Top 10 Castles around Benešov
Best castles around Benešov offer a glimpse into Czech history and culture. The Benešov district, located southeast of Prague, features a landscape dotted with historical fortifications and chateaus. This region is characterized by its rolling hills and river valleys, providing scenic backdrops for these ancient structures. Visitors can explore a variety of architectural styles, from Gothic fortresses to Baroque residences.
Best castles around Benešov
- The most popular castles is Konopiště Castle, a castle that was originally a Gothic fortress and later transformed into a Renaissance, Baroque, and Neo-Gothic residence. It is notable as the last residence of Archduke Franz Ferdinand, whose assassination triggered World War I.
- Another must-see spot is Český Šternberk Castle, a Gothic castle. This castle has been continuously owned by the Sternberg family for nearly eight centuries, offering richly furnished interiors and a unique collection of 545 etchings from the Thirty Years' War.
- Visitors also love Jemniště Castle, a Baroque castle. This chateau is a prime example of a Baroque summer residence with an extensive English-style park and is still privately owned by the Šternberk family.
- Benešov is known for its blend of Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque castles and chateaus. The region offers a variety of historical sites, from medieval fortresses to opulent residences, providing diverse experiences for visitors.
- The castles around Benešov are appreciated by the komoot community, with 21 upvotes and 27 photos shared across 9 highlights.
Last updated: June 30, 2026
Konopiště Castle
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On March 1, 1887, the castle and lordship of Konopischt were purchased for 2.5 million florins to Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria-Este, who had the castle restored in the neo-Gothic style between 1889 and 1894 and furnished it with art objects. The property was 6,842 hectares and included, among other things, a sugar factory, quarries, a spirit factory and patronage over four parishes. Then there was the Beneschauer Brauerei AG, which the Archduke had rebuilt in 1897. From 1893 to 1895 he devoted himself to the renovation of the castle. Around 1,100,000 crowns were invested in Konopishte during these years.
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Český Šternberk Castle
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More information: de.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Burg_%C4%8Cesk%C3%BD_%C5%A0ternberk
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Týnec nad Sázavou
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More information: de.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/T%C3%BDnec_nad_S%C3%A1zavou
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Mrač Castle / The Dark Castle
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Not open to the public
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Smilkov Castle
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I could not find out who the current owner is, but obviously a Ferrari driver (see photo). Currently being extensively renovated, the pink color instead of the original Schönbrunner yellow is a matter of taste ...
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Jemniště Castle
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More information: de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Schloss_Jemni%C5%A1t%C4%9B?wprov=sfla1
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Free-roaming peacocks in the castle park
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View of Konopiště Castle
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More information: de.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Schloss_Konopi%C5%A1t%C4%9B
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Komorni Hrádek Castle
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More information: cs.wikipedia.org/wiki/Komorn%C3%AD_Hr%C3%A1dek_%28z%C3%A1mek%29?wprov=sfla1 and hrady.cz/zamek-komorni -hradek
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Tips from the Community
YOU ARE CORDIALLY INVITED ADVENT and CHRISTMAS TOURS Advent and Christmas customs of the Sternberg family Come and see the festively decorated castle, remember the meaning, customs and course of Advent and find out how Advent was experienced at the castle and how Christmas was celebrated in the First Republic 3rd and 4th, 10th and 11th, 17th and 18th December 2022 27th December 2022 to 1st January 2023 Tickets must be purchased online in advance at 1url.cz/@vstupenkyceskysternberk or book on tel. 317 855 101 or via the form at www.hradceskysternberk.cz Remaining tickets can be purchased at the box office 15 minutes before the tour. We look forward to your visit! www.hradceskysternberk.cz Without tickets, the castle was closed today.
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www.hradceskysternberk.cz Different opening times during the Christmas season!
