Fun spots for kids: Boskovice castle and Western city
A week ago, for the second time, I visited Boskovice castle. The weather was warm and pleasant, not too hot-perfect for sightseeing.
DIRECTIONS
Boskovice castle is about 40 kilometers north of Brno. Hit road E461 in the direction to Svitavy. Recently often visited by my boyfriend and me. After you reach Cerna Hora turn right on the next crossroad-signs to Boskovice. Once you’re in Boskovice, go straight on through the city until you reach signs directing to city centre. We parked at the main square, on Saturdays after 1 p.m. it’s free of charge, the same during the week but after 6 p.m. During the weekend it’s free of charge.
BOSKOVICE CASTLE
The distance between the main square and Boskovice castle is not big, it’s merely 2 kilometers. Behind the town hall, which by the way is also available for tourists, turn right and follow the signs as well as the yellow or red trail.
The only tour guide you get is some sheets of paper with facts about the castle. You’ll read about different families inhabiting the possession throughout ages, its history, or about particular rooms. Instructions are available in different languages-they also have one in English. Every important spot at the castle is described in the tour guide and of course, corresponding nameplates with numbers are located around the castle. There’re 16 stops in total. During your first stop, you can admire the casket miniature of the ruins or the supposed shape of the castle during Renaissance. What’s more, at stop 8 you’ll learn that there used to be two floors. The first floor served as a representative room and on the second-floor rooms for guests were situated. It’s quite hard to imagine because only ruins were left. There’re also few observation points at stops 11,12,13 and 15 on each side of the globe.
PRACTICAL
Tour shouldn’t take more than 2 hours.
During summer castle is opened from 9.30 till 6 p.m.
Last entrance: 30 minutes before closing
Entrance fee: 100 kc adult, 70 kc kids. No guide
Full opening hours may be found here
Even though we spent quite a while on the castle, our trip didn’t finish there…
WESTERN CITY BOSKOVICE
Western city is located around 1 kilometer from the Boskovice castle. Signs directing there are visible from the city center, so it’s easy to hit the target. A green path from the center should also lead hikers there. Car park by the Western city is huge, but it cost 50 kc per day. At the entrance, you’ll be asked to exchange your money at the bank, in the saloon, or in the exchange, the conversion rate is 1:1. This is another way to entertain people. The so-called Saloon 1870, which is also a restaurant and a pub is opened 24 hours per day. You can experience a unique atmosphere of Wild West inside. Men dressed as cowboys or Native Americans, dancing women changed in colorful dresses. While adults long for the night, by day children are lured with Rodeo, Ancient World or horse riding. They can also go for a horse show or learn how to throw a tomahawk. Inviting activities for kids were also gold washing or archeological excavations.
PRACTICAL
Opening hours: 10 am till 5 pm.
A special program starts at 6 pm.
Entrance fee: 300 kc adult, 200 kc kids 3+
Parking fee 50 kc per day
Currency paid in Western city Boskovice: Boskovice dollar
STAY A NIGHT
I found it really creative and extraordinary that it’s possible to spend a night within the area. You can either sleep in a wigwam, tent, hotel, or a chalet. I think it’s a popular destination for holiday camps.
Parents and their offspring will not be disappointed with time spent in the city, I guarantee.
Western city’s official webpage here