Bítov Castle
Hrad Bítov
Fee required
Parking available
Bítov Castle is a significant historical fortress located before the confluence of the Želetavka and Thaya rivers, likely the oldest castle in the Moravian-Austrian Thaya region, with a history dating back to a 10th-century Slavic settlement.

📜 A majestic fortress with roots in a 10th-century Slavic settlement, guarding the confluence of the Želetavka and Thaya rivers.
🏰 Discover its unique history, including a private zoo with an extraordinary collection of stuffed dogs.

Why Go

✨ Explore a castle with history dating back to a 10th-century Slavic settlement.
👑 Discover its evolution through various noble families, from Přemyslids to Dauns, shaping its Neo-Gothic appearance.
🐾 Visit one of the first private zoos in the Czech Republic, established by Baron Jiří Haas, known for its collection of 49 stuffed dogs.
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Enjoy family-friendly facilities, various tours, and commemorations of historical events.
🌳 Admire the castle's strategic location and architecture.

Why Avoid

❓ Foreign language tours are not available, only text translations in English and German.
⚠️ Rocky terrain in some areas and free-roaming animals in the garden require children to be supervised.

⏰ Hours

  • April & October: Open 9:00-16:00 on Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays. Weekdays for pre-booked groups only.
  • May, June & September: Open 9:00-17:00 daily, except Mondays.
  • July & August: Open 9:00-18:00 daily, except Mondays.
  • Closed: Mondays are generally closed. If a public holiday falls on a Monday, the castle closes on Tuesday instead.

💰 Cost

  • Castle Palace (basic tour): Adults 240 Kč, Seniors/Youth (18-24)/ZTP 190 Kč, Children (6-17) 70 Kč, Children (under 5) free.
  • Castle Grounds (self-guided): Adults/Seniors/Youth/ZTP/Children (6-17) 80 Kč, Children (under 5) free.
  • Armoury: Adults 180 Kč, Seniors/Youth (18-24)/ZTP 140 Kč, Children (6-17) 50 Kč, Children (under 5) free.
  • Dungeon, Torture Chamber, Prison: Adults 180 Kč, Seniors/Youth (18-24)/ZTP 140 Kč, Children (6-17) 50 Kč, Children (under 5) free.

🅿️ Parking

🚗 Paid parking lot available 600m above the castle (cash only). Parking directly in front of the castle is prohibited without a permit.

🐕 Pets

🐾 Dogs are allowed in the first and second courtyards on a leash and with a muzzle. They are prohibited from the Palace tour and the garden with free-roaming animals.

🚴‍♀️ Cyclists

🚲 Bike racks for approximately 35 bikes are available at the restaurant in the second courtyard. Garage storage for expensive bikes can be arranged in advance.

👶 Child facilities

🧸 No dedicated children's corner. A changing table is available in the women's toilets. Children must be supervised due to rocky terrain and free-roaming animals in the garden.

☕ Refreshments

🍽️ Castle restaurant offers full menu in July/August, and cafe/patisserie in April-June & September-October. Lichtenburk Lords' Wine Cellar open in July/August.

🏛️ Tours

  • 1. Castle Palace (basic tour): 60 minutes, max 25 people. Features Neo-Gothic illusory paintings, life of Dauns and Baron Haas. Reservation required for groups.
  • 2. Castle Grounds (self-guided): 90 minutes, unlimited people. Includes courtyards, Neo-Gothic chapel, renewed Baron Jiří Haas Zoo garden. No reservation needed.
  • 3. Armoury: 30 minutes, max 20 people. Features 18th-century weapons collection from the Jankovsky of Vlašimi family. Reservation required for groups.
  • 4. Dungeon, Torture Chamber, Prison: 30 minutes, max 15 people. Located in the 13th-century Shire Tower, includes a hungermorn, prison cells, and torture chamber with replicas. No reservation needed.