Visiting Czech Republic

Terezin – Cell

However, Terezin is better known for its use during World War II as a Jewish ghetto and Nazi concentration camp. While many Jews passed throughTerezin en route to the Polish concentration camp Auschwitz, numerous others were imprisoned or died at Terezin.

Today travelers to Terezin can visit the Ghetto Museum, the Small Fortress (used as a Gestapo prison during World War II), and the Terezin Memorial. Additionally, visitors can walk through the well-preserved town of Terezin.

Transportation from Prague to Terezin

Buses from Prague to Terezin run regularly from Prague’s Nadrazi Holesovice bus station (stand 7) to Terezin. The bus from Prague to Terezin costs around 75Kc.

You can also drive to Terezin or hire a car and driver.

Other Short Trips from Prague

Best Short Trips from Prague

Prague Sept 2005 105

Built by Charles IV, the King of Bohemia and Holy Roman Emperor, Karlstejn Castle was commissioned to guard the crown jewels.

The most famous part of Karlstejn Castle is the Chapel of the Holy Rood, which boasts of a gallery with panel paintings by the Master Theodoricus and more than two thousand precious and semiprecious stones covering its walls.

Tours of Karlstejn Castle:

There are two tours available for Karlstejn Castle:

Tour 1 (50 min.): Imperial Palace, Hall of Knights, St. Nicholas Chapel, Bedroom, and the Audience Hall.

Tour 2 (70 minutes):Chapel of the Holy Rood, Chapel of St. Catherine, Charles IV’s Oratory, Church of Our Lady, and Library.

Note: Reservations for touring the Chapel of the Holy Rood must be made ahead of time.

Karlstejn Castle Opening Hours:

The castle is open Tues-Sun, Mar-Dec.
Apr, Oct: 9am-12pm and 1pm-4pm
May, Jun, Sept: 9am-12pm and 12:30pm-5pm
July, Aug: 9am-12pm and 12:30pm-6pm
Nov, Dec, Mar: 9am-12pm and 1pm-3pm

Transportation from Prague to Karlstejn Castle:

Trains from Prague to Karlstejn Castle: Trains run regularly from Prague’s Hlavni Nadrazi and Smichov train stations to Karlstejn. The train stops approximately 1.8 miles from the castle. From the station, you can walk up the hill to get to the Karlstejn Castle. Train tickets from Prague to Karlstejn cost around 50Kc and the journey takes approximately 45m each way.

Driving from Prague to Karlstejn Castle: Take Highway 4 towards Strakonice and take the Karlstejn cutoff. Follow the signs to the castle. Driving from Prague to Karlstejn castle takes approximately 30m each way.

Other Short Trips from Prague:

Schloss Konopiste

Situated to the southeast of Prague, Konopiste is best known for its thousands of hunting trophies and its former owner, Frans Ferdinand d’Este (of WWI fame). Ferdinand d’Este renovated the chateau in the late 19th century, and much of it is still preserved as it was then.

The interior of Konopiste Castle is well worth a visit, but the real treat is walking around the grounds. Beautiful gardens, a lake, and a wide variety of birds of prey all contribute to the ambiance at Konopiste Castle.

Guided tours of Konopiste Castle are available in English and Czech.

Note: Konopiste castle is closed from January to March and on Mondays.

Transportation from Prague to Konopiste:

Trains from Prague to Konopiste: Trains run regularly from Prague’s Hlavni Nadrazi Station to Benesov u Prahy, about 2.5km from Konopiste. From there, you can walk or take a bus (around 8Kc) to Konopiste castle. The train from Prague to Konopiste costs 64Kc and the trip takes 50m each way.

Buses from Prague to Konopiste: Buses run regularly from Prague’s Florenc bus station to a stop about 0.5mi from Konopiste. From there, you can walk to Konopiste castle. The bus from Prague to Konopiste costs around 35-55Kc, and the trip takes 40-60 min. each way.

Driving from Prague to Konopiste: Take the D1 expressway south and exit at the Benesov cutoff. Turn right at the sign for Konopiste. Driving from Prague to Konopiste takes around 45 min. each way. Parking outside the castle costs 50Kc.

Private Tours of Konopiste: The easiest way to get to Konopiste is to go through a tour operator in Prague. They will drive you (usually in a small van) to the castle and pick you up at a given time. This allows you to avoid the walk from the train or bus station to the castle.

Other Short Trips from Prague: