Ostrov nad Ohří: Castle History, Art and Ponds

Ostrov nad Ohří can be explored through a range of interests: castle history, exhibitions, and places for walks and relaxation. Its historic buildings offer distinctive cultural highlights, while the Borecké rybníky and Zámecký park add opportunities to enjoy nature and leisure activities. You can plan your visit around the topics that interest you most during your stay.

Castle History and Exhibitions

The Zámek Ostrov complex originated as a fortified town castle. Around the turn of the 15th and 16th centuries, Kašpar Šlik had it converted into a Renaissance chateau. The castle’s history is also the focus of an exhibition in the Dvorana at Zámek Ostrov. An exhibition about Ostrov porcelain is also open to visitors there. It explores the once-famous, now-defunct Pfeiffer and Löwenstein Schlackenwerth porcelain factory.

Today, all the buildings in the Klášter Ostrov – Posvátný okrsek monastery complex, except for the monastic convent, are open to the public; the other buildings serve as museum exhibition spaces. The complex thus complements the castle’s history with another exhibition venue in Ostrov.

Stará radnice Ostrov is a Gothic-Renaissance building in the city’s historic center, on Staré náměstí. The “Hodinové stroje a strojky” exhibition displays clock mechanisms whose history dates back to the 16th century. Stará radnice also regularly hosts exhibitions by local and regional artists. Its architecture, historic technology and changing art exhibitions offer visitors a variety of points of interest.

Letohrádek Ostrov houses a branch of the Galerie umění Karlovy Vary. Its temporary exhibitions showcase works by Czech artists, mostly from the first half of the 20th century. Letohrádek also houses a permanent porcelain exhibition: its collection documents porcelain production from its beginnings in the 19th century through the second half of the 20th century. Porcelain is therefore presented in two different contexts: the exhibition in the Dvorana focuses on Ostrov porcelain and a historic factory, while the collection at Letohrádek covers a longer period of porcelain production. Letohrádek is open seasonally from May to October; check the current opening days before planning your visit.

Ponds and Park

The Borecké rybníky are a group of nine ponds created in the 16th century. Originally, they were used for fish farming and to irrigate the surrounding fields. Today, they are a protected natural monument with opportunities for walks and sports, as well as an educational trail. Here, you can consider earlier uses of the landscape alongside today’s nature and leisure activities.

Zámecký park is part of the grounds of Zámek Ostrov, Palác princů and Letohrádek, and extends along both sides of the Jáchymovský potok stream. It is especially inviting for walks and relaxation on benches or in the grass in spring and summer. While the ponds offer an educational trail and sports opportunities, the park is primarily a place for walks and breaks in green surroundings.

A Nearby Destination

The Rudá věž smrti, a national cultural monument of the Czech Republic, is located in Dolní Žďár u Ostrova. It serves as a reminder of the period of intensive uranium mining in the Jáchymov area after the Second World War. Visits are possible by prior arrangement with the owner, the Confederation of Political Prisoners of the Czech Republic. If you plan a visit, arrange it with the owner in advance.

When planning your stay, take into account Letohrádek’s seasonal opening period and the need to arrange visits to the Rudá věž smrti in advance.

Discover more destinations: Tüppelsgrün, Neu Rohlau, Stiedra), Merkelsgrün, Münchhof, Landeck, Pirkenhammer, Ottowitz

Return to the regional travel guide: Karlovy Vary District.