Staré Hrady: Castle, Chateau and Fairy-Tale Worlds

Staré Hrady lies in a gently sloping valley in the south of Český ráj, on the border between the Český ráj and Jičínsko tourist regions. The historic castle and chateau complex combines architectural history with exhibitions and imaginative themed tours. You can therefore choose between different areas of interest for your visit: the architecture of the complex, insights into life during the Habsburg Monarchy, or the fairy-tale tours.

Castle, Chateau and History

The complex combines a Gothic castle associated with the work of the Parler workshop with an adjoining Renaissance chateau. Different architectural periods therefore meet within the site. Figurative sgraffito has been preserved in the courtyard. Sgraffito is a decorative technique in which patterns or figures are scratched out of a layer of plaster. The courtyard thus adds another visible detail to the architectural features.

The historical context also includes the first written mention of the Stará fortress, which dates from 1340. This date provides an early written point of reference; at the same time, the combination of a Gothic castle and a Renaissance chateau shows the different architectural forms that shape the complex. Visitors interested in history can consider written records, architecture and preserved decorative features as distinct aspects of their visit.

Exhibitions and Fairy-Tale Tours

The tour “How People Lived Under His Imperial Majesty Emperor Franz Joseph I” focuses on the lives of ordinary people, townspeople and the nobility during the heyday of the Habsburg Monarchy. It features many thousands of exhibits. The theme therefore extends beyond a single social group: the tour presents different ways of life from the same historical period side by side.

Visitors who prefer fairy-tale themes can choose from several tours with different settings. The Zámecké pohádkové sklepení is a fairy-tale trail that visitors can explore independently and at their own pace. It was fitted with sound and lighting effects in 2021. At the Hradní pohádková půda, “FAIRY TALE II” tells stories about the wizard Archibald I, witches, sorceress grandmothers, ghosts, little spooks and goblins.

In the Dračí královská komnata, visitors are welcomed by the dragon king Rozumbraďák XVI, together with Queen Starostlinda and the dragon princesses Lajdalína, Trajdalína and Rozcaplína. Another theme is Zdravosvět a Dračí království: in the chateau rooms, the tour “FAIRY TALE III,” described as both educational and entertaining, takes visitors through the world of health. Individual installations may change.

Fairy-tale themes combine with other experiences at the Čarodějná Bestyjola, too. Witches and sorceress grandmothers look after live animals there; the animals kept may change. A fairy tale is also told, explaining why the traveling carriage is divided. In good weather, visitors can take part in a course on flying a magic broom at the Hradní pohádková půda. In the oldest part of the castle, visitors can sample Starohradská mead.

Plan Your Visit and Hotel Stay

Hrad a zámek Staré Hrady is open year-round; check the seasonal opening hours before your trip. To help plan your visit, first decide what interests you most: would you like to focus on architecture and history, visit the exhibition, or explore the fairy-tale tours? If the broom-flying course is part of your plans, keep in mind that it takes place only in good weather.

If you are looking for a hotel for a stay in Staré Hrady, you can use these themes as a starting point for planning your visit. The historical and fairy-tale attractions appeal to different interests, so choose what matters most for your trip and plan around the relevant opening hours and conditions.

Discover more destinations: Brdy, Ohařice, Slavhostice, Rašín, Sobotka, Radim, Libun, Záhuby.

View the wider travel guide: Okres Jičín.