After years of fluctuating tourism trends, Czechia’s iconic castles and chateaux are experiencing a marked resurgence. State-run historical monuments across the country drew 2.4 million visitors by the end of July, a five percent increase over the same period last year, according to data from the National Heritage Institute (NPÚ).
While some sites maintained steady popularity, including Český Krumlov and Hluboká nad Vltavou, others saw a sharp uptick in attendance thanks to recent restorations and unique programming. The busiest period, predictably, has been the peak summer months of July and August, when opening hours are extended and event calendars filled.
Restorations and media exposure fuel visitor rise
Among the most-visited sites so far this year are Lednice, Český Krumlov, Hluboká nad Vltavou, Karlštejn, and Bouzov — all long-standing tourist magnets. But it’s the renewed attention on newly restored landmarks that has helped drive the overall uptick in attendance.
Zákupy Chateau in northern Bohemia, which recently reopened a restored historical farmyard, drew significantly more visitors than in previous years. In Litomyšl, the first phase of a large-scale renovation of the Renaissance-style chateau has been completed, making it another key driver of increased foot traffic.
Also noteworthy is the boost at Trosky Castle, a dramatic ruin in the Bohemian Paradise region. It has drawn heightened interest from younger tourists and international gamers after being prominently featured in Kingdom Come: Deliverance II, a video game set in medieval Bohemia that sold record numbers globally earlier this year.
“The combination of newly accessible spaces, thematic tours, and cultural relevance through modern media has had a real impact,” said NPÚ spokesperson Blanka Černá. “We’re seeing renewed interest not just in the famous sites but also in previously overlooked landmarks.”
Cultural programming highlights peak season
In addition to restorations, a packed calendar of summer events has further contributed to the strong numbers. The NPÚ’s annual Castle Night, scheduled for Aug. 23, is expected to draw even larger crowds. More than 130 historic monuments — including privately owned sites — will open for evening tours and special performances.
The main hub for Castle Night 2025 will be Uherčice Chateau in South Moravia, where visitors will be the first to access a newly renovated Baroque apartment wing. A chamber concert and light show are also planned for the occasion.
Other highlights include commemorative programs at Bečov Castle and Chateau, marking 40 years since the rediscovery of the reliquary of Saint Maurus, and theatrical tours at Manětín Chateau recognizing the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II.
Running parallel to these festivities is the Vltava Famous & Navigable initiative, which began in July and features the ceremonial transport of a symbolic relay baton along the Vltava River. The journey will culminate in an exhibition opening at Prague Castle in September, showcasing artifacts and educational material related to the river’s cultural significance.
These initiatives form part of the Year of the Italian Nobility, a thematic focus for 2025 that highlights the legacy of aristocratic families such as the Collaltos, Colloredos, and Piccolominis. Guided tours, lectures, concerts and other public events are scheduled through the end of the year at participating sites like Náchod, Opočno and Uherčice.
In 2024, NPÚ monuments drew just over four million visitors, which represented a slight decline from pre-pandemic highs. This year’s figures suggest a full rebound may be well underway, thanks in large part to expanded programming, restoration efforts, and the enduring allure of Czechia’s rich architectural heritage.