The original royal castle of Přemysl Otakar II from the second half of the 13th century was rebuilt at the end of the 16th century by the Lords of Hradec. It received its present appearance under Count Jan Adam of Schwarzenberg. In 1940, the castle was seized from the last owner, Adolph Schwarzenberg by the Gestapo and confiscated by the government of Czechoslovakia after the end of WWII.

Hluboká castle is opened to the public and it is recomended to visit also the inside of the castle, that is really beautiful, as well as from the outside. The extremely rich interior amenities include a valuable carvings and plaster work, a collection of tapestries, paintings, glass, porcelain, weapons, etc. Around the castle there is a large English park with baroque hunting lodge.

Hluboká castle is open daily except for Monday in June and every day from July to October. The full tour price is 130CZK / approx. €5 in 2010.

The castle has been used in a scene of Jackie Chan and Owen Wilson’s Shanghai Knights.

View Fairy-tale castle Hluboká in Czech republic in a larger map

The post Fairy-tale castle Hluboká – one of the most visited castles in the Czech republic appeared first on Europe Explored.

The Löwenburg Castle was built back in the 18th century by Landgrave Wilhelm IX. As such, it is actually one of the newer castles within the country. However, from the outside you would never have guessed. The outward appearance of the Löwenburg Castle looks as if it had been built during the medieval period. But on the inside, the story is very different.

Löwenburg Castle, Germany by Andreas

The castle itself today is a museum that is open to the public on a regular basis. The vast majority of the Löwenburg Castle can be seen on a guided tour. However, you do have to pay an entrance fee; and he can only visit the Castle on the guided tour.

There are many things to see and do once you are inside the Löwenburg Castle. The castle is home to an impressive armory which is filled with 16th and 17th century suits of armor. There is also an old chapel on the castle grounds which also sits as the tomb of Landgrave Wilhelm IX. There are many princely rooms located throughout the castle and while many of them are furnished, others functioning merely as part of the museum tour.

Löwenburg Castle, Germany by jenspletsch

Needless to say, the Löwenburg Castle is definitely a picturesque and awe inspiring Castle. It is no wonder why so many people have made their way to the castle every single year in order to experience everything that has to offer first-hand. While it may not be the oldest Castle in Germany, it is nonetheless a beautiful example of ancient medieval architecture and Baroque interior designs. Just spending a couple hours on the castle grounds deftly makes the trip to Löwenburg Castle worthwhile.

The post Löwenburg Castle – fairy tale castle in Germany appeared first on Europe Explored.