Founded sometime in the late 12th century, Loket Castle first served as a site of protection along a trading route and then as a frontier fortress. At first, it was built in the Romanesque style of the day, but what remains of Loket Castle now is of the slightly later Gothic style. The stone walls were thick, so they acted as a strong defense.
Many travelers visit Loket Castle on a day trip from Prague, visiting nearby Karlovy Vary simultaneously. The museum includes displays of old artworks and artifacts, an arms room, Gothic murals on the walls, and even a Chamber of Torture, where visitors can learn more about grim medieval torture techniques.
Textual guides to Loket Castle are available in numerous European languages, and live guides in Czech, English, German, and Russian.
Kids under the age of 6 can enter for free.
Travelers with kids might want to avoid the Chamber of Torture, which might be frightening for little ones.
Loket Castle is in the town of Loket, 87 miles (140 kilometers) west of Prague, which takes a couple of hours to drive. It’s just 8.5 miles (14 kilometers) southwest of Karlovy Vary, a larger and well-known town. You can also reach Loket by train or bus, which will involve making connections at Karlovy Vary or elsewhere. Many travelers visit on a guided tour that includes transport.
The castle is open year-round, with shortened hours between November and March. A few cultural events happen at the castle throughout the year: the Feast of Knights (a medieval extravaganza) during the second weekend in August, the Vintage (a wine event) during the first weekend of October, and a Christmas market in December.
Nearby Karlovy Vary has been a popular tourist destination since the 19th century, thanks to the thermal springs here. Visitors can enjoy day spa activities here or stay in one of the town’s grand hotels with attached springs. The colorful, ornate belle epoque architecture throughout the town is also magnificent.