Hrad Střekov

About the museum

King John of Luxembourg had the castle built between 1316 and 1319 on a rock above the River Elbe. It was meant to protect Elbe navigation and the trade route and to collect tolls. Its owners included the Vartenbergs, the Margraves of Meissen, the lords of Kladno and the Glac family from Starý Dvůr, who rebuilt it into a more comfortable late Gothic residence. From 1563 to 1945 Střekov belonged to the Lobkowicz family, and it has been owned by them again since 1992.

The Lobkowiczes did not live at the castle, but they kept it habitable until the Thirty Years’ War. During the war the castle was captured and burned several times, and then fell into decay; it still served as a fortress during the Seven Years’ War. In the age of Romanticism the decaying ruin became a popular destination for tourists and artists, and in 1830 a restaurant was opened there. Johann Wolfgang Goethe described the view from the castle as one of the most beautiful in Europe.

Today Střekov is open to visitors as a ruin with a tour. Visitors walk through the preserved parts of the castle, including the castle terrace and the citadel. In the historical exhibition they see replicas of weapons, knights’ armour, drawings, photographs and a wooden model of the castle, and in the lower courtyard there is a free gallery. The site also has a restaurant and a bistro.

Highlights

• ruin of a Gothic castle on a rock above the Elbe, with a view over the river valley
• historical exhibition with replicas of weapons, armour and a wooden model of the castle
• castle terrace and citadel as viewpoints
• self-guided visit with a text available to borrow in 10 languages
• free gallery in the lower courtyard and the Wágnerka restaurant with terrace

Permanent exhibition

• Historická expozice hradu Střekov – The exhibition includes replicas of weapons and knights’ armour, art drawings, period photographs and a wooden model of the castle complex.

Operated by

Lobkowiczové (Lobkowicz Collections)

Admission & discounts

The gallery in the lower courtyard is free to enter. Tickets can be paid for online or on site, in cash or by card.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible: not available
• 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 14th-century castle site is not suitable for people with limited mobility. Dogs on a leash are welcome.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops

In summer, free “Fairy-Tale Sundays” are held once a month in the courtyard. Because of the uneven surface, it is recommended not to leave children unsupervised.

Getting there & parking

The Elbe cycle route runs past the castle; there are stands and bicycle lockers on the site. The castle stands in Střekov, a district of Ústí nad Labem.

Amenities & dining

• Restaurant

On the site there is the Wágnerka restaurant with the castle terrace and the Kovárna bistro (Tuesday to Sunday, 9:30–17:00). Toilets are on the castle site; stands and bicycle lockers are also available.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Private parties
• Corporate events
• Weddings / ceremonies

The castle can be hired for weddings, corporate, private, cultural and sporting events, as well as for filming and photography; the restaurant provides catering for smaller groups.

Plan your visit