Ruins of Hrádek u Purkarce Castle (Karlův hrádek)
Zřícenina hradu Hrádek u Purkarce (Karlův hrádek)
Karlův hrádek is a romantic Gothic castle ruin above the Vltava river, founded by Emperor Charles IV in the 14th century. It is freely accessible via a marked tourist trail, offers impressive views, historical information panels, and a new public fire pit. It also serves as an active cultural and historical site with various events, archaeological research, and scenic views.

📜 A picturesque Gothic castle ruin with a rich history, now an active cultural and historical site.
🏞️ Perched above the Vltava River, offering impressive views and historical insights.

Why Go

🏰 Explore a romantic castle ruin, originally founded in the 13th century.
🚶‍♀️ Easily accessible via the red tourist trail (E10) from Purkarec or Hluboká – Zámostí train station.
🔥 Enjoy the public fire pit for picnics and roasting sausages.
📚 Learn from informational panels about its rich history and archaeological findings.
👀 Discover wonderful views of the Vltava river and countryside.
🎶 Experience a rich cultural program, including multi-genre music festivals ('Hrád(t)kování') and medieval theater ('Rytířova dcera').
⛏️ Participate in archaeological research and guided tours ('Archeologické léto').
🎉 Attend seasonal opening and closing ceremonies with historical fencing, music, and workshops.
🤫 Hear local legends of a hidden wine cellar guarded by a fierce dog.

Why Avoid

⚠️ Trail might be rocky in some parts, consider appropriate footwear.

Cost

💰 General access to the ruin is free.
🎟️ Some specific events may have an admission fee (e.g., 150 CZK for certain theater performances).

Getting There

📍 Located on the left bank of the Vltava River, near the Hněvkovice water reservoir.
🚶‍♀️ About 2.5 km from Purkarec village.
🚂 Approximately 8 km from Hluboká – Zámostí train station via the red tourist trail.
🚤 Accessible by foot, bike, or boat.
⛴️ Ferry service operates from Purkarec.

Hours

🗓️ Freely accessible year-round.
🎭 Cultural program and events typically run from May to October.

Events

🗓️ Upcoming 2025 events include:

  • May 3: Tourist Season Opening
  • July 10: "Rytířova dcera" medieval theater performance at 17:00.
  • July 26: Multi-genre music festival "Hrád(t)kování".
  • August 30: "Loučení s létem" medieval festival with fencing, dance, workshops, and archery (13:00 – 18:00).
  • September 8-19: Archaeological research with public lectures.
  • November 23: St. Hubert's Mass at St. John of Nepomuk Church in Hluboká nad Vltavou (procession from 13:30).

Managed By

🤝 Operated by the 'Karlův Hrádek z.s.' association.
🏛️ In cooperation with partners like Divadelní spolek Křížžáci and supported by the South Bohemian Region and Hluboká nad Vltavou municipality.

Amenities

🔥 Public fire pit for picnics and roasting sausages.
ℹ️ Information boards.
🎤 Stage with mobile roofing for performances.

History

📜 Originally founded in the 13th century, likely by King Přemysl Otakar II, and later mentioned in 1357 during the reign of Charles IV.
👑 Served as an administrative center and hunting castle, also known as Karlshaus.
📉 Abandoned after 1370 due to limited defensive capabilities.
⛏️ Ongoing archaeological research continues to uncover its past.