Prague day trips - hluboka chateau

Hluboka Chateau in South Bohemia

There are many places in the Czech Republic beyond Prague that are well worth a visit.  And due to the Coronavirus and related travel restrictions, I don't have a lot of tour clients at the moment, unfortunately.  But that means I have a lot more time on my hands in the summer than I usually do, so once we eased restrictions earlier this month, I hit the road!

A South Bohemian Jewel

My first trip was to one of the jewels of the region known as South Bohemia:  Hluboka nad Vltavou Chateau.  South Bohemia, with its proximity to Austria, has its own rich history and many lovely towns, villages and castles.  The countryside is beautiful, too.

Visions of Windsor

Hluboka is especially lovely, and it is very unique in its appearance for a Czech castle.  Its current style, as well as that of the surrounding park, was inspired by British castles and gardens.  In particular, you’ll note that Hluboka closely resembles Windsor Castle in many respects, which was its inspiration. 

This is thanks to a visit to Britain by Prince Jan Adolf II Schwarzenberg for the coronation of Queen Victoria in 1838.  Hluboka Castle belonged to the Schwarzenberg family since 1661.  Initially designed in the Baroque style, the current style is from the mid-19th century. 

In addition to the beautiful castle structure itself, Hluboka is surrounded by a lovely park and has a winter garden that is used as an art gallery these days.  The Castle grounds are free to walk around, and you can also take paid tours of the Castle’s interiors, which are richly decorated with wood carvings, oil paintings and more.  At least one of the tours includes the chateau's incredible kitchen.

doable in a day

Though you might want to stay overnight to explore the region, a visit to Hluboka is doable in a day.  Trains leave regularly from Prague's Main Station (Hlavni Nadrazi), and the trip takes just under 3 hours (with a connection - there are no direct trains).  If you rent a car or hire a car and driver, the journey is about an hour shorter, at just under 2 hours one way. 

If you would like help arranging a trip to Hluboka, I can do that under my Concierge Services.  Contact me for more info!