Orlík Castle

Location: South Bohemian Region Map

Constructed: 1234

Tel. 382 275 101

Apr- Oct: Tue- Sun

Nov- March: special arrangement

Official site

Orlík Castle (Czech: Zámek Orlík), meaning "young eagle" in Czech, is a historic château situated in the village of Orlík nad Vltavou in the Písek District of the South Bohemian Region, Czech Republic. Perched on a rocky promontory overlooking the Vltava River, it now sits just a few meters above the water level of the Orlík Reservoir, a dramatic change from its original elevation of about 60 meters above the river valley. This alteration occurred due to the construction of the Orlík Dam between 1954 and 1962, which flooded parts of the surrounding landscape and transformed the castle's once-elevated "eagle's nest" position into a more lakeside setting. The castle's coordinates are approximately 49°30′20″N 14°10′02″E, and it lies about 80 kilometers south of Prague, making it accessible for day trips from the capital.

History

The origins of Orlík Castle date back to the second half of the 13th century, when it was likely established by King Ottokar II of Bohemia as a royal fortress to guard a ford across the Vltava River and serve as a customhouse for river navigation fees from the Šumava forests to Prague. Initially a Gothic spur castle with a small palace protected by walls and three keeps, it passed through various noble hands during the Middle Ages. From 1408, it was owned by the Zmrzlík of Svojšín family, and during this period, the Hussite general Jan Žižka is said to have stayed there.
A major fire in 1508 destroyed much of the structure, leading to its reconstruction as a Renaissance château by the Lords of Švamberk. Ownership shifted again in 1623 to the Eggenbergs, and in 1717, it came under the Schwarzenberg family, who made it their primary residence by the early 19th century. Another fire in 1802 prompted repairs, including the addition of a fourth storey. The most significant reconstruction occurred at the beginning of the 19th century under Prince Karel Schwarzenberg, with further remodeling between 1849 and 1860 by architect Bernard Gruber, giving it its current Romantic Gothic appearance.
In 1948, following the Communist takeover, the castle was confiscated by the state. It was returned to the Schwarzenberg family after the Velvet Revolution in the 1990s, and it remains in their ownership today. A recent notable event was the burial of the cremated remains of Czech MP Karel Schwarzenberg in the family tomb on December 9, 2023, coinciding with what would have been his 86th birthday.

Architecture

Orlík Castle's architecture reflects a blend of styles accumulated over centuries. It began as a 13th-century Gothic spur castle, characterized by its defensive features on a rocky outcrop. After the 1508 fire, it was rebuilt in Renaissance style, and the 19th-century reconstructions introduced Romantic Gothic (also called Neo-Gothic) elements, including pointed arches, ornate detailing, and a picturesque silhouette.
Key exterior features include a stone bridge spanning a moat for access, three prominent round towers (one of which is an original 14th-century structure), and a main façade that emphasizes its fortified heritage. A passage cut into the rock leads to a trapezoidal courtyard with ground-floor arcades, while the oldest surviving section—a 14th-century former palace—forms the north side of the courtyard. The overall design evokes a romantic, fairy-tale aesthetic, enhanced by its lakeside perch.

Interiors and Collections

The interiors of Orlík Castle are predominantly in the Empire style from the early 19th century, showcasing the opulent lifestyle of the Schwarzenberg family. Highlights include the Gothic Lovecký sál (Hunter's Hall) with quadripartite ribbed vaulting, and a Gothic chapel featuring a net vault. Other notable rooms are the Greater and Lesser Knight's Halls, the Hunting Hall, Blue and Empire Saloons, the Library, and the Gun Corridor, all furnished in period style.
Teska’s Hall stands out with its carved coffered ceiling and wooden wall facing, decorated in a romantic spirit with extensive woodwork. The Knight Hall also features similar romantic woodwork detailing. Empire-style rooms include furniture imported from Paris during the Napoleonic era. The castle houses the Schwarzenberg family's art collection, adding to its cultural significance. Visitors on guided tours must wear oversized slippers over their shoes to protect the floors, and interior photography is prohibited.

Park and Surroundings

Adjoining the castle is a vast English-style landscape park spanning about 140 hectares (originally 180, with some areas flooded by the Orlík Dam in the 1960s). The park features a mix of native and exotic trees and shrubs, along with a greenhouse containing a collection of fuchsias. In the western section lies the Pseudo-Gothic Schwarzenberg family tomb, accessible via a short, easy trail about 1.7 kilometers from the castle entrance, offering scenic views. A 5-kilometer red-marked loop trail through the park provides opportunities for hiking and further exploration.
Nearby attractions include Zvíkov Castle, another medieval fortress on the Orlík Dam, enhancing the region's appeal for history enthusiasts. The surrounding Orlík Reservoir, one of the largest in the Czech Republic, adds a picturesque watery backdrop.

Current Status and Visiting Information

Today, Orlík Castle is privately owned by the Schwarzenberg family but open to the public as a popular tourist site. It attracts visitors for its historical significance, architectural beauty, and scenic location. The interior can only be explored via guided tours, lasting 50-60 minutes, which cover the castle's history, prominent residents, and key rooms like the Teska room and Gun's Hall. Tours are primarily in Czech, but English or German options can be arranged in advance for an additional fee.
Opening hours vary seasonally: daily (except Mondays) from July to September (9 AM to 5 PM), and typically weekends and holidays from April to June and October (9 AM to 4 PM). The castle is closed from November to March, though the exterior and park trails remain accessible year-round. Admission is around 450 CZK, with an extra 200 CZK for tower access; tickets are available on-site or via the official website (zamekorlik.cz).
To reach it from Prague, driving is recommended (90 minutes), with paid parking nearby. Public transport involves buses or trains to nearby towns like Písek or Čimelice, followed by local connections. Plan for 2-3 hours on-site, wear comfortable shoes for trails, and bring layers for cooler interiors. Summer offers the fullest access, while off-seasons provide fewer crowds. The area is safe, but standard precautions like securing valuables apply.