Loket Castle
Hrad Loket
A 12th-century Gothic castle built on a rock at a sharp bend of the Ohře River. The town is wrapped on three sides by the river, like something from a fairy tale.
Loket, meaning 'elbow', takes its name from the way the Ohře River loops around here to form an almost enclosed bend. The castle stands on a rock in the middle of this bend. It was founded in the 12th century, and Charles IV lived here as a child. Inside are towers, a torture chamber, an exhibition of local porcelain and a hall devoted to the legendary 'Cursed Meteorite'. Climbing the tower gives views over the red-roofed town. On the two sides of the town square stand brightly colored houses, and Goethe visited several times. Loket is about 12 km from Karlovy Vary, roughly 30 minutes by bus, and castle admission is about CZK 200.
Opening hours
Approx. 09:00–17:00 (extended hours in summer)
Nearby sights
- Svatošské skály (Hans Heiling Rocks)
- Moser Glassworks & Museum
- Jan Becher Museum
- Diana Observation Tower & Funicular
- Orthodox Church of Sts. Peter and Paul
- Grandhotel Pupp
- Hotel Thermal & Outdoor Thermal Pool
- Park Colonnade