Cesky Sternberk Castle - Prague to Cesky Sternberk

Private day trips from Prague to Cesky Sternberk Castle

Discover one of the best-preserved Gothic castles in Bohemia. Perched on a hill overlooking the Sazava River, romantic Cesky Sternberk Castle dominates the Posazavi region with its imposing, massive Gothic exterior. Inside an eclectic collection of treasures from Renaissance chests to Rococo furniture awaits you. The Sternberg family’s eight-pointed star is prominent throughout the 15 representative rooms filled with intriguing artifacts and richly decorated furniture.

Prague – Cesky Sternberk Castle – Prague: 5-hour Itinerary

45-60 minutes Prague to Cesky Sternberk transfer
1 hours Tour of Cesky Sternberk Castle
30 minutes Tour of the area, souvenir shopping, etc.
60 minutes Lunch at a traditional restaurant
45-60 minutes Cesky Sternberk to Prague transfer

This is a private tour, so the itinerary can be adjusted as you wish.

About Cesky Sternberk Castle

The story of Cesky Sternberk Castle began sometime before 1242 when Zdeslav of Divisov had a castle built on this site. At that time there were many German settlers in the area, and he took the name Sternberk from the German word for star (stern) and the German word for hill (berk). In the early 15^th century, Cesky Sternberk was somehow unharmed during the Hussite Wars, when the Sternbergs supported the Catholics. However, in 1465, Zdenek Konopistsky of Sternberg challenged his relative, King George of Podebrady, and the castle was destroyed by the king’s armies. George of Podebrady would be the only leader to conquer this castle. Reconstruction took place, and the tower erected in 1480 still stands today. More disastrous days were to come, however. Cesky Sternberk Castle was plundered by rebels in 1627 during the Thirty Years’ War. Baroque reconstruction occurred later during the 17^th century. Then the Holic of Sternberg family died out in 1712, and the clan would not have possession of the castle again until 1841. In 1949, the Communists took the castle away from Jiri Sternberg, though he remained there as caretaker and tour guide. Finally, in 1992, the current owner, Zdenek Sternberg, got the property back in restitution.

Tour of Cesky Sternberk Castle

The first space on the tour of 15 rooms is the biggest and most lavish. The Knights’ Hall, dating from around 1500, features ornate stucco adornment, coats-of-arms relating to the Sternberg clan, and portraits of generals from the Thirty Years’ War. There is also a portrait of George of Podebrady, clad in knight’s armor. He had married a Sternberg. Two 250-kilo Czech crystal chandeliers enthrall as well. In the second biggest room, the Dining Room, portraits of the Sternbergs hang on one wall and four Baroque paintings with biblical themes hang on another. The Yellow Salon stands out for its Empire-style wall painting of idyllic, country scenes. Stunning Baroque frescoes are found on the ceiling of the Ladies’ Lounge. The 18th-century floral furniture is Rococo. The library boasts a painting by renowned Baroque artist Petr Brandl. Another room entices with its Dutch Baroque furniture that features a floral motif. Engravings portraying scenes from the Thirty Years’ War are just a sample of Sternberg’s collection of 545 renditions depicting the history of the 17th-century battles. Furniture featuring mother-of-pearl and ivory hails from the 18^th century in the Oriental Antechamber. Artwork by Filip Sternberg, whose teacher was famous Art Nouveau artist Alphonse Mucha, is also on display. Historical weapons and porcelain round out the tour.

Cesky Sternberk Castle – Admission fees and opening times

Admission: Adults: 195 CZK / person; children 3 to 15 years old, students: 135 CZK / person
Throughout the year it is possible to arrange a tour in advance.
Open: in April and October: 9 am – 5 pm on weekends and public holidays;
in May and September: 9 am – 5 pm, closed on Mondays;
in June, July, and August: 9 am – 6 pm, closed on Mondays.