5 Reasons the Bouzov Castle is Worth Visiting
Located in the countryside of the beautiful Olomouc region in the Czech Republic find Hrad Bouzov, or the Bouzov Castle.
Maybe one of the Czech Republic’s most iconic castles, Bouzov Castle is often overlooked and sees fewer visitors than other castles in the Czech Republic. This may be due to its further distance from Prague. It takes a little more effort to visit and appreciate the charm of the Gothic Castle of Bouzov.
Here’s why the Bouzov Castle is definitely worth a visit when exploring the Czech Republic.
Table of Contents
- 5 Reasons to Visit Bouzov Castle
- Practical Information About Visiting Bouzov Castle
- Where to Stay to Visit Hrad Bouzov
- Conclusion | Is Bouzov Castle Worth Visiting?
5 Reasons to Visit Bouzov Castle
Here are five reasons to visit Bouzov Castle.
1 | Bouzov Castle Looks Like it’s Straight Out of a Fairytale
Often called a fairytale castle, the Bouzov Castle is quite iconic. The stone castle boasts a moat, two drawbridges (that still work), an eight-story watchtower, and an eye-catching orange roof.
While the castle suffered from some minor destructions and burnt down in 1558, it was always rebuilt and cared for by noble families. The castle we see today was built by the Grand Master of the Order of Teutonic Knights in a romanticized Gothic style. The castle is one of the most iconic structures in the entire Olomouc region.
Today, the Bouzov Castle is a National Historic Landmark in the Czech Republic that has been owned by the state since 1945. Not only is the castle protected, but the grounds are as well.
While the exterior of the castle is picturesque, the interior is decorated and beautifully maintained.
Hrad Bouzov is actually used for real-life fairytale events from weddings, and concerts, and as a theater venue. Throughout all the seasons, the castle remains one of the most enchanting castles in the Czech Republic.
2 | The Bouzoc Castle is a Famous Place to Film Movies
As a fairytale castle, it’s no surprise that the Bouzoc Castle has been featured in various films. It made its first debut in 1959, The Bear and the Ghosts, and has since been used as a film set for over 30 movies.
Since the castle is a popular movie set and backdrop, the Bouzoc Castle is always a favorite place to visit for the local Czechs and tourists alike.
3 | Bouzov Castle Sees Fewer Tourists Than Other Castles in the Czech Republic
The Bouvoz Castle is found almost three hours west of Prague, making it feel almost like a hidden gem for those who wish to travel deeper into this beautiful country. In fact, we opted to visit Bouzov Castle as part of a one-week Czech Republic road trip.
Almost all tourists will stay in the capital city of the Czech Republic and opt to take day trips from Prague. Day trippers from Prague opt to visit the Prague Castle and a couple of popular castles not far from the city. That makes the most popular castles to visit in the Czech Republic the two that are closest in distance to Prague.
The Karlštejn Castle is close enough to Prague that it can be toured on a bike trip or as a full-day guided E-bike tour. Křivoklát Castle is also another popular day trip from Prague.
The Bouzov Castle is farther from Prague, making it less crowded than other popular castles in the Czech Republic.
4 | The Tour of Bouzov Castle is Worth it
The views around the Hrad Bouzov are smashing and worth the trip to the countryside alone. Additionally, the tour of the castle is also worth it.
To tour the castle, you must join a guided tour. Be mindful that there are no tours in English. However, upon purchasing a ticket, there are detailed pamphlets in English. While you move through the guided tour, the pamphlet aligns and gives information about each room on the tour.
The interior of Bouzov Castle has quite an extensive collection of historically significant items, it’s definitely not just a “white wall castle” like so many in Europe. Many of the rooms are substantially furnished, decorated, and feel quite homey. There is electricity and water. Remember that many of these spaces are utilized for important social events like weddings and beyond.
On our guided tour, upon arrival at the Great Hall, a musician was playing the guitar. Another highlight of the Bouzov Castle tour was visiting the inner courtyard, which is beautifully maintained.
The overall guided tour of Hrad Bouzov was extremely well done. Waking through the decorated castle with small details feels like transporting you back to the Romanticized Middle Ages. Touring the castle is like stepping into a time machine.
In my experience, the Bouzov Castle tour is worth it.
5 | There are Plenty of Things to See Near Bouzov Castle
Olomouc is the 6th largest city in the Czech Republic and it is the heart to explore the Olomouc region. In fact, many sights near the Bouzov Castle can be visited in a full-day trip from Olomouc.
One of the more unique places to visit is the Olomouc Cheese Museum. Located nearby in the village of Loštice, this museum gives the history and a look into the production of olomoucký sýr, or the famed “stinky cheese of Olomouc.”
Another close destination to the castle is the popular Javoříčské Caves. These are the most popular caves to visit in the Czech Republic.
Practical Information About Visiting Bouzov Castle
Hrad Bouzov is a little over 20 miles (34 Km) northeast of Olomouc. By car, it’s less than a 35-minute drive. The easiest way to reach the castle is by car. There is ample parking available onsite.
There are limited guided tours from Olomouc to the castle available.
While it is possible to take public transit, the journey takes almost 2 hours and requires quite a few transfers.
Upon arrival at the castle, there are multiple Bouzov Castle tour options to choose from. The most popular is the Basic Tour. It’s worth noting that due to weddings and ceremonies, some tours may not be available on certain days.
Hrad Bouzov often shuts down for an hour during lunchtime and hours vary depending on the season.
Bouzov Castle | Find it here: Bouzov 8, 783 25 Bouzov | Basic Castle Tour Ticket: 240 CZK ($10 USD) | Tour Duration: 50 minutes in Czech | Official Website
One thing we missed was climbing up the 8-story tower. This is the tallest tower in the region and is available to tour for a separate fee (80 CZK / $3.50). We had such perfect weather and I wish we had gotten the views of the rolling hillsides from the tower. Next time!
Where to Stay to Visit Hrad Bouzov
The best place to base if visiting Hrad Bouzov is in Olomouc.
Spend one day seeing all the sights in Olomouc and the following day get outside the city and tour the lovely surrounding countryside.
Top-Rated Accommodations in Olomouc Czech Republic
➜ Long Story Short Hostel & Café
➜ Miss Sophie’s Olomouc – Boutique Hotel
➜ Browse all the Best Olomouc Accommodation Options
Conclusion | Is Bouzov Castle Worth Visiting?
In short, is the Bouzov Castle worth visiting? Yes! Absolutely it is.
One of my favorite days of road-tripping through the Czech Republic was visiting the hidden gems of the Olomouc region countryside. The Bouzov Castle was charming and picturesque, and touring the interior of the castle was memorable.
As a National Historic Landmark, a film set for movies, a wedding venue, and a cultural hub, it’s easy to see why locals and tourists both love visiting Hrad Bouzov.
Have you visited Hrad Bouzov? What did you think of the tour and surrounding area? Let me know in the comments below!
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