Location: South Bohemian Region Map
Constructed: 13th century
Tel. 380 749 838
Open: Apr, Oct
9am- 4pm Sat & Sun
May & Sept 9am- 4pm Tue- Sun
Jun- Aug
9am- 5pm Tue- Sun
Rožmberk nad Vltavou is a picturesque small town in the South Bohemian Region of the Czech Republic, nestled along the banks of the Vltava River in the Bohemian Forest Foothills. With a population of around 375 as of 2025, it serves as a charming gateway to natural beauty and historical sites, most notably dominated by the majestic Rožmberk Castle perched on a promontory above the town. The town and castle together form a harmonious blend of medieval history, scenic landscapes, and tourist appeal, attracting visitors for rafting on the Vltava, hiking, and cultural exploration. Often compared to a miniature version of nearby Český Krumlov, Rožmberk nad Vltavou offers a quieter, more intimate experience of Bohemian heritage.
Perched on a rocky promontory carved by the Vltava River on three sides, Rožmberk Castle overlooks the town from coordinates 48°39′25″N 14°22′10″E. It's about 20 km south of Český Krumlov, making it a strategic vantage point in the romantic South Bohemian landscape.
As one of Bohemia's oldest castles, Rožmberk was founded in the first
half of the 13th century by the Vítkovci family, with the first mention
in 1253 by Vok "von Rosenberg." It served as the cradle of the House of
Rožmberk, who ruled vast estates from here until moving to Český Krumlov
in 1302. The Upper Castle (Horní hrad) was built first, followed by the
Lower Castle (Dolní hrad) around 1330.
Key events include pawning
during the Hussite wars in 1420 and 1465, a devastating fire in 1522
that left only the Jakobínka tower standing in the Upper Castle, and
Renaissance reconstruction in 1556. In 1600, it passed to Johann
Zrinski, then to the Švamberks, and was confiscated after the Battle of
White Mountain in 1620, awarded to Charles Bonaventure de Longueval,
Count of Bucquoy. The Buquoys held it until nationalization in 1945,
transforming it into a museum in the mid-19th century—one of Bohemia's
first. A Romantic Neo-Gothic reconstruction occurred between 1840 and
1857.
Originally Gothic, the castle evolved through Renaissance sgraffito decorations on facades and 19th-century Tudor Gothic modifications. The structure includes the Jakobínka tower (9.6m diameter with corbelled ramparts), ramparts, moats, and palaces. The Lower Castle features painted interiors and a courtyard with a bronze elephant sculpture (a 2003 copy replacing a Nazi-stolen original).
Interiors blend Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque, and Neo-Gothic styles, with Baroque furniture, custom wood carvings, and a picture gallery featuring works by Bartholomeus Spranger, Karel Škréta, Jan Kupecký, and Norbert Grund. Highlights include the Renaissance Hall, Knight's Hall with a "musical niche" and a 17th-century Spanish soldiers' carving discovered in 2004 ("Loves disappear, colours fade"), and an armoury with weapons, firearms, and heraldic emblems. Tours focus on the Buquoy and Rožmberk families' histories.
The castle is famed for the legend of Perchta of Rožmberk, the "White Lady," whose ghost reportedly haunts the site. A painting of her is in the gallery, and the tale involves her unhappy marriage and eternal wandering.
State-owned and open to the public, the castle offers guided tours showcasing its history and legends. It's a popular destination for those exploring South Bohemia, with the official website providing details on hours and tickets. The surrounding area enhances visits with river views and proximity to other sites like Vyšší Brod Monastery.