Location: South Bohemian Region Map
Constructed: 1234 by King Wenceslas I
Website: here
Tel. 382 285 676
Entrance Fee:
Adult: 70 Kč
Students,
children: 40 Kč
Senior: 50 Kč
Family: 180 Kč
Open:
Apr,
Oct 9:30am- 12pm, 1pm- 4pm Sat, Sun, publ. hol.
May- Sep 9:30am-
12pm, 1pm- 4:30pm Tue- Sun
Jun- Aug 9:30am- 12pm, 1pm- 5:30pm Tue-
Sun
Zvíkov Castle (Hrad Zvíkov), often called the "King of Czech Castles," is a prominent early Gothic fortress located on a steep rocky promontory at the confluence of the Vltava and Otava rivers in the South Bohemian Region of the Czech Republic, near the village of Zvíkovské Podhradí and the town of Písek. Perched above the Orlík Reservoir, which was formed by the Orlík Dam in the 1960s, the castle offers stunning panoramic views of the surrounding landscape, blending historical grandeur with natural beauty. As one of the best-preserved medieval castles in Bohemia, it exemplifies 13th-century fortification architecture and serves as a national cultural monument, attracting visitors for its history, art, and scenic location.
The site's strategic importance dates back to prehistoric times, with
Celtic settlements in the 1st century AD, but the castle itself was
founded in the first half of the 13th century under King Wenceslas I
(1230–1253) of the Přemyslid dynasty, serving as a royal stronghold
along a key trade route. The first written mention appears in 1234, with
Konrad of Janovice as burgrave. Construction expanded under Přemysl
Otakar II (1253–1278), who appointed Hirza of Zvíkov as burgrave in
1250, completing the inner fortifications, royal palace, and defenses.
After the Přemyslids' extinction in 1306, it passed to the Rosenbergs,
and under Charles IV in the 14th century, it housed the Bohemian Crown
Jewels temporarily and reached its peak fame.
During the Hussite
Wars, Zvíkov withstood a four-month siege by Taborites in 1429.
Ownership fluctuated between the Rosenbergs and Švamberks, often as
pledges, until 1575 when Emperor Maximilian II sold it to the Švamberks.
In the Thirty Years' War, it resisted Habsburg forces in 1618 but
surrendered in 1622, leading to looting. The Eggenbergs acquired it in
1623, followed by the Schwarzenbergs in 1719, who undertook major
19th-century restorations after a 1829 collapse. A fire in 1751 and
decline into a granary followed, but reconstructions from 1880–1902
revived it. State-confiscated in 1947, it became accessible post-Orlík
Dam construction (1954–1962), with further restorations in the
1970s–1980s.
Zvíkov exemplifies early Gothic architecture, with its oldest section being the prismatic Hlízová Tower (Hláska), a 32-meter-high bergfrit, surrounded by palace buildings. The luxurious Královský Palace, built under Otakar II, features monumental arcades and preserved ground plans. Fortifications include double walls, two gates, and towers like the Ashlar Tower with vaulted rooms using early terracotta bricks. Renaissance modifications by the Švamberks in the 1640s added elements while retaining Gothic character. The Chapel of St. Wenceslas, deconsecrated in 1780, boasts early-Gothic murals from 1473 depicting saints and martyrdom scenes.
Key highlights include the Royal Palace with its cellars, royal bedroom, knights' hall, dining hall, and frescoes; the St. Wenceslas Chapel; and towers offering views over the reservoir. The grounds, accessible for free, feature seasonal exhibits on the ground floor and comparisons of pre- and post-dam landscapes. Legends of the mischievous imp Rarášek (Zvíkov's imp) add intrigue, inspiring works like Ladislav Stroupežnický's comedy. The castle hosts art exhibitions, stage plays, and has been a filming location for movies and fairy tales.
Steeped in folklore, Zvíkov is reputed for paranormal activity, including the curse of Hlízová Tower—spending a night there allegedly leads to death within a year—and ghost tours where electronics fail. It serves as a cultural venue for exhibitions and performances, reflecting its medieval heritage. Visitor reviews praise its magical atmosphere, especially in autumn, and recommend combining with boat trips to Orlík Castle.
Managed by the National Heritage Institute, Zvíkov is open year-round, with the Royal Palace accessible April–October (daily 9 AM–5 PM in July/August, 9:30 AM–4 PM otherwise, closed Mondays off-peak). Admission to the palace is 160 CZK for adults; grounds are free. Self-guided tours take 1–2 hours; photography is permitted. Access by car (paid parking 100 CZK), bus from nearby towns, cycling trails, or boat cruises (240 CZK round-trip). Reviews (4.6/5 average) highlight stunning views, affordability, and family-friendliness, though some note early closures. Visit in late spring or early autumn for optimal weather.