elderly mother, I would have taken it due to heat and sun exposure. We paid 50 czk for parking for all day (I think the sign that says 11 euros for all day is referring to buses).

It was a LOVELY trip and I highly recommend visiting...