Konopiště Castle
Zámek Konopiště
Fee required
Konopiště Castle is a romantic castle near Benešov, Czechia, famous as the last residence of Archduke Franz Ferdinand d'Este, offering richly furnished rooms, unique collections, and extensive grounds.

📜 A historic castle, once a Gothic fortress, now a romantic landmark.
🔍 Famous as the last residence of Archduke Franz Ferdinand d'Este, whose assassination sparked WWI.

Why Go

🏰 Explore lavish interiors, including Franz Ferdinand's private rooms
🛡️ Discover unique collections of arms and hunting trophies
🖼️ Visit the unique St. George Museum in the former Baroque orangery
🎯 Experience the curious Game Room with its historic shooting range
🌿 Wander through extensive greenhouses with rare plants, including the "Maršálka" yellow rose
🌳 Stroll through the vast 340-hectare park with three educational nature trails
🎬 See a filming location for beloved Czech fairy tales and movies
🚶‍♀️ Follow the "Hunting Route" to uncover secret staircases and powder rooms
🎨 Admire the returned Renaissance shield, once stolen by Nazis
🚶‍♀️ Choose from four main guided tour circuits: the southern wing, the northern wing, the private apartment of Archduke Franz Ferdinand d'Este, and the hunting route
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Special children's tours with adapted commentary are available upon request
🎧 Audioguides in English, Russian, and German are available for circuits 1, 2, and 3

Why Avoid

🐻 The famous bear enclosure is no longer present, as the bear was relocated in 2024
⚠️ Circuit 2 involves narrow staircases across 1st-3rd floors and is not suitable for wheelchair users.
⚠️ Circuit 3 requires ascent to the 3rd floor.
⚠️ Circuit 4 (hunting route) is physically demanding with many staircases.

💰 Cost

Adults (25-64 years) for main circuits (Southern/Northern Wing, Hunting Route): 280 Kč.
Adults for Private Apartment: 420 Kč.
Adults for St. George Museum, Shooting Range, Rose Garden with greenhouses: 80-100 Kč.
Children under 5 years are free. Discounts available for seniors, youth (18-24), and ZTP/P cardholders.

⏱️ Hours

Castle:

  • April, May, September: 10:00 – 16:00
  • June: 10:00 – 17:00
  • July, August: 9:30 – 17:00
  • October: 10:00 – 15:00
  • November: Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays 10:00 – 15:00
  • January, February, March, December: Closed
    Rose Garden with greenhouses:
  • April (Sa-Su): 10:00 – 16:00
  • May (Tu-Su): 10:00 – 16:00
  • June-August (Tu-Su): 10:00 – 17:00
  • September (Tu-Su): 10:00 – 16:00
  • October (Sa-Su): 10:00 – 15:00
    Last tour starts at the stated closing time.

🎟️ Tickets

💻 Tickets can be purchased online, directly at the castle, or reserved via phone or email.
📞 Prior reservation is required for the private apartment and hunting route tours for individuals and groups.

🅿️ Parking

🅿️ Two paid parking lots available: a large central lot (approx. 600m from the castle) and a smaller one under the pond dam (approx. 300m away).
Additional parking is available in Benešov town (near the train station or barracks).

🚌 Getting There

🚗 By car: Accessible via E55, road I/3 near Benešov (follow signs).
🚆 By train: Disembark at Benešov u Prahy station (on the Prague Main Station - České Budějovice line).
🚌 By bus: From Prague, Roztyly.
🚶‍♀️ From Benešov: Approx. 2km via a tourist route, or accessible by a seasonal tourist train or taxi.

♿ Accessibility

♿ Wheelchair access available for the first tour circuit (Southern Wing Salons) using a stair climber (max 3 wheelchairs per tour due to battery recharge).
🚻 Accessible restrooms are located in the hall before the ticket office.
🌹 The Rose Garden, shooting range, and St. George Museum are also accessible.
⚠️ Circuits 2, 3, and 4 are not suitable for wheelchair users due to narrow staircases and physical demands.

🍽️ Food

🍽️ Refreshment options include the Castle Restaurant, D'Este Cafe, Bistro, Chocolaterie, and the Rose Cafe in the Rose Garden.
⚠️ Opening hours for these establishments may differ from the castle's opening hours.

🐾 Pet Policy

🚫 Animals are prohibited in exhibitions, courtyards, terraces, and the Rose Garden for collection preservation, with the exception of assistance dogs.

🚴‍♀️ Cycling

🚲 Cyclists can use a bike stand in the lockable staff courtyard.
🔒 Bringing a personal lock is recommended as the castle administration is not responsible for damage or loss of property.

📸 Photography

🚫 Photography and filming are generally prohibited in interiors, except in specified rooms without flash, tripods, or selfie sticks. Commercial use requires written permission.

🏛️ Managed By

Operated by the National Heritage Institute, Konopiště Castle Administration.