Sychrov Castle in Bohemia was built in the 18th century and is considered the youngest castle in this country. This is a real piece of France on Czech soil – with the largest collection of French paintings outside of France itself that is kept here. But Sychrov castle attracts visitors not only with its art gallery and amazing architecture.
Here is the ultimate travel guide to Sychrov Castle in Czech Republic; keep reading to learn more about things to do in this Bohemian chateau, its opening hours and other important details.
General Information
- Address: 463 44 Sychrov, Czech Republic.
- Opening hours: daily from 09:00 to 15:30.
- Official website: zamek-sychrov.cz
- Phone: +420 482 416 011.
The neo-Gothic reconstruction carried out from 1847 to 1862 by the project of the professor of the Academy of Fine Arts Bernard Gruber made the Sychrov castle one of the most important historical heritage sites of the 19th century (such as Hluboka nad Vltavou, Hradek u Nehanik, Lednice, etc. )
Sychrov Castle in the Czech Republic is located between Turnov and Liberec towns in Sychrov village. And less than 2 hours drive is famous Sedlec Ossuary – Bone Church you should visit.
Is Sychrov Chateau Worth Visiting?
Sychrov Castle maybe not so popular as Prague Castle but Sychrov Chateau is worth visiting for several reasons:
- This is one of the youngest and most beautiful castles in the Czech Republic. The woodcarving in the interiors of the castle was carried out by the famous craftsman Petr Busek. The decoration turned out to be so unusual and unique that the castle is called the “Carved Wonder of Bohemia”.
- Sychrov Castle was founded and restored by French aristocrats. That is why the building turned out to be luxurious, but at the same time refined.
- History buffs will be impressed: the halls contain the largest collection of portraits of the Rohan dynasty. In total, there are 234 copies.
- Around the castle there is a beautiful green area known as English parks. The territory covers 20 hectares.
- The disgraced king of France, Charles X, once lived in Sychrov Chateau. During the French Revolution, Joachim Barrande and Maria Teresa Bourbon, as well as the Duchess of Angoulême, daughter of the French queen Marie Antoinette, were hiding here. Also, the castle was often visited by the famous composer from the Czech Republic Antonin Dvorak.
- Rumor has it that a real ghost lives in the Sychrov castle. The entire history of the castle is shrouded in secrets and legends, which will be gladly told on detailed excursions. At the same time, if you come to the chateau with kids, there is something interesting for them too: the keepers of the castle have developed a special children’s excursion.
How to get to Sychrov Castle from Prague
- By Train.
The most convenient option for tourists and those who would like to use public transport. From Prague Central Station, take the train to Sychrov station.
- By Bus.
There are no direct flights. First take a bus to Mlada Boleslav, leaving from the Black Bridge train station. From Mlada Boleslav, take the bus to Pacerice Rohanka (next to the castle).
- By Auto.
70 kilometers on the E65 (R10) road northeast of Prague, then turn onto the E442 (35) road and drive three kilometers until the turn onto road 41 to Sychrov.
- Castle on the map: link.
Things to Do and See in Sychrov Castle
A beautiful arched gate is the first thing guests of Sychrov chateau see. They are upholstered in wrought iron, and the handles have a shape of lions’ heads. Castle gates can be considered as a real work of art. Also pay attention to the cobbled sidewalk, which has been preserved since the 18th century. Paved with mahogany wood, the sidewalk will lead you directly to the castle entrance.
Castle Interiors
Today, not all the premises of the Sychrov castle are accessible to tourists. But those that are open to the public are enough to feel the grandeur of this building.
The first thing that visitors see is a massive staircase with carved railings. Among the patterns, you can find the motives that are presented on the coat of arms of the Rohan family, which adorns the entrance to the castle.
Old Library
One of the most interesting rooms of the castle is the old library, which contains tens of thousands of volumes of various literature. Many of books are absolutely unique.
Charles X Bedroom
The luxurious bedroom of King Charles X, as well as his study and reception rooms are worth exploring. You can also check the hunting salon, with the collection of trophies and weapons. In the dining room, you will see massive wooden furniture and a huge collection of China dinnerware.
Collection of Paintings
The halls in Sychrov castle display an extensive collection of paintings and a museum-armory with revolvers and other weapons from different centuries. They show the history of the noble Rohan family. You’ll have a chance to see the lifetime portraits of the kings of France: Louis III, Louis XIV and Louis XV, as well as Cardinal Richelieu.
Sculptures and Other Art Works
It is worth paying special attention to the collection of sculptures in the castle, there are many items made from colored Czech and Venetian glass. Take a look at household items made from steel and copper. Massive furniture with carvings also deserves attention.
