Zvikov Castle: A Local's Guide
Read our travel guide on Zvikov Castle, Czechia. It includes the best things to do and see, tips on how to get, where to stay, and when to go.
Without any doubt, Zvikov is one of the most beautiful castles in South Bohemia.
It is perched on a rocky hillside above the Orlik Dam, at the confluence of the Otava and Vltava rivers.
Surrounded by a valley, water, and hills, the setting couldn't be more romantic.
The castle is just a short drive from our hometown, so we've been to Zvikov a few times. This time, we took a more serious approach.
If you're tired of crowds, Zvikov is one of those spots that fly under the radar for most international visitors.
We need to add that it's still very popular among the locals.
So, without any further ado, here's everything you should know about Zvikov Castle before you go.
How to Visit Zvikov Castle
Due to the Easter holidays and the great weather forecast, the castle opened a few days earlier this year.
We started our long weekend road trip in Ceske Budejovice, so it took us under an hour to reach the gravel parking lot at Zvikovske Podhradi village.
Parking was almost empty as we got there relatively early.
History
Due to its strategic location, this area has been inhabited since prehistoric times. The castle you can see today was built by Ottokar I of Bohemia.
Zvikov Castle in the second half of the 13th century.
The Kings of the Premyslids dynasty stayed at this castle often until the Wenceslaus III was assassinated.
The castle was managed by Rosenbergs, Eggenbergs, Schwarzenbergs, etc., withstood several sieges and was extended and modified many times.
By the way, Bohemian Crown jewels were kept here in times of danger.
Today, Zvikov is state-owned and managed by the National Heritage Institute (Narodni pamatkovy ustav).
Zvikov Castle
The first impression of Zvikov is very different from other castles.
Even though the castle is nestled on a rock above two rivers, the road to it leads downhill.
The distance between the first gate and parking is about 500 meters, and the walk is suitable for most ages and abilities.
Another thing you will quickly notice is that, unlike Karlstejn or Krivoklat, Zvikov looks way smaller.
Don't be fooled by this appearance.
When you pass through the main gate, note that most areas at the castle grounds are free to explore.
We headed directly to the Royal Palace, but you can take your time and explore the grounds first.
The Royal Palace
The Royal Palace is a bit further down on your right. We purchased the tickets here and soon appeared in an empty courtyard with a lovely arcade.
It was still early, and the castle was very quiet. Zvikov Castle can be explored on a self-guided tour only (no special guided tours were available when we were there).
Each room had plenty of information boards in several languages (English included), so we didn't mind.
The main advantage is that you can take as much time as you want there.
Self-Guided Tour
The Royal Palace area is easy to navigate, so you basically need just to follow the metal arrows that will guide you through the castle.
Apart from the main courtyard, you get to see cellars, St. Wenceslas Chapel, the royal bedroom, the hall of knights, the dining hall, frescoes, towers, and more.
The ground floor has seasonal exhibits which are worth seeing as well.
Similar to Orlik Castle, Zvikov Castle is located on the Orlik Dam. The views from the castle walls are stunning.
Remember that Orlik Dam raised the water level by 25 meters, so the valley looked very different back then.
The comparison photos of then and now we saw at the exhibition were pretty stunning.
Similarly, the stories (and poems) of how inaccessible the castle used to be were also pretty fascinating.
Culture
Thanks to its beauty, Zvikov was used as a filming location for several famous Czech (and international co-production) movies and fairy tale classics such as Lotrando a Zubejda, Sedmero Krkavcu, Jan Zizka, or Bathory.
Myths
Zvikov is known for some paranormal activity and as one of the most haunted castles in Czechia.
The castle is inhabited by Rarasek, who does mischievous things to visitors. Ladislav Stroupeznicky even created a comic opera, Zvikovsky Rarasek, which takes place at Zvikov.
It's also said that several movie-makers experienced strange issues with their equipment when filming there.
According to a legend, whoever spends a night at Hlizova Vez will die within a year.
Photography
By the way, photography is allowed at Zvikov Castle. And yes, our camera worked just fine there.
Where to Go Next
As we mentioned earlier, our next stop on our road trip was Orlik Castle. There's more to explore within this region.
The medieval town of Tabor, known for Hussites, is a great place to visit. Pisek is a quiet town with the oldest bridge in Czechia.
Ceske Budejovice is the largest city in the South Bohemia Region.
Or you can head back to the capital - see our personally curated 3-Day Prague itinerary and 1-Day Prague itinerary.
Opening Hours
Zvikov Castle is open all year round. That said, the paid area has seasonal opening hours and is closed in winter.
The Royal Palace (the self-guided tour) at Zvikov Castle is open from April to October.
The castle is open daily from 9 AM to 5 PM during the summer months (July and August).
Outside this season, it's open usually from 9:30 AM to 4 PM every day except Mondays.
As the opening hours may change, always check the official website before you go.
Entrance Fee
While Zvikov Castle is technically free to enter, there is an admission fee to the Royal Palace.
The basic tour costs 160 CZK per adult.
You can purchase the ticket at the site and online through the official website (Narodni pamatkovy ustav).
