Konopiste castle located very close to Prague is somehow out of popular destinations for a day trip and is not included into the popular bucket lists of travelers coming to Czechia. To my mind this is unfair, because the place is closely linked with history both of the Czech Republic and with the history of the whole World.
Do you know why? Because in numerous rooms of the Chateau used to live Franz Ferdinand D’Este, who was killed in Sarajevo and this death became the reason why the first world war began. At least these few facts should make you go there to explore.
History
The castle was built for the governing family in Benesov. It happened at the end of the 13th century, so we can say that Konopiste is quite an old construction with more than 700 years of history. At the beginning it was a gothic fortress, being gradually rebuilt into a romantic Chateau we can visit today.
In 1887 Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria bought the Chateau from duke Lobkowic (a famous Czech family) and started to create the place we know today as Konopiste: with its huge collections or weapon, art and trophies.
What to see in the castle?
Konopiste is a huge complex of areas around the Chateau. There is a lake, rose gardens, forests and hills. There live peacocks, a bear, deers and lots of birds. Inside the castle tourists are offered to follow 1 of the 3 routes. Each of them has its own description and theme. If you buy a ticket you will get a free entrance to the museum of St George.
St George Museum
Franz Ferdinand was a person keen on collections. One of them is the collection of statues, figures, portraits of St George. In Konopiste castle you will find one room museum devoted to this person. It was all made, planned and gathered by the archduke himself.
He was competing with Edward VII: whose collection is bigger and wider. Franz Ferdinand managed to find more than 1500 objects which were presented in the museum in 1928. Unfortunately today we can see much less of them.
Konopiste routes for tourists
State castle of Konopiste is divided into three main touristic routs. Each of them has its peculiarities and theme. It was made to give a better chance to discover and get in touch with the history, interiors and numerous collects of goods in the Chateau.
Duration of each route is about 60 minutes and this is just enough time to perceive the information and remember the facts. If you feel like taking two or all three routs, you will get a discount for sure. To relax between excursions, you can have a coffee in the cafe inside the courtyard.
Official calendar of Konopiste says that the castle is open from 30 of March till 30 of November. Mind that almost all the castles and Chateau in Czechia are closed on Mondays, but for Easter Monday and the day of Czech Independence. If you plan a trip on weekdays between October and November, you have to make a reservation in advance. They will allow you in only in a group of more than 10 people.
They don’t allow to take photos or to film inside the Chateau, but I managed to get some snaps for you. The quality is not the best, because I was shooting with my Iphone.
Route 1
This is kind of introduction into the Chateau of Konopiste. You will see part of a huge collection of hunting trophies in the corridors, several rooms, cabinets and the kitchen. Every room has lots of details represented and in one of them there are the wedding presents for Franz Ferdinand and his wife Sophie.
Admission fee:
- Adult 220 CZK;
- Children, students, senior above 65: 140 CZK;
Route 2
The second route in Konopiste, is devoted mostly to weapon, study and smoking rooms. Since Franz Ferdinand was a keen hunter he had huge passion towards weapon and was collecting guns and rifles from all over the world. Today it is one of the biggest collections in Europe. At the end of the 2d route you will get into the library.
Admission fee:
- Adult 220 CZK;
- Children, students, senior above 65: 140 CZK;
Route 3
The 3d route of Chateau Konopiste is more about private and family life of Franz Ferdinand, his wife and kids. Bedrooms, cabinet, bathrooms, dinning room, kids rooms are decorated the way the nobel family used to see them 100 years ago. Some of the interiors remained, some were reconstructed according to numerous photos of that times. Following this route you will see how modern and technically developed was the castle at the beginning of previous century: flash toilet, shower with hot and cold water and even a personal elevator of Franz Ferdinand.
Admission fee:
- Adult 320 CZK;
- Children, students, senior above 65: 220 CZK;
How to get from Prague to Konopiste
The cheapest way to travel from Prague to Konopiste on your own is by train. I you are in a group, it is better to buy a group return ticket, which is quite cheap. The train starts from Hlavni Nadrazi (central railway station) every hour and goes about 50-60 minutes to station Benesov u Prahy. Here is the timing which can be an example for you.
Plan for a day trip Prague – Konopiste – Prague by train
- Prague – Benesov by train: 11:08 – 12:00;
- Railway station – Castle: 45 minutes of easy walk;
- Gardens and St George Museum: 1 hour;
- Route 3 in the Castle: 1 hour;
- Castle – railway station: 20 minutes on eco-train;
- Benson u Prahy – Prague: 16:13 – 17:15;
- Dinner at Potrefena Husa 18:00 – 20:00.
Return ticket for 6 people costs 340 CZK.
When the train arrives in Benesov u Prahy you have to use the tunnel to get from the platform. There you turn left and go ahead on the bridge which goes above the railways and go straight after you cross it. At the road crossing you go ahead and there you will see the signs with Konopiste directions. It is very easy way.
On the way back it is comfortable to take an eco-train which goes from Konopiste to Benesov. To check the schedule use this link http://www.ekovlacekbenesov.cz/en/jizdni-rad.html The price is 20 CZK per person.
Rent a car
The most comfortable way of traveling from Prague to Konospiste for solo travelers is to rent a car in Prague and go for a trip. From the city centre of the Czech Capital to Benesov it takes about 40-45 minutes, provided there are no traffic jams.
Hotels
Unfortunately you can’t book a room in the castle and to live one night of Franz Ferdinand’s life, but there are some many cosy little hotels around the Chateau where you can book a room, in case you would love to spend more than just a day in the neighborhood and deeper plunge into the atmosphere of the place. I have picked up the best hotels in Benesov for you.
Review
If you would like to have a private sightseeing day trip from Prague to Konopiste castle with a local guide, please fill out the form and let us know about the dates of your trip, number of people and other important issues.
I hope that this article will help you to travel around Czechia and Czech castles. If you have any comments, please leave them below, as well as you tips for such a day trip. Konopiste castle is waiting for you.