Unfortunately, now many exhibits have been removed from the castle. In different Czech museums you cna find collections of paintings, sculptures and clocks from Sychrov Castle.
When examining premises, be sure to look at the ceiling. All the ceilings in chateau are decorated with incredibly beautiful wood carvings and adorned with ermine tails.
There are legends that the ghost of Bertha Rohan, the daughter of the former owner of the estate, lives in this castle. A lady in black robes guards the untold treasures that are stored in the dungeons of the castle, and also frightens overly curious tourists: she revives the paintings, turns off the lights, sows panic and fear among the guests of her house.
Sychrov Castle Park
After visiting Sychrov chateau, everyone goes to the park that surrounds this building. This is a huge area with fountains, sculptures, statues, alleys and gazebos. The summer house of the former owners of the Sychrov castle is located on the territory as well. The neo-Renaissance building now serves as a greenhouse. The highlight of the park is considered to be Chinese bridges over artificial water reservoirs.
English Park is also very interesting, so after exploring the interiors, go for a walk around the castle. Here you will see exotic plants that do not usually grow in the Czech Republic. Some of them can be viewed in the park itself, while others grow in the greenhouse.
The greenhouse is very different in style from other buildings in Sychrov castle. It is a semicircle decorated with columns. On the opposite side there is a small pool, with a sculpture of a boy with a heron in its center.
In the summer it was possible to live in this room. Guests were greeted there and spent summer evenings reading or talking. In winter, the greenhouse turned into a place for preserving exotic plants. At the moment, the greenhouse is being restored. It already hosts performances and private wedding ceremonies.
The park also contains a piece of ancient Greece. Here, to give grandeur to such a young castle, the ruins of Arthur’s castle were imitated. Prince Rudolph’s observation deck is nearby.
Also in the park there is a small wooden house for princesses’ games, a dovecote, a water tower and a stone pump, which supplied all the premises and the garden with water. There are also several pools and fountains.
Sychrov Chateau Opening Hours
From the beginning of November to the end of April, the ticket offices are open from 10.00 to 14.00. In April, September and October – from 9.00 to 15.30. In the period from May to August, the work is extended by one hour until 16.30.
The last excursion to the castle leaves with the closing of the ticket office. You can visit the Sychrov Castle in the Czech Republic almost all year round, except for the period of the Catholic Christmas holidays – from December 24 to 26.
Visitors can join a tour to explore English park and choose other two excursions: explore the inner chambers of the castle and the treasury of the Rohan family.
You can get detailed information about holidays and opening hours, as well as buy tickets online on the official website: https://www.zamek-sychrov.cz
Ticket Price and Day Tours
The entrance fee to the English Park is 30 CZK. The price doesn’t include a visit to the inner chambers of the castle. This option is available from April to November. There is no time limit for visiting the park. All facilities of the park area, greenhouse and other attractions are available to guests. Also, for this price, you can visit the basements of the castle, where a collection of bears from different cartoons is presented.
Inside the castle, two different excursion programs are held throughout the year. Each of them lasts about an hour. To book a guided tour, a group of at least ten people must be present. If there are more than 30 people, then they will be divided into different groups. The cost of any excursion is 100 CZK.
You can choose one of the following tour programs:
In the first tour option, guests will get acquainted with the history of the castle and the Rohan family. While exploring the interiors of the bedrooms, dining room, library and game room, you’ll learn about the famous guests of the castle, as well as a chilling ghost story. After that, you’ll visit greenhouse, and then have a free time and explore the park on your own.
The second option is to visit the treasury. It houses items made of precious metals and ivory, as well as works of art by the Czech artist and jeweler František Hynla.
Also, themed excursions are held in the castle at different times:
- Only in June and August there is a special tour for kids “Journey with the Princess”, where a real princess from a fairy tale acts as a guide. In 25 minutes, children will walk around the most beautiful places of the castle, see toys that the Rohan daughters played with and learn the history of this place. Tour price is 100 CZK. In April, September and October, you can also go along this route with children, but without a princess. During this period, the program is called “In the footsteps of goldilocks.”
- The former stables of Sychrov castle houses “Technopolis” museum. Its exposition tells about the most important inventions made by Czech scientists. A visit to the museum can optionally be combined with a quest that takes place in the park and during it you need to unravel the Bear’s code and gain access to countless treasures. You can find latest information about time and price on the official website of the castle.
- An exhibition of toys is available from April to October. It will be interesting for both children and adults. It includes antique constructors, dolls, castle models and much more.
- The costume shows run for two days in April, October and November. You can book a ticket online at a price of CZK 180 per person.
- It is also possible to visit Sychrov Castle at night, but only for organized groups. Details also need to be checked with the castle staff.
- You can aslo watch falconry, but it doesn’t happen very often. Check time in advance.
