Amazing Castles in the Czech Republic You Can Actually Stay in

On the outskirts of Prague, this renovated neogothic castle is set in a landscaped park. Rehearse your golf shots on the aqua-driving range or unwind at the wellness centre. Follow this with a visit to the castle’s restaurant, headed by Czech celebrity chef Ondřej Slanina. The six-course tasting menu features modern, international cuisine, sprinkled with some refined Czech dishes.

This 700-year-old castle ruin – once home to a Czech king – has been partly rebuilt to house a handsome hotel. The resulting complex, complete with its own romantic crumbling tower, allows you a pleasing insight into the castle’s history. The rooms offer quiet sophistication, with period touches including pretty candelabras and tapestry-panelled chairs. Set in the small village of Branná, an hour’s drive from the historic city of Olomouc, the area is known for its local ski hills.

Just an hour north of Prague, this baroque chateau was created by Italian architect Giovanni Battista Alliprandi at the end of the 17th century. The splendour of the yellow and white exterior continues in the castle’s high-ceilinged restaurant. Here, Roman Trnka – the castle’s helpful sommelier – can recommend local wine pairings for classics, such as duck with red cabbage and plum jam. On long sunny days, order a picnic hamper and head into the surrounding parkland.

A stroll through this chateau’s garden gives you the chance to admire the building’s hushed Renaissance beauty. Inside, original features remain, although they’ve been cleverly combined with a fresh, contemporary design. Monochrome-tiled bathrooms and underfloor heating confirm the hotel’s 21st-century status. Located in Prague-West, it’s a short drive into the city centre and to Průhonice park, a 250ha (618 acres) Unesco World Heritage site, which features its own magnificent castle.

This estate, half an hour outside Prague, has many charms – although it is children (and therefore their parents) who are bound to be particularly enchanted. Alongside a small playground, it’s possible to follow a fairytale trail through the grounds, spotting Czech folklore characters as well as miniature models of famous Czech castles. What’s more, the stylish restaurant contains a discreet play area, leaving adults time to savour their meal and accompanying glass of Pilsner Urquell beer.

Renovating this Czech national monument has been something of a labour of love for owner Alexandra Kasperová. Although the castle walls date back to the 13th century, the inside has been transformed into a modern boutique hotel, with a spa by L’Occitane, a pillow menu and an indoor pool. Not that the chateau lacks character – its turret jacuzzi, farm-to-table restaurant, and creative use of large-scale art make it, in fact, rather extraordinary.

The former residence of Emperor Rudolf II, this romanesque-gothic castle cuts quite the dash; its ancient watchtower stands tall over its terrace vineyard and large grounds. Not only is it possible to sleep in rooms once occupied by royalty, but you can also reserve the suite that Alfons Mucha – the renowned art nouveau master – used as his study for 19 years. Alongside castle tours, it’s possible to swing through the trees on a rope course.

A veritable treasure trove, you can browse collections of European glass and historical clocks inside this grand estate, situated in the Bohemian-Moravian Highlands. The castle has a selection of tasteful rooms in its Renaissance wing. The larger apartments and suites will be of particular interest to families, as will the Greek mythology-themed escape rooms. The cafe treats you to generous scoops of ice cream and homemade lemonade.