Top 10 Best Castles in Towns Near Karlovy Vary

West Bohemia is a land of legends and royal power. The best castles in towns near Karlovy Vary offer a mix of culture and nature. Here are our top recommendations for your itinerary.

• Best overall: Loket Castle
• Best for history: Bečov nad Teplou
• Best for families: Seeberg Castle
• Best for beer lovers: Chyše Castle

1. Name: Loket Castle Type: Medieval Fortress Why go: This 12th-century castle sits on a dramatic granite rock. It is famous for its torture museum and stunning views of the Ohře River. Best for: Families and photography fans. Where: Town of Loket, 15km from Karlovy Vary. Time: 2-3 hours. Cost: Moderate entry fee. Getting there: Take a local train or bus for a Loket day trip from Karlovy Vary. Tip: Visit the castle brewery in the town square after your tour.
2. Name: Bečov nad Teplou Castle & Chateau Type: Gothic Castle and Baroque Chateau Why go: It houses the Reliquary of St. Maurus. This is the second most valuable gold treasure in the Czech Republic. Best for: Art history enthusiasts. Where: Bečov nad Teplou, 25km south. Time: 2 hours. Cost: Moderate; separate tickets for different tours. Getting there: Check Bečov nad Teplou castle tickets and train schedules. Tip: Book the Reliquary tour in advance as it is very popular.
3. Name: Cheb Castle Type: Imperial Staufen Palace Why go: It is the only imperial palace of the Hohenstaufen dynasty in the country. The Black Tower is a must-see for panoramic views. Best for: Architecture lovers. Where: Cheb, near the German border. Time: 1.5-2 hours. Cost: Affordable. Getting there: Direct trains run from the Karlovy Vary railway station. Tip: Explore the Cheb historical town center while you are there.
4. Name: Seeberg Castle Type: Romanesque/Gothic Castle Why go: This castle features unique rural interiors and local folklore exhibits. It feels like a hidden gem away from crowds. Best for: A quiet, romantic atmosphere. Where: Ostroh, near Cheb. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Low. Getting there: Best reached by car or local bus from Cheb. Tip: Read our guide on Seeberg Castle attractions for more details.
5. Name: Chyše Castle Type: Neo-Gothic Chateau Why go: This private chateau is beautifully restored. It includes a traditional brewery where writer Karel Čapek once worked. Best for: Beer lovers and literature fans. Where: Chyše, 35km east. Time: 2 hours. Cost: Moderate. Getting there: Follow the guide to Chyše town and brewery for transport tips. Tip: Try the local "Prokop" beer in the castle restaurant.
6. Name: Kynžvart Chateau Type: Neoclassical Summer Residence Why go: It was the home of Chancellor Metternich. The chateau holds a vast collection of curiosities and a large English park. Best for: Nature walks and museum tours. Where: Lázně Kynžvart. Time: 3 hours. Cost: Moderate. Getting there: Easy train ride toward Mariánské Lázně. Tip: The park is free to enter and perfect for a picnic.
7. Name: Vildštejn Castle Type: Romanesque Castle Why go: One of the oldest water castles in Bohemia. It has a medieval banquet hall and a small museum of fire-fighting equipment. Best for: History buffs. Where: Skalná. Time: 1.5 hours. Cost: Low. Getting there: Located in the town of Skalná, north of Cheb. Tip: Check if they are hosting a medieval feast during your visit.
8. Name: Klášterec nad Ohří Castle Type: Neo-Gothic Chateau Why go: It houses a world-renowned porcelain museum. The surrounding park features rare trees and statues. Best for: Collectors and garden enthusiasts. Where: Klášterec nad Ohří. Time: 2 hours. Cost: Moderate. Getting there: Direct bus or train from Karlovy Vary. Tip: Visit the nearby spa park for a relaxing walk.
9. Name: Hartenberg Castle Type: Castle Ruins Why go: These atmospheric ruins are being restored by volunteers. It is a unique site for those who like raw, non-commercial history. Best for: Adventurous travelers. Where: Hřebeny near Josefov. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Donation-based or low fee. Getting there: Use the Hartenberg visitation guide for directions. Tip: Wear sturdy shoes as the terrain is uneven.
10. Name: Valeč Chateau Type: Baroque Chateau Why go: Known for its amazing collection of Matthias Braun statues. The baroque garden is one of the finest in the region. Best for: Art and garden lovers. Where: Valeč. Time: 2 hours. Cost: Moderate. Getting there: Best reached by car. Tip: The castle is often open for self-guided night tours in summer.

Planning Your Visit to West Bohemian Castles

Visiting the best castles in towns near Karlovy Vary requires some planning. Most castles are open from April to October. During winter, many sites have limited hours or close entirely. Always check the official Visit Czechia website for seasonal updates.

English tours are usually available at larger sites like Loket and Bečov. Smaller castles might only offer Czech tours with printed English guides. It is helpful to carry some cash in Czech Koruna. While many places take cards, small kiosks often prefer cash.

Wear comfortable walking shoes for your trips. Many castle courtyards have original cobblestone paths. These can be slippery when wet or uneven for walking. Plan for at least one full day for each major castle town.

How to Reach These Towns From Karlovy Vary

Transportation in West Bohemia is efficient and affordable. You can use the public transport to nearby towns to reach most sites. Trains are generally faster for towns like Cheb and Loket. Buses are better for reaching smaller villages like Chyše or Valeč.

The Karlovy Vary "Dolní Nádraží" station is the main hub for regional travel. You can buy tickets directly at the station or via mobile apps. If you prefer flexibility, consider renting a car for the day. This allows you to combine multiple castles into one trip.

Parking is usually available near the castle entrances. Some towns require a small parking fee. For a stress-free experience, look for organized group tours. These often include transport and a professional guide from Karlovy Vary Official Tourism.