Things to Do in Špilberk Castle, Česko

Špilberk Castle stands majestically over the historic city of Brno, serving as one of the Czech Republic's most significant medieval fortresses and a symbol of Moravian heritage. Originally built in the 13th century as a royal castle, Špilberk has witnessed centuries of dramatic history, transforming from a royal residence to an infamous Habsburg prison known as the 'Prison of Nations,' and finally into today's cultural center and museum. The castle complex offers visitors a fascinating journey through Czech history, with its imposing Gothic and Baroque architecture providing stunning views over Brno's red-tiled rooftops and the surrounding Moravian landscape. Today, Špilberk Castle houses the Brno City Museum and serves as a premier cultural venue, hosting concerts, exhibitions, and festivals throughout the year. The castle's underground casemates, once dreaded prison cells, now offer an immersive historical experience, while the castle grounds provide a peaceful escape from the bustling city below. Visitors can explore the castle's rich collections, attend classical concerts in the atmospheric courtyards, and enjoy panoramic views from the castle walls, making it an essential destination for anyone seeking to understand the heart of Moravian culture and history.

Top Things to Do in Špilberk Castle

Explore Špilberk Castle Museum

Discover the extensive collections of the Brno City Museum housed within the castle walls, featuring exhibits on local history, archaeology, and art. The museum showcases everything from medieval artifacts to modern Moravian culture, with interactive displays that bring centuries of history to life. Don't miss the castle's Gothic chapel and the impressive baroque interiors that reflect different periods of the fortress's evolution.

Booking Tip: Entry tickets cost around 120-150 CZK for adults, with discounts for students and seniors. Visit during weekday mornings for smaller crowds, and consider purchasing combined tickets that include access to the casemates. Audio guides are available in multiple languages for an additional fee.

Underground Casemates Tour

Venture into the atmospheric underground tunnels and former prison cells that once housed political prisoners during the Habsburg era. These haunting casemates tell the dark story of Špilberk's role as the 'Prison of Nations,' with preserved cells and torture chambers that provide a sobering glimpse into 18th and 19th-century prison life. The underground tour includes multimedia presentations and historical reenactments that bring this grim period to life.

Booking Tip: Casemate tours require separate tickets (100-120 CZK) and run on scheduled times, so book in advance especially during summer months. Tours are conducted in Czech with English audio guides available. The underground areas can be cool and damp, so bring a light jacket even in summer.

Brno Old Town Walking Tour

Explore the charming historic center of Brno with its Gothic St. Peter and Paul Cathedral, the unique astronomical clock on Freedom Square, and the medieval Cabbage Market. The old town features beautiful Renaissance and Baroque buildings, cozy cafes, and the famous Brno Dragon legend sites. Walk through the winding cobblestone streets to discover hidden courtyards, historic churches, and the vibrant atmosphere of the Czech Republic's second-largest city.

Booking Tip: Free walking tours operate daily from Freedom Square and typically last 2-3 hours with tips expected (200-300 CZK suggested). Private guided tours cost 2000-3000 CZK for small groups. The best time is morning or late afternoon when the light is ideal for photography.

Villa Tugendhat Architecture Tour

Visit this UNESCO World Heritage site, a masterpiece of modernist architecture designed by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe in 1930. The villa represents the pinnacle of functionalist design with its revolutionary use of space, materials, and integration with nature. Tours showcase the building's innovative features including the famous onyx wall, original furniture, and the seamless flow between interior and exterior spaces.

Booking Tip: Advance booking is essential as only 15 people are allowed per tour, with tickets costing 350-500 CZK depending on tour type. Book online weeks in advance, especially for weekend tours. Photography requires an additional fee, and tours are available in English on specific days.

Moravian Wine Tasting

Experience the renowned wine culture of the Moravian region with tastings at local wine bars and cellars around Brno. Moravia produces some of the Czech Republic's finest wines, particularly excellent white varieties like Riesling and Grüner Veltliner, as well as quality reds. Many venues offer guided tastings with traditional Moravian snacks, providing insight into centuries-old winemaking traditions and the unique terroir of the region.

Booking Tip: Wine tastings range from 400-800 CZK per person for 5-6 wines with snacks. Book evening sessions for the best atmosphere, and look for venues that offer English-speaking guides. Many wine bars offer walk-in tastings, but organized tours to nearby vineyards require advance booking.

Getting There

Brno is easily accessible by train from Prague (2.5-3 hours by express train) with regular departures throughout the day, or by bus which takes approximately 2.5 hours. The city is well-connected to other major European destinations including Vienna (1.5 hours), Bratislava (1.5 hours), and Budapest (4 hours) by train or bus. Brno-Tuřany Airport serves the city with flights from several European destinations, though many international visitors arrive via Prague's Václav Havel Airport and take ground transportation. The city center and Špilberk Castle are within walking distance of the main train station, making arrival convenient for visitors.

Getting Around

Brno has an excellent public transportation system consisting of trams, buses, and trolleybuses that efficiently connect all parts of the city. A comprehensive day ticket costs around 100 CZK and covers all public transport, while individual rides cost 25 CZK. The historic city center is very walkable, and Špilberk Castle is easily reached on foot from the main square in about 15 minutes, or by taking tram lines that stop near the castle grounds. Bike rentals are available throughout the city, and many hotels provide bicycles for guests to explore the relatively flat city center and surrounding parks.

Where to Stay

Old Town Center

Špilberk District

Veveří Area

Černá Pole

Žabovřesky

Brno-střed

Food & Dining

Brno's dining scene beautifully combines traditional Moravian cuisine with modern culinary innovation, offering everything from hearty goulash and svíčková to contemporary international fare. The city is famous for its wine culture, with numerous wine bars serving local Moravian wines alongside traditional dishes like schnitzel, roast duck, and regional specialties such as Moravian sparrow (actually pork and beef). The old town area around Freedom Square and Cabbage Market features numerous restaurants ranging from budget-friendly pubs serving excellent Czech beer to upscale establishments offering refined takes on Central European cuisine. Don't miss trying the local Starobrno beer, which has been brewed in the city since 1872, and visit the traditional wine cellars where you can sample the region's excellent white wines paired with local cheeses and charcuterie.

When to Visit

The best time to visit Špilberk Castle and Brno is during late spring (May-June) and early autumn (September-October) when the weather is pleasant, crowds are manageable, and the castle grounds are at their most beautiful. Summer months (July-August) offer the warmest weather and longest days, perfect for exploring the castle courtyards and enjoying outdoor concerts, though this is also the busiest tourist season. Winter visits have their own charm with potential snow creating a fairy-tale atmosphere around the castle, and indoor museum areas provide warm refuge, plus Christmas markets in the city center add festive appeal. Spring and autumn also coincide with wine harvest seasons and cultural events, making these shoulder seasons ideal for experiencing both the castle and the broader Moravian culture.

Insider Tips

Visit during the evening hours when the castle is beautifully illuminated and offers romantic views over the city lights below

Combine your castle visit with the nearby Denisovy sady park for a picnic and additional panoramic viewpoints of Brno

Check the castle's event calendar as it hosts excellent classical concerts and cultural festivals in the courtyards during summer months

Things to Do in Špilberk Castle