A Day Trip to Hluboká Castle

Hello friends. Hluboká nad Vltavou is an impressive city located about a 2-hour drive from Prague. I had the chance to visit this place with friends at the beginning of summer. We had heard so much about Hluboká Castle and knew it was one of the most beautiful castles in the country. We came here specifically to see the castle.

As we entered, we were greeted by this beautiful Catholic church. Unfortunately, it was closed and we couldn't visit it. The church, like the castle, was commissioned by the Schwarzenberg family, a noble family that played an important role in the history of this city.

Following the directional signs, we proceeded towards the castle. There was a path leading us to the castle and we decided to follow it, even though we later realized we had started the tour in the wrong direction. (as always)

The town itself is charming, with restaurants and cafes. When we visited, it was a holiday and also a holiday week, so it was quite crowded.

We enjoyed the beauty of nature and the warm weather in the town. When we arrived, the temperature was around 18 degrees Celsius, but it had been raining and about 10 degrees when we left home. So, we came prepared with our jackets and coats.

At the entrance, there was a fence made of vines, which we thought would look even more beautiful in the autumn months. If we get the chance, we'd love to visit again. Passing under the fence, we were greeted by the stunning Hluboká Castle.

The castle acquired its elegant exterior during the mid-19th century under the rule of the Schwarzenberg family. They made significant changes in the popular English style of the time. Today, the castle is beautifully preserved in this state.

You can see elements of the English style in the castle. Castles were always built on hills to spot enemies from afar and this castle is no exception, but it's in the neo-Gothic style.

And the tulips! Blooming tulips are always in fashion. How beautiful they are in delicate pink, my favorite color.

There were also blooming magnolias. We were a bit late and one flower had already withered, but now we know when to visit next year. As they say, "Early bird gets the worm!"

I can imagine the hosts of this place. They must have stepped out in their beautiful 19th-century attire on cool days in spring or summer. They must have enjoyed this lovely garden in the cool and pleasant weather. It's truly a wonderful place. A truly beautiful castle, one of the most beautiful castles I've ever seen. It has such a delicate and graceful structure.

The windows and doors here are so beautiful. Isn't that tree so sturdy? It would be great to sit under it. Everything is so beautiful. We admired the view from the castle.

These are all flowers, here's a sweet cherry tree, it's visible from here, here's the entrance to the castle, how beautiful!

We spent a full 4 hours exploring the castle, just as we wanted. We could see some breathtaking views from here. Hluboká nad Vltavou has a few hotels, a church and it's a small place where about 5-6 thousand people live.

As I mentioned earlier, we started the tour from the wrong point. After wandering in the garden for a while, we finally found the right entrance and began exploring the inside of the castle.

By 5 PM, the crowds had dwindled and we were able to take some beautiful photos. There was an interesting symbol at the entrance. It's a symbol of victory, representing the Schwarzenberg family's victory over a sultan. It's said that the crow pecked the head. They found this to commemorate the moment. We toured the castle and saw the head of the sultan pecked by the crow in many rooms. It's a very intriguing story. The castle is beautiful, the interiors are magnificent. Truly enchanting and luxurious.

With its vast art collections, paintings, a ballroom, a dining room... the castle is truly magnificent.

Later, we strolled in the large park near the castle. They say there are a lot of roses here during the warm months. I didn't see them, but I guess they must be there. It's beautiful in every season.

We had a wonderful day in Hluboká nad Vltavou and enjoyed seeing it. We started the tour from the wrong side, but it was still a beautiful place. If I get the chance, I would love to visit again.