The Czech Republic - Eastern Europe - page 255

this medieval castle from 1348 to 1357 to safeguard the crown jewels of the Holy
Roman Empire. Although the castle had been changed over the years, with such addi-
tions as late Gothic staircases and bridges, renovators have removed these additions,
restoring the castle to its original medieval state.
ESSENTIALS
GETTING THERE The best way to get to Karl s tejn is by train (there's no bus serv-
ice). Most trains leave from Prague's Main Station (at the Hlavní nádra z í metro stop)
hourly throughout the day and take about 45 minutes to reach Karl s tejn. The one-
way, second-class fare is 46K c ($1.90/£1).
VISITOR INFORMATION The ticket/castle information booth ( & 311-681-
370 ) can help you, as can any of the restaurants or stores. The castle itself has a
website that you can visit at www.hradkarlstejn.cz.
EXPLORING THE CASTLE
Since Karl s tejn's beauty lies more in its facade and environs than in the castle itself,
the 20- to 30-minute walk up the hill is, along with the view, one of the main features
that makes the trip spectacular. It's an excursion well worth making if you can't get far-
ther out of Prague to see some of the other castles. When you finally do reach the top,
take some time to look out over the town and down the Well Tower.
To see the interior of the castle, you can choose from two tours. The 50-minute
Tour 1 will take you through the Imperial Palace, Hall of Knights, Chapel of St.
Nicholas, Royal Bedroom, and Audience Hall. Tour 2, which lasts 70 minutes,
offers a look at the Holy Rood Chapel, famous for the more than 2,000 precious and

A Romantic Getaway Moments

If the air and noise of Prague start to grate on your nerves, or if a quiet,
romantic, overnight trip to a castle in the country sounds like the perfect
getaway, head for the Romantic Hotel Ml;n (Mill Hotel) , 267 18 Karlstejn
( & 311-744-411; fax [phone]; www.hotelmlynkarlstejn.cz).
On the river's edge on the bank opposite the castle, the Ml;n is exactly
what its name says—a mill. Converted into a hotel and recently recon-
structed, this reasonably priced country inn takes you away from the hustle
and bustle of traveling. Its 28 rooms are a little on the small side, but they're
quaint and nicely decorated with rustic furniture. At the outdoor patio bar
and very good restaurant, you can relax and enjoy the soothing sounds of
the river. Service here is a cut above what it is at the other hotels in the area.
If you are here for lunch or dinner when the outdoor grill has been fired up,
take advantage of it. Use the hotel also as a base for bike and canoe trips
along the river. The staff can help you with local tennis courts and reserva-
tions for a round of golf.
Rates are 2,500Kc ($104/£50) for a single and 3,100Kc ($129/£62) for a
double. MasterCard and Visa are accepted. To get to the hotel, take the
bridge across the river that leads to the train station and turn left at the first
street. If you cross the rail tracks, you've gone too far.