How Much Time Do I Need
If you plan to take a self-guided tour, you should set aside at least 90 minutes for Zvikov Castle.
If you're pressed for time, you can tour the castle in about an hour or so.
It was a beautiful spring day, so we spent about two hours exploring the Zvikov Castle.
When to Go
You can visit Zvikov Castle at any time of the year. Our favorite time to visit Zvikov Castle is usually late spring or early autumn.
Despite crowds and higher prices, the best time to visit Zvikov Castle is arguably during the summer months.
The weather is great, and days have more than enough daylight.
We've already mentioned that you can visit Zvikov Castle even during the winter.
Keep in mind that the castle interiors are closed during this period.
What to Pack
The access road between the parking and the castle is paved, so regular shoes should be fine.
Just wear your favorite clothing according to the current weather. Keep in mind that this is still a medieval castle, and some areas can be really cold.
Make sure to keep an extra warm item in your daypack to ensure you stay nice and warm during your visit.
Here, you will find our tried and tested Czechia packing list.
How to Get There
There are several ways to get to Zvikov Castle, including by car, train, bus, bike, or foot.
Car
The best way to get to Zvikov Castle is by car. This is by far the most convenient option for most international visitors.
Zvikov Castle is located about 100 kilometers south of Prague, 20 kilometers north of Pisek, 50 kilometers west of Tabor, and 70 kilometers south of Ceske Budejovice.
Driving in Czechia is fairly easy, especially if you rent a car with an automatic transmission.
Travel Resources
When renting a car, we use Rentalcars.com.
Parking
Paid parking is available at Zvikov Castle. Follow the R138 all the way to a large parking lot that marks the end of the road.
At the time of our visit, the parking was cash only and it cost 100 CZK.
Public Transport
You can take a bus from Pisek, Cimelice, or Milevsko to Zvikovske Podhradi (or Zvikovske Podhradi - rozcesti, depending on the time of year).
You can also get to Zvikov by bus from Prague.
The nearest train station is Cimelice and Smetanova Lhota, but you would need to arrange transport from there.
On Foot
The nearest village, Zvikovske Podhradi, is about two kilometers south of the castle. Head north and follow the green trail from the village.
Bike
Two cycling trails (1149 and 1225) connect Zvikov with the town of Pisek.
Boat Tours
Another way to see Zvikov Castle is with a boat tour that departs from Orlik (Orlicka Lodni).
Where to Stay
Several midsize towns are within a relatively short distance from Zvikov Castle.
Whether you visit Zvikov on a day trip from Prague or tour the South Bohemia Region, you will need cozy accommodation.
Here are tips on great hotels near Zvikov Castle.
Prague | NYX Hotel Prague - This is a great place to stay with its central location, modern decor, individually designed rooms, and comfortable beds. Parking is available if reserved in advance.
Pisek | Hotel u Kaplicky - This family-run hotel offers comfortable rooms, free parking, an excellent location, and great food.
Tabor | Hotel Nautilus - This boutique hotel in the heart of Tabor offers beautiful decor, spacious rooms, delicious food, and private parking.
Ceske Budejovice | Grandhotel Zvon - Situated on the main square, this traditional hotel offers clean rooms, a Czech cuisine restaurant, friendly staff, and secure parking.
Staying Safe
Zvikov Castle is generally a very safe place to visit. If you're arriving by car, drive slowly and don't leave valuables in your vehicle.
Travel Insurance
We never leave home without travel insurance that was designed to cover our expenses if something goes wrong during the trip.
Travel insurance protects against theft, flight delays, injury, illness, cancellations, and much more.
World Nomads provides travel insurance for travelers to cover their trip essentials, including sports and adventure activities.
SafetyWing is affordable travel insurance for backpackers, long-term travelers, and digital nomads.
Travel smarter and safer!
Is Zvikov Castle Worth Visiting?
Although Zvikov is not as famous as some other castles in Czechia, we believe it's worth seeing.
As we mentioned at the beginning of this post, Zvikov Castle is one of the most charming castles in the Czech Republic.
It has a beautiful setting, interesting history, and well-preserved structures.
If you're traveling to Cesky Krumlov, Holasovice or Hluboka nad Vltavou, Zvikov offers a great break from the madness of these destinations.
Don't forget that you can combine a visit with a trip to nearby Orlik Castle, Svata Hora, etc.
For those who love European castles or places missed by international tourists, it's a great addition to every Czechia itinerary.
Travel Resources
Here you can find links to all the travel resources we use and which you might find helpful when planning your next holiday.
Accommodation: When looking for accommodation, we usually search hotels via Booking.com or Hostelworld.
Tours: Although we love to travel independently, some places are better to visit with a guided tour.
We prefer GetYourGuide for its easy-to-use interface and solid reputation. Another great alternative is Viator.
Rental Cars: When going on a road trip, we always use Rentalcars.com, a reliable site for booking a rental car in advance.
Flight Tickets: When looking for flight tickets, you can search Skyscanner to find the best price.
Travel Insurance: World Nomads and SafetyWing cover against risks of travel.
