Střekov Castle

By Vicky · Published Sep. 26th, 2023

Střekov Castle, or Hrad Střekov, is a small castle perched high above the Elbe just south of Ústí nad Labem.

Getting to Střekov Castle

Střekov Castle is about 1 hour’s drive north of Prague or south of Dresden (in Germany). Alternatively, it’s about 2 hours from either city on public transport. You’ll need to get the train to Usti nad Labem – Strekov, from where it’s a 20-minute walk to the castle entrance.

Tips

Opening times: Jun-Aug, Tue-Sun, 9:30–17:30; Sep & May, Tue-Sun, 9:30–16:30; Oct, Mar & Apr, Wed-Sun, 10:30–16:30.
Tickets cost CZK120/100/free for adults/6-15yrs/under 6yr.
There is some walking to do in the castle so make sure to wear comfortable shoes.
In German this castle is called Schreckenstein Castle.
The castle isn’t very big and takes about 30 minutes to look around.
While in the area, check out the short walk to Doubravka Castle or the Elbe Viewpoints Walk, or find more things to do on our Czech Hiking Page.

Visiting Střekov Castle

Walking to the entrance of Střekov Castle

At the entrance to the castle, you walk up to Wágnerka Restaurant and around the corner to get to the ticket and information office. Here you’ll receive a laminated booklet about the castle in English, with numbered points for all the different rooms.

Inside, there are several buildings you can enter, such as the Knights Hall, and many other sections of the castle that are more ruined and now just walls. Near the top, you can go out onto a plateau for good views, and you can also climb up the tower.

History of Střekov Castle

Střekov Castle in Bohemia, in the Czech Republic

This castle, a Gothic fortress and now a ruin, was built in 1316. At the time, it served to guard the important trade route along the Elbe River from Bohemia to what’s now Germany. Various famous people visited the castle ruins over time, including Hans Christian Andersen, Wagner and Goethe, with the latter proclaiming the views some of the most beautiful in Central Europe. However, that was before the dam on the river and all the nearby industry was built.

Since 1563 the House of Lobkowicz, a noble Czech family, has owned this castle. The family dynasty dates back to the 14th century, making them one of the oldest noble houses in Bavaria. They own this castle, plus several others scattered around the area.

Refreshments and Restaurants at the Castle

There is one restaurant at Střekov Castle called Wágnerka. It’s at the entrance gate, housed in the old blacksmith’s workshop, and has a panoramic terrace overlooking the Elbe. The restaurant is before the ticket gates. Open Jun-Aug, Tue-Sun, 10:30-17:30. Open Apr-May & Sep-Nov, Wed-Sun, 10:30-16:30.