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Špilberk Castle, Česko - Things to Do in Špilberk Castle

Things to Do in Špilberk Castle

Špilberk Castle, Česko - Complete Travel Guide

Špilberk Castle stands as the crown jewel of Brno, Czech Republic's second-largest city and the vibrant capital of South Moravia. This imposing 13th-century fortress, perched dramatically on a hill overlooking the historic city center, has served many roles throughout its tumultuous history - from royal castle to baroque fortress to notorious prison known as the 'Prison of Nations' during the Habsburg era. Today, it houses the Brno City Museum and offers visitors a fascinating journey through centuries of Czech history. Brno itself is a dynamic university city that perfectly balances its rich historical heritage with modern innovation and culture. The city boasts stunning architecture ranging from medieval churches to functionalist masterpieces, a thriving arts scene, excellent cuisine, and some of the country's best wine regions just outside its borders. With fewer crowds than Prague but equally impressive attractions, Brno offers an authentic Czech experience centered around the magnificent Špilberk Castle.

Top Things to Do in Špilberk Castle

Explore Špilberk Castle and Museum

Discover the extensive castle complex with its medieval fortifications, baroque casemates, and comprehensive museum exhibitions covering Brno's history from medieval times to the present. The castle's former prison cells and torture chambers provide a sobering glimpse into its dark past as the 'Prison of Nations.'

Booking Tip: Entry costs around 150-200 CZK for adults with discounts for students and seniors. Visit early morning or late afternoon for the best lighting and fewer crowds. Audio guides are available for an additional fee and highly recommended for understanding the complex history.

Climb the Cathedral of St. Peter and Paul

Visit Brno's iconic twin-spired cathedral that dominates the city skyline alongside Špilberk Castle. The Gothic cathedral offers spectacular views from its towers and houses beautiful frescoes and religious artifacts. The famous noon bells ring at 11 AM due to a clever historical trick during the Swedish siege.

Booking Tip: Tower access costs about 50 CZK and requires climbing narrow stairs. Check opening hours as tower access may be limited during services. Best visited in combination with castle tours for panoramic city views from two different vantage points.

Discover the Brno Underground

Explore the extensive network of medieval cellars and tunnels beneath Brno's old town, including the fascinating Labyrinth under Vegetable Market. These underground spaces served as storage, shelters, and even beer cellars throughout the centuries.

Booking Tip: Underground tours cost around 130 CZK and must be booked in advance, especially during peak season. Tours are conducted in Czech with English audio guides available. Wear warm clothing as underground temperature remains constant year-round at about 8°C.

Experience Moravian Wine Culture

Sample exceptional wines from the surrounding Moravian wine regions at local wine bars and cellars in Brno's historic center. The city serves as the gateway to some of Czech Republic's finest wine-producing areas, offering tastings of indigenous varieties like Grüner Veltliner and Blaufränkisch.

Booking Tip: Wine tastings range from 300-800 CZK depending on the venue and number of wines. Book evening tastings at wine bars like Vinárna U Čápa or Sklepení for authentic atmosphere. Many venues offer food pairings with traditional Moravian dishes.

Walk Through the Historic City Center

Stroll through Brno's beautifully preserved old town, centered around Freedom Square with its plague column and unique astronomical clock. The area features stunning examples of Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque architecture, along with charming cafés and shops in historic buildings.

Booking Tip: Self-guided walking is free, but consider joining organized walking tours (200-400 CZK) for deeper historical insights. Early morning or late afternoon provide the best lighting for photography. Many attractions offer combined tickets for savings.

Getting There

Brno is easily accessible by train from Prague (2.5-3 hours), Vienna (1.5 hours), and Bratislava (1.5 hours), with regular direct connections throughout the day. The main train station (Brno hlavní nádraží) is located about 1 km from the city center and Špilberk Castle. By car, Brno sits at the intersection of major highways D1 (from Prague) and D2 (from Bratislava), making it highly accessible. The nearest airport is Brno-Tuřany, about 10 km from the city center, though most international visitors fly into Prague or Vienna and take ground transportation to Brno.

Getting Around

Brno has an excellent public transportation system consisting of trams, buses, and trolleybuses operated by DPMB. A day ticket costs around 100 CZK and covers all public transport within the city. The historic center, including Špilberk Castle, is easily walkable, with most major attractions within a 15-minute walk of each other. Taxis and ride-sharing services are readily available, while bike rentals offer another pleasant way to explore the city. The castle itself is about a 10-minute uphill walk from the main square, though city buses also serve the area.

Where to Stay

Špilberk Castle Area
Historic City Center
Freedom Square District
Cathedral Quarter
Moravian Square Area
Main Train Station District

Food & Dining

Brno's culinary scene brilliantly combines traditional Moravian cuisine with modern gastronomy and international influences. The city is famous for hearty dishes like svíčková (beef sirloin with cream sauce), goulash, and excellent local sausages, best enjoyed with Moravian wines or renowned Czech beers. Traditional restaurants around the castle and old town serve authentic regional specialties, while the city center offers everything from fine dining establishments to cozy wine bars and modern bistros. Don't miss trying lokše (potato flatbread), a local specialty, and be sure to visit one of the many wine cellars for tastings paired with local cheeses and charcuterie.

Top-Rated Restaurants in Brno

Highly-rated dining options based on Google reviews (4.5+ stars, 100+ reviews)

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La Famiglia Brno

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La Speranza

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la cucina nera

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L’Osteria Bochnerův palác

4.5 /5
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Bistro Di Napoli

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When to Visit

The best time to visit Špilberk Castle and Brno is from late spring through early fall (May to October), when weather is pleasant for exploring the castle grounds and walking through the city. Summer months (June-August) offer the warmest weather and longest daylight hours, perfect for castle visits and outdoor dining, though this is also peak tourist season. Spring (April-May) and early autumn (September-October) provide ideal conditions with fewer crowds, comfortable temperatures, and beautiful scenery. Winter visits are possible and offer a magical atmosphere with potential snow-covered castle views, though some outdoor areas may have limited access and daylight hours are shorter.

Insider Tips

Visit Špilberk Castle in the late afternoon for golden hour photography and stay for sunset views over Brno - the castle grounds remain open after museum hours
The castle's casemates (underground fortifications) maintain a cool temperature year-round, making them perfect refuge during hot summer days
Combine your castle visit with the nearby Denis Gardens for a peaceful break and additional panoramic views of the city - locals often picnic here with wine and snacks from the nearby market

Explore Activities in Špilberk Castle