Blogs from Karlstejn, Central Bohemian Region, Czech Republic, Europe

Karlstejn is a cool place that makes for a good daytrip from Prague. Unfortunatley due to my motley old age, my body is taking longer to recover from things nowadays and I spent the first half of the day firmly planted in bed. On getting up and breakfasting for 2 hours, we finally realised the time and we set off on a mini day trip, or maybe a minute mini day trip would fit better. It was a nice sunny day up until about 20m before we were due to arrive in Karlstejn, when the fog engulfed our train and my hopes of seeing one of the most famous landmarks in Czech were all but dashed. Luckily however, as we walked to Karlstejn the fog dispersed giving a rather magical feel to the ascent. The photos ... read more

Okay feeling lazy but this place was great so deserves an entry of its own so will add what Wikipedia has to say: Karlštejn Castle (German: Burg Karlstein, meaning Castle on Carl's stone, Czech: Hrad Karlštejn) is a large Gothic castle founded 1348 AD by Charles IV, Holy Roman Emperor-elect and King of Bohemia. The castle served as a place for safekeeping the Imperial Regalia as well as the Bohemian coronation jewels, holy relics and other royal treasures. Located about 30 km southwest of Prague above the village named Karlštejn, it is one of the most famous and most frequently visited castles in the Czech Republic. If you ever get to the Czech Republic have a look.... read more

Short entry to inform all my Czech friends who wax lyrical about Karlštejn that I have ticked it off my list. Me and my flatmate Anne-Sophie did a day trip today, did the tour, ate ice cream, went for a short wander and came back. It was a nice day, but there's really nothing more to write about.... read more

Karlstejn castle—they say this castle looks like it is from Disneyland, and it does. Turrets and walls and ramparts, high above a village. We had to walk up to the castle first thing in the morning and it was very interesting a beautiful. Bought a picture from an art gallery and proprietor clicked his heels and bowed at us—the Czech manners make you feel very ladylike. We then rushed back to Prague, and did some more sightseeing and finally went to the concert in the golden church. We went to see the Hussite chapel—they were very early Protestants even before Luther and helped to mould the Czech Republic into one people. Caused lots of bloodshed though—the protestants seemed very keen on chucking people out of high windows—there is a name for this—defenestration - and it has ... read more

A few old photos from my last trip to Czech Republic.... read more

A fourty minute train ride from Prague is Castle Karlstejn. The lonely planet guide mentioned fairy tale, and it lived up to the description. Perching on the top of a hill, looming over a village, with flags rustling in the wind. I've never seen a castle as picturesque, though Warwick Castle England was very impressive. The castle was built in the 14th century, and was home to Charles IV, and his 4 wives. For 200Kc (£4) a tour takes you around most of the castle, unfortunately for us, the Chapel of the Holy Rood is closed to visitors except in July - September. The guided tour around the inhabited part was impressive enough. So things I remember: Being a princess/queen was not all it that it is cut out to be. Lots of child bearing and ... read more