Loket Castle: A Timeless Gem

Loket Castle, also known as Burg Elbogen in German, stands proudly on a massive rock, surrounded by the meandering Ohře River. Its thick walls and Gothic architecture have earned it the moniker “the Impregnable Castle of Bohemia.” Let’s delve into its captivating history and explore its treasures.

Historical Origins

Loket, originally called Stein-Elbogen, traces its roots back to the 12th century. It was founded by the margraves of Vohenburg, who were related to the dukes of Bavaria. The castle served as protection for the merchant’s path connecting Prague, Cheb, Plauen, and Erfurt. Over time, Loket evolved into a royal town, witnessing the comings and goings of royalty and nobility.

Be patient

The line to the castle’s entrance might be long, but it’s so worth it. During the easter break, we’ve been waiting around 30 minutes to the ticket point, so it might be even a little longer over the summer break (July, August). But the castle is not only stunning from the outside. It’s also very interesting from the inside. Check out the famous Chamber of Torture, which reveals the harsh methods used in medieval justice. Go to the Arms Collection and explore diverse old military equipment and weaponry, reflecting Loket’s strategic importance. Also, see for yourself the 19th and 20th century Porcelain Collection.

Practical Info

Entrance fee	With guide	With text guide
Adults	175 Kč / 10,00 €	145 Kč / 7,00 €
Children	140 Kč / 8,00 €	120 Kč / 6,00 €

Loket Castle is open daily for visitors.

November – March	9:00 – 16:00
April – June	9:00 – 17:00
July – August	9:00 – 18:30
September – October	9:00 – 17:00

You can pay with cash or credit card. Remember: It’s not allowed to enter with a dog.

Don’t miss it

Do you want that postcard view over the Loket Castle? You’ll need to hike a bit. The best viewing point is around 10 -15 minutes away from the castle. Go to T.G.Masaryka street and cross the Ohre river on the bridge with the same name. Then go around the bus station to the hill in front of you. Enter the “forest” path and you’ll reach the most beautiful viewing point you can ever imagine.

Interesting facts

• Loket, meaning “elbow” in Czech, owes its name to the Ohře River’s shape, which surrounds the town on three sides.
• The central section of T. G. Masaryk Street forms the heart of Loket’s Old Town. Here, you’ll find the Baroque town hall (1696) and the Column of the Holy Trinity.
• Loket starred in the James Bond movie “Casino Royale,” playing the role of an unidentified Montenegrin town where Bond and Vesper Lynd meet their MI6 contact.

Have more time?

Don’t forget about walking down the Loket itself. It’s a very charming small city, with plenty of little, cobbled streets and hidden cafes. Go around the amphitheater and the park down by the river. If you’re here for longer, visit the surrounding spa town of Karlovy Vary. The journey by train takes around 20-25 minutes.

Staying a night

Comparing to other Czech towns, there’re not many places to stay a night in Loket. But if you book your stay in advance, you might get lucky. You can then choose from the apartments close to the castle or the ones serving an exceptional breakfast.

Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a film buff, or simply seeking beauty, Loket promises an unforgettable experience.