Státní hrad Landštejn

About the museum

Landštejn Castle was built at the turn of the 12th and 13th centuries as a fortress on the border between the Czech lands and Austria, beside an old trade route. The builder's name has not been preserved; it may have been the Czech king Přemysl Otakar I or the Austrian dukes. The first certain record of the castle's lord dates from 1282, when Sezima of Třeboň of the Vítkovci family held it, and his descendants took their name from the castle as the lords of Landštejn. The most important of them, Vilém of Landštejn, served as a diplomat for Emperor Charles IV.

In 1381 the castle passed to the Krajíř of Krajek family, who rebuilt it into a Gothic and Renaissance residence. Landštejn was captured three times: in 1317 by a royal army, in 1420 by the Hussites and in 1618 by the Austrian imperial army; the last capture ended in January 1619 with the garrison starved out. In 1771 lightning struck the castle, it burned down and was never restored.

Of the Romanesque core, two prismatic towers, the palace between them and the high curtain wall with its pentagonal plan have survived. After its expropriation in 1945 the castle was extensively restored from 1972 onwards, and the first visitor season began in 1990. Today it is managed by the National Heritage Institute (NPÚ). Within the grounds you will find panels on the history and construction of the castle, and in the gatehouse an exhibition of archaeological finds that illustrates life at the castle from the 13th to the 18th century. The Romanesque chapel can be visited only with a guide. From 2025 to 2028 the second stage of masonry conservation is under way.

Highlights

• Romanesque core with two prismatic towers and a palace from the turn of the 12th and 13th centuries
• Romanesque chapel open for guided tours
• Exhibition of archaeological finds in the gatehouse
• Remains of the Gothic and Renaissance fortifications from the time of the Krajíř of Krajek family
• A castle in the forests of the Czech Canada, near the Austrian border

Permanent exhibition

• Expozice archeologických nálezů ve vstupní bráně – Selected finds from the castle's archaeological excavations are complemented by thematic panels on life at the castle from the 13th to the 18th century.

Operated by

Národní památkový ústav, územní památková správa v Českých Budějovicích

Admission & discounts

The basic Castle tour is visited without a guide. Payment is possible by card or in cash. Free admission applies, among others, to school group supervisors, group guides for groups of 15 or more, holders of ICOMOS cards, NPÚ staff cards and tickets issued by NPÚ. Parking below the castle is paid (car CZK 40, motorcycle CZK 20, coach CZK 100).

Accessibility

• Partially wheelchair accessible
• 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 castle is a ruin. Wheelchair users can reach only the courtyard, and only with assistance; other parts are reached by stairs (62 more steps lead from the courtyard to the chapel). The castle management can arrange for a vehicle to drive up to the entrance gate (tel. +420 607 559 450). Dogs on a lead may enter the grounds, but not the entrance exhibition.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide
• Baby changing facilities: not available

The castle is suitable for visits with children, as the tour is self-guided. Children can complete worksheets: “Hledání” (Search), “Románská stavba” (Romanesque Construction), “14. století” (14th Century) and two about bats. The castle has no changing table.

Getting there & parking

By car on road no. 152 between Nová Bystřice and Slavonice; the turning to the castle is signposted. Cycle route no. 312 (Greenway) runs through the village of Landštejn; cyclists may ride up to the gate, but bicycles cannot be taken into the grounds.

Amenities & dining

• Restaurant

There is a restaurant below the castle by the car park; another restaurant about 300 m from the castle, beyond the bus stop, operates only in summer. There is no mobile signal at the castle.

Events & venue rental

• Weddings / ceremonies

Wedding ceremonies are arranged by the registry office of the town hall in Nová Bystřice and take place while the castle is open; the location is chosen according to the weather and the couple's wishes.

Plan your visit