Got a free day in Prague and wish to explore beyond the capital? Here’s my suggestion for a hassle-free excursion. Simply catch a train, and in just 40 minutes, you’ll arrive at the stunning 16th-century Renaissance castle in Nelahozeves.
The easiest trip from Prague ever!
When I went to Nelahozeves for the first time (May 2023), it was a totally spontaneous decision. There are numerous connections from Prague each hour, allowing me to depart at virtually any time. Since I work as a tour guide in Prague, my schedule is rather irregular and sometimes I just decide at the last minute to go on a trip. And this was the case! Nelahozeves was on my travel radar for a couple of months because many of my clients ask me about what else to see in the Czech Republic besides Prague…Unfortunately, many tour guides tend to recommend only Karlštejn, Kutná Hora, or Český Krumlov—lovely locations, but often overcrowded with tourists.
Instead, I “tested” Nelahozeves for you. It´s rather forgotten lovely village only 40 minutes by train from Prague city center.
Who is writing this blog for you?
My name is Dana and I am a Prague local who loves exploring and learning about things – especially about things not frequently mentioned in every guide book or travel blogs. My job is guiding in Prague and my everyday goal is to present Prague in a less touristy way: no microphones, no umbrellas, small groups only, no touristic stereotypes. That’s why I also enjoyed Nelahozeves so much – it’s not as touristy as other “hot spots” in the Czech Republic. It is well preserved and easily reachable from Prague.
And this is my report 🙂
Why Nelahozeves?
- It’s only 40 minutes away from Prague city center!!!
- You can visit the interiors of the stunning 16th century Renaissance Castle owned by the Lobkowicz noble family. It´s one of the finest Renaissance castles in the Czech Republic. The scheduled tours are given in Czech language by the castle guides, but no worries foreigners will always get accompanying guide text in English (or other language). English tours are also available upon previous request for 300 CZK / pp.
- Nelahozeves is a hometown of the famous Czech composer Antonín Dvořák – his birth house is open to the public. During my visit, the place was still undergoing reconstruction, so I can’t provide much information about the exposition. However, I have a strong belief that it will be amazing.
- During my visit (week day) the Nelahozeves village and the castle were almost empty, no crowds, no tour buses, no silly souvenir shops or overpriced services.
- You can´t get lost there:-) All the major sights in the village are within walking distance. For example the castle is visible right from the train stop and Dvořák´s house is 1 minute away from the railway station.
How to get there?
I took a train from “Masarykovo nádraží” which is located very close to Powder Tower, Municipal House or Palladium and got off at “Nelahozeves zámek” stop. There are several direct trains from Prague! In total, the ride is between 40 – 60 minutes and the ticket costs around 70 CZK (one way). The ride is smooth, convenient and safe. Leading through the Czech countryside and along the Vltava river.
Upon arrival to Nelahozeves
Welcome 🙂 Once you step on the train platform (there is no big train station in Nelahozeves), you will immediately see the beautiful Nelahozeves Castle covered with well preserved sgraffito decorations on the facade. After 5 minutes walk you will reach its entrance.
Tour of Nelahozeves Castle
From the train station I went directly up to the castle. You don´t need any maps. Just walk towards it. Once I entered the courtyard I couldn´t believe – I was there all alone. So pretty and quiet – it was during the working day! Weekends are probably much busier there.
In the ticket office I signed up for the guided tour of the interiours at 2pm. The ticket cost 180 CZK. The permanent exhibition Private Spaces: A Noble Family at Home illustrates in extensive detail how an influential noble family lived in the 19th century. Inspired by the era of Ferdinand Zdenko, 10th Prince Lobkowicz (1858-1938), the twelve period rooms visited on the guided tour include the elegant Dining Room, the bedrooms of the Prince and Princess, the Music Room, the Prince’s Smoking Room, the Family Chapel, and the Prince’s Library featuring a rotating selection of books and manuscripts from the Lobkowicz Archive and the 65,000-volume Roudnice Lobkowicz Library.
I arrived a little early, so I decided to take a brief stroll around the village and the castle. There’s also a quaint “window bistro” across from the castle where you can enjoy a coffee or a beer. However, I must say the ice cream wasn’t very enjoyable. 🙁
If you want to grab something small to eat before / after the tour, I can recommend the waiting room / info center right at the train stop where you got off (yes, it also serves as a bistro:-) It´s a cozy multifunctional space offering coffee, microbrewery beers, soups and small meals. The staff is very friendly and welcoming!
Summary and practical information
Official website of the Nelahozeves Castle: www.lobkowicz.cz/en/nelahozeves
Train connections: www.idos.cz or app Pubtran
Opening hours: Nelahozeves Castle is open every day except Monday, from 9am to 5pm.
On weekdays, tours start at 10am and 2pm, on weekends they start at 10am, 12pm, 1pm and 3pm. The tickets cost currently 180 CZK (English tours upon previous request for 300 CZK).
Those who join guided tours in Czech will receive an accompanying guide text in the following languages: English, French, German, Italian, Russian, and Spanish.
Best time for visit: weekdays (except Monday).
How much time will you need? 6 hours for super relaxed return trip.
Have a great trip and let me know if you enjoyed it as much as I did!!
Dana, owner and guide for Prague Behind The Scenes | small-group tours and experiences.
Stay in touch:-)
Where to next?
Easy trip from Prague: Olomouc, city of a famous cheese that smells like sweaty feet!
How to get from Prague to Vienna and see a lot along the way?