Whether Lednice, Karlštejn or Trosky – the Czech Republic’s historic monuments continue to attract growing interest. In 2025, the country’s castles and chateaux welcomed more visitors than they have in years.
By the end of September, the National Heritage Institute (NPÚ) recorded around 3.8 million visitors – a seven per cent increase compared to the previous year. In the summer months alone, 1.9 million people came, five per cent more than in 2024. In total, the institute manages over 100 castles, chateaux, monasteries and other historic monuments.
This year, the visiting season at Czech castles and chateaux lasts longer than usual: many sites under the National Heritage Institute remain open until Sunday, 2 November – including the autumn holidays and the following school-free days. On the first November weekend, numerous monuments will also commemorate Remembrance Day. From 3 November onwards, only those sites will remain accessible that are open all year round or welcome visitors as part of special autumn and Advent programmes.
Once again, the state chateau of Lednice tops the ranking of the most visited monuments, having received 295,000 visitors in the first nine months of the year. It is followed by Český Krumlov, Hluboká, Karlštejn and – newly among the leading group – the castle ruins of Trosky, which benefited from the popularity of the computer game Kingdom Come: Deliverance II.
As for admission prices, 2025 remained largely unchanged. For 2026, the NPÚ is planning a moderate adjustment: on around two-thirds of the guided routes, prices will rise by 20, in some cases by 40 crowns. The reason is increased maintenance and safety costs. All discounts – for children, students, pensioners or companions of people with disabilities – will remain in place.
In 2025, the National Heritage Institute is investing around 800 million crowns in the preservation and restoration of historic sites. The works are funded through European and state subsidies as well as the institute’s own income. For 2026, investments amounting to 733 million crowns are planned.
Even in autumn, the programme at castles and chateaux remains varied: many sites open at weekends for themed tours, children’s activities or ghost nights. From mid-November onwards, Christmas markets follow, and with the beginning of Advent, many chateaux open their festively decorated halls to visitors. The “Castle Advent” (Hradozámecký advent) attracted around 120,000 guests last year – a quarter more than the year before.