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All the historical sights of Týnec are united here: a church worth seeing, a town house worth seeing and the remains of the Týnec castle. More information: https://de.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/T%C3%BDnec_nad_S%C3%A1zavou
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Nice view over the castle pond to Konopište Castle. More information: https://de.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Schloss_Konopi%C5%A1t%C4%9B
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Worth seeing castle Konopište. More information: https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Schloss_Konopi%C5%A1t%C4%9B?wprov=sfla1
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Worth seeing Jemnište castle, very nice café, large castle park. Bookable today with holiday homes and apartments. More information: https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Schloss_Jemni%C5%A1t%C4%9B?wprov=sfla1
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Castle worth seeing, interesting history. More information: https://cs.wikipedia.org/wiki/Komorn%C3%AD_Hr%C3%A1dek_%28z%C3%A1mek%29?wprov=sfla1 and https://www.hrady.cz/zamek-komorni -hradek
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Beautiful view of the grandiose castle complex Česky Šternberk. An equally beautiful view of the castle from the bridge. More information: https://de.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Burg_%C4%8Cesk%C3%BD_%C5%A0ternberk
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Frequently Asked Questions
What makes the castles around Benešov unique?
The castles in the Benešov district offer a rich blend of architectural styles, from Gothic fortresses to Baroque residences. Many, like Český Šternberk Castle and Jemniště Chateau, are still privately owned by historical families, providing a unique, personal glimpse into Czech history.
Which castles are particularly good for history enthusiasts?
Konopiště Castle, the last residence of Archduke Franz Ferdinand, offers insights into his life with private chambers and a vast hunting trophy collection. Český Šternberk Castle, continuously owned by the Sternberg family for centuries, features richly furnished Gothic interiors and a unique collection of 545 etchings from the Thirty Years' War.
Are there family-friendly castles to visit near Benešov?
Yes, Konopiště Castle is great for families, with its extensive parklands, Rose Garden, and a bear enclosure. Jemniště Chateau also offers a large English-style park with exotic trees and animal enclosures, including goats, llamas, and albino peacocks.
What kind of natural features can I expect to see around the castles?
Many castles are set amidst beautiful natural landscapes. Konopiště Castle boasts vast parklands and a Rose Garden. Jemniště Chateau features an extensive English-style park with three fish ponds. Český Šternberk Castle offers panoramic views of the Posázaví landscape from its 'hunger tower'.
What outdoor activities can I do near these castles?
The Benešov region offers various outdoor activities. You can find numerous hiking trails, including routes around Konopiště Pond and near Konopiště Castle. There are also MTB trails and running routes that pass by historical sites like Mrač Castle.
Are there specific viewpoints to see the castles from?
Yes, for Konopiště Castle, there's a dedicated View of Konopiště Castle highlight offering a nice perspective over the castle pond. At Český Šternberk Castle, climbing the former bastion, known as the 'hunger tower,' provides breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
What is the best time of year to visit the castles around Benešov?
The castles are beautiful year-round. During summer, Český Šternberk Castle often hosts falconry demonstrations. For a festive experience, Český Šternberk also offers Advent and Christmas tours, allowing visitors to see the castle decorated for the holidays and learn about historical traditions.
How long should I plan for a visit to Český Šternberk Castle?
Guided tours of Český Šternberk Castle typically cover fifteen richly furnished rooms. While the exact duration can vary, planning for at least 1-2 hours for the tour and additional time to explore the grounds and enjoy the panoramic views from the 'hunger tower' is recommended.
Are there any less crowded castle options in the Benešov region?
Jemniště Chateau, being privately owned and inhabited by the Šternberk family, often offers a more intimate and less crowded experience compared to larger, state-owned castles. Its smaller, focused tours and extensive park provide a tranquil visit.
Can I find refreshments or cafes at the castles?
Yes, Jemniště Chateau has a château café where visitors can relax. While not explicitly listed for all castles, larger sites like Konopiště Castle often have facilities or nearby options for refreshments within their extensive grounds.
What is special about Konopiště Castle's park?
Konopiště Castle boasts extensive parklands, including a beautiful Rose Garden with over 2,500 rose bushes and an English-style landscape park. A unique attraction is the bear enclosure, home to a Himalayan bear, continuing a tradition of bear-keeping dating back to the 19th century.
Are there any castles that are still privately owned and inhabited?
Yes, both Český Šternberk Castle and Jemniště Chateau are notable for their continuous private ownership. Český Šternberk has been owned by the same family for nearly eight centuries, while Jemniště is still inhabited by the Šternberk family, giving it a unique, well-maintained atmosphere.
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