Essential St Maurus Reliquary Bečov tour booking info

When planning your visit, finding the right St Maurus Reliquary Bečov tour booking info is the first step. You should book your Bečov nad Teplou castle tickets well in advance. Tours are often limited to small groups to protect the gold relic. This ensures everyone gets a clear view of the treasure.

The castle offers several different tour routes. Route I is the most popular because it features the reliquary. You can check the official Visit Czechia portal for seasonal updates and holiday hours. Most tours are in Czech, but English guides or audio guides are usually available.

Prices for the tours are very reasonable for such a rare treasure. Expect to pay more for foreign language tours. You can buy tickets at the castle gate, but they often sell out. Online booking is the safest way to secure your spot for 2026.

10 Best Sights at Bečov nad Teplou Castle

The castle complex offers many layers of history for every traveler. You can explore medieval walls or enjoy the luxury of the Baroque chateau. It is important to understand the castle and chateau differences before you start your walk. Each area requires a specific ticket or a combined tour pass.

Here are the top things to see during your visit:

1. Name: Reliquary of Saint Maurus Type: experience Why go: See the 13th-century gold masterpiece, the second most valuable item in the country. Best for: History lovers. Where: Inside the Chateau. Time: 45 minutes. Cost: ~200 CZK. Getting there: Main chateau entrance. Tip: Look closely at the tiny silver statues on the sides.
2. Name: Bečov Medieval Castle Type: sight Why go: Explore the ruins of the 14th-century fortress. Best for: Photographers. Where: Upper part of the hill. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Included in some tours. Getting there: Follow the uphill path from the gate. Tip: Wear sturdy shoes for the uneven stones.
3. Name: Baroque Chateau Type: sight Why go: View the elegant rooms where the Beaufort-Spontin family lived. Best for: Architecture fans. Where: Lower castle complex. Time: 50 minutes. Cost: ~180 CZK. Getting there: Accessible from the main courtyard. Tip: Notice the beautiful ceiling paintings in the main hall.
4. Name: Castle Garden Terraces Type: nature Why go: Enjoy panoramic views of the Teplá valley. Best for: Relaxation. Where: Surrounding the chateau. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Free with castle entry. Getting there: Walk through the chateau gates. Tip: Visit in late spring for the best flower displays.
5. Name: Bečov Botanical Garden Type: nature Why go: See rare plants and a unique rock garden. Best for: Families. Where: Across the river from the castle. Time: 1.5 hours. Cost: ~100 CZK. Getting there: 10-minute walk from the town square. Tip: There is a small playground for children here.
6. Name: Museum of Historical Motorcycles Type: museum Why go: See a large collection of old Czech motorbikes. Best for: Gearheads. Where: In the town center. Time: 45 minutes. Cost: ~80 CZK. Getting there: Short walk from the castle parking lot. Tip: The museum is inside an old timber-framed building.
7. Name: Church of Saint George Type: sight Why go: A quiet place to see local religious art. Best for: Peace seekers. Where: Near the town square. Time: 20 minutes. Cost: Free (donations welcome). Getting there: Located just below the castle walls. Tip: Check the local schedule for occasional organ concerts.
8. Name: Krásno Lookout Tower Type: day trip Why go: Climb a unique spiral tower for views of the Slavkov Forest. Best for: Hikers. Where: 10 km from Bečov. Time: 2 hours. Cost: Free. Getting there: Short drive or bus to Krásno village. Tip: The path to the tower is very easy and flat.
9. Name: Loket Castle Type: day trip Why go: Visit a massive stone fortress used in James Bond films. Best for: Movie fans. Where: 20 km away. Time: 3 hours. Cost: ~150 CZK. Getting there: Take a train or car from Bečov. Tip: Don't miss the torture chamber exhibit in the basement.
10. Name: Teplá River Trail Type: nature Why go: A peaceful walk along the water. Best for: Nature walkers. Where: Starts near the train station. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk down from the castle entrance. Tip: This is a great spot for a picnic in the summer.

Planning Your Visit to Bečov nad Teplou

Most visitors travel from the nearby spa city of Karlovy Vary. It is very easy to reach Bečov nad Teplou by train for a quick trip. You can check the official railway station site for the latest times. The train ride offers beautiful views of the forest.

If you have extra time, consider a Loket day trip to see another famous fortress. Bečov is smaller and quieter than Karlovy Vary. This makes it a perfect escape from the crowds. There are several small cafes in the town square for lunch.

The castle is usually open from April to October. During the winter, the reliquary tour may have limited hours. Always check the official website before you travel in the off-season. Most areas of the castle require walking up steep hills or stairs.