In the altitude of 886m lies the highest situated royal castle in Bohemia, located 3 km north of the town of Kašperské Hory. This majestic castle in Gothic style got the name after its founder, the Roman Emperor Charles IV, who charged Vít called Hedvábný with construction of Kašperk Castle in 1356. Construction itself took only five years. From the beginning, the castle served to guard the newly established trade route called Golden Path, but also to protect gold-bearing mines in the area of Kašperské Hory and to protect borderline with the neighbouring Bavaria.
Kašperk Castle is a unique example of the Czech castle construction style from the period of Charles IV. For the time of its existence, the castle has not been rebuilt in any considerable way, which is why many interesting construction elements - as for instance unique brick helmet - have been preserved to date.

Views from Pustý hrádek (Desert Fort)

At the opposite hill, some 400m distant from the Castle, we can still see the ruins of Pustý hrádek. This fort was a part of Kašperk fortification system. Nowadays, it serves only as a place offering ravishing views of the Šumava hills and of Kašperk Castle itself.

Present

Kašperk Castle, which has been a part of the historical property of the town of Kašperské Hory since 1617, is open to public during the whole main season. During the Christmas season, from 28th December to 1st January, winter guided tours with accompanying programme take place in there. One of the guided tour is focused on everyday life at the castle, the other acquaints visitors with common life in course of the castle construction. Kašperk Castle also offers special interactive tours designed for children.
Every year, Kašperk Castle also includes many other interesting events into its programme, as for instance theatre performances, fencing performances, night and winter guided tours or handcraft shows of the Šumava authentic products. The visitors may enjoy the time spent at the castle court by archery or crossbow shooting.

For more information on guided tours and cultural programme see http://www.kasperk.cz/ or contact us at info@kasperk.cz.