Loket castle

Originally a castle, erected in Romanesque style, was here since early 13th century.First written notice is of 1234. At that time, during rule of  King Wenceslas I., the castle was in his possession and formed one of few supports, which rested against revolted Bohemian Nobility, which elected their own King, Přemysl. He gained, after death of Wenceslas I., the throne and became a King Přemysl Ottakar II, King of Iron and Gold.

To Loket-castle belongs a legend, regarding foundation of  town of Karlovy Vary. King Charles IV. decided to hunt in this area. On this occasion, he discovered hot healing spring. Later, he let to found this first Bohemian spa-town, more known as Warm Spa near Loket Castle.

After Hussite wars, Loket, was in administration of Šlik Parentage, and hundred years remained in its ownership. Šliks, German of origion, were not popular between their subject. Moreover, they tried their best in 15the century, to divide their dominions from Bohemia and to join with Saxonia territory. At that time, the castle suffered from fire, and the reconsctruction had to be started. So, changes in Gothic and Renaissance style of all rooms were made, so that the castle became a comfortable family seat. Šliks´ built new palaces, deep cellars and jail. However, after White Hill Battle, this parentage was on protestant aprt, so their dominion was confiscated subsequently.

The castle started, after short possession of one owner, to become a ruin. In 1797, other reconstruction started. A district prison could be placed in a castle, and this fact rescued the building. The jail was in function till 1949. Further reconstructions were made within 1980-1990. In July 1993, the castle was open for public.

Opening time table for public:

November-March: daily 9.00 h – 15,30 h

April-October: daily 9.00 h – 16,30 h

Entrance tickets:

With a guide (Czech, Russian, German, English)

Adults:                                              CZK 90,-/EUR 4,50

Children, students:                           CZK 60,-/EUR 3,50

Pensioners (Seniors)                       CZK 75,-/EUR 4,-

With written text only (Czech, Russian, German, French, Italian, Dutch, Danish, Swedish, Polish, Hungarian, Spanish):

Adults :                                         CZK 80,- /EUR 4,-

Children, students:                       CZK 45,-/ EUR 3,-

Pensioners (Seniors):                  CZK 60,-/ EUR 3,50

Guide period: 45 minutes

Max. person numbers in a group: 50 persons

Outside of opening time with a guide:

order for groups only, (min. 10 persons), 3 days in advance

Price for 1 person CZK 200,-/ EUR 10,-

Photocard, videocard: CZK 20,-

Text: Maxim Kucer

Photo: Wikimedia Commons, Ja.sem.ja, Bobak HaEri, Jitka Erbenová, JialiangGao