Hrad Houska
Privately owned castle in the Kokořín region, where Gothic foundations meet a Renaissance rebuilding. Guided tours include the castle chapel and the mechanical Hell, Peklem.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
According to the latest archaeological findings, Houska Castle was founded in the first half of the 13th century by Přemysl Otakar II, almost at the same time as nearby Bezděz and by the same building workshop. It stands on the site of an older hillfort from the late 9th century. The castle was later owned by the lords of Dubá and then, among others, by the Smiřický, Hrzán of Harasov, Wallenstein and Kounic families. Over the centuries it underwent building alterations, so that all styles from the late Romanesque onwards meet in it. Its present form was determined mainly by Renaissance interventions after the Thirty Years' War, and it is best described as a Renaissance château with elements of a Gothic castle.
In 1924 the senator Josef Šimonek bought the castle. After its reconstruction the family used it as a summer and representative residence until 1939. During the Second World War the German army used it, and from 1950 the archive of the State Library in Klementinum was housed here. In the early 1990s the castle was returned to its original owners in restitution.
The most valuable part is the original Gothic castle chapel with paintings from the turn of the 13th and 14th centuries. The castle was opened to the public for the first time in its history in 1999. Today it is a place of cultural events; seasonal and permanent exhibitions also have their place here, and the hand-carved mechanical work Peklem can be seen separately in the former carriage house.
Highlights
- original Gothic castle chapel with paintings from the turn of the 13th and 14th centuries
- guided tour every hour, on the hour
- Peklem – hand-carved mechanical Hell based on the motifs of Dante's Divine Comedy
- game for young princes and princesses and a trail around the castle
- legends of the mysterious forces of the castle
Permanent exhibitions
- Peklem – A hand-carved mechanical Hell made of lime wood, twelve metres long and two metres high, with eleven pictures of the punishments of Hell, inspired by the first part of Dante's Divine Comedy.
- Prohlídkový okruh hradu – The guided tour covers the castle rooms, including the original Gothic chapel with paintings from the turn of the 13th and 14th centuries.
- Operated by
- soukromí majitelé
Admission & discounts
| Adults | 180 Kč |
|---|---|
| Reduced | 130 Kčchildren under 15, seniors and students |
| Children & teens | 130 KčChildren under 15. |
| Seniors | 130 Kč |
| Students & apprentices | 130 Kč |
| Families | 520 Kč2 adults and 2 children under 15. |
| Peklem (separate admission) | 80 Kčper person |
| Dog fee | 40 Kčper dog |
The basic admission applies to the main tour of the castle with a guide. Peklem is viewed separately, without a guide, for a special charge.
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible: no information
- Elevator: no information
- Accessible restroom: no information
- Accessible parking: no information
- Service dogs welcome: no information
- Tactile models & exhibits: no information
- Sign language tours: no information
- Easy-to-read materials: no information
- Audio description: no information
The website does not give information on step-free access.
Kids & families
Great for kids & families
| Family ticket | 520 Kč · 2 adults and 2 children under 15. |
|---|
- Family tours & workshops
- Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide
A game and a trail around the castle and its surroundings are prepared for young princes and princesses. A family ticket costs CZK 520.
Getting there & parking
By public transit
Blatce / Tubož
There is no railway stop at the castle. The nearest bus stops are Blatce, Tubož and the pond on road II/259. Services are seasonal.
By car
Parking available · 10-min walk · 700 m to the entrance
The large car park is about 700 m from the castle; from there it is a comfortable 10-minute walk to the castle gate.
Two small roads lead to the castle: from Blatce (or Tubož) and from Kruh. GPS coordinates in front of the castle gate: 50.4904153 N, 14.6237242 E.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
The website offers an online shop and accommodation. The page does not give information on refreshments at the castle.
Events & venue rental
- Spaces for rent
- Weddings / ceremonies
The castle offers wedding ceremonies and corporate events.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes |
|---|---|
| Good to know | Tours are only with a guide, every hour on the hour. Dante's Hell, Peklem, is outside the main route, viewed without a guide in the former carriage house. |
