Best ways to reach the fortress

Špilberk Castle is one of the top attractions in Brno and is very accessible. The castle sits in the middle of a large wooded park. You cannot drive directly to the castle gates without a special permit. This means every visitor must walk at least a small distance. Most people enjoy the stroll through the greenery. The paths are well-maintained and offer great views of the city.

If you are staying in the city center, walking is the best choice. You will see the fortress walls from almost every street. If you are further away, the public transport system is excellent. Trams run frequently and stop near the park entrances. Taxis are also affordable and convenient for reaching the higher slopes. Choose the method that fits your fitness level and schedule.

• Checklist:
• Comfortable walking shoes with good grip.
• A bottle of water for the uphill climb.
• A map or a charged smartphone.
• The Brno public transport app.

How to get to Špilberk Castle by foot

Walking is the most rewarding way to reach the summit. You can see the changing views of the Brno skyline as you climb. There are several paths leading up the hill from different sides. The most popular route starts near the Red Church on Husova Street. This path is paved and clearly marked for tourists. Follow this guide to reach the top without getting lost.

1. Step 1: Locate Husova Street. Time: 2 minutes. Cost: Free. Location: Brno City Center. Common mistake: Starting from the back side of the hill where paths are steeper.
2. Step 2: Choose your park path. Time: 10 minutes. Cost: Free. Location: Špilberk Park. Common mistake: Taking narrow dirt tracks that can be muddy after rain.
3. Step 3: Reach the main gate. Time: 3 minutes. Cost: Free. Location: Castle Entrance. Common mistake: Arriving after the outer gates close in the late evening.

The walk is steep but manageable for most people. If you take your time, it is a pleasant exercise. There are benches along the way if you need a break. Most paths are lit at night, but some sections can be dark. Always stick to the main paved routes for the safest experience. Once you reach the top, you will find the main courtyard and the ticket office.

Taking public transport to the hill

Brno has a very efficient public transport network. You can use trams or buses to get very close to the park. The DPMB website provides real-time schedules and route planners. The most convenient tram stop is Šilingrovo náměstí. From there, it is a short but uphill walk to the castle. You can take tram lines 5, 6, or 12 to reach this stop easily.

If you are coming from the main train station, take tram 12. It only takes a few minutes to reach the base of the hill. You must buy a ticket before boarding or use a contactless card on the vehicle. A short-term ticket is usually enough for this journey. If you are planning a full day of sightseeing, read our Špilberk Castle guide for more tips. Public transport is the best way to save energy for the castle tour.

Decision Guide:

• If you want the shortest walk: Take tram 12 to Šilingrovo náměstí.
• If you are coming from the north: Use tram 4 to the Obilní trh stop.
• If you have a 24-hour pass: Use any tram heading toward the center.

Driving and parking near the castle

Driving to the castle itself is not possible for standard visitors. The park is a pedestrian-only zone to protect the environment. You must park your car in the city and walk the rest of the way. There are several parking garages within a ten-minute walk of the park. The Domini Park garage is the closest and most modern option. It is located just off Husova Street.

Brno uses a system of parking zones marked by colors. The city center is mostly in the blue zone, which requires a digital permit. It is easier to use a dedicated parking garage than to find a street spot. If you use a taxi or ride-share app, ask the driver for Špilberk Castle. They will drop you at the highest possible point near the park entrance. This saves you from the steepest part of the climb.

Remember to check the opening hours and tickets before you drive. Some events at the castle might cause local road closures. During the summer, the area can get very busy with tourists. Arriving early will help you find a parking spot more easily. Always follow local traffic signs to avoid heavy fines.

Troubleshooting your journey to Špilberk

Even with a good plan, issues can happen during your visit. The hill is steeper than it looks on many maps. This can be a challenge for those with heavy bags or strollers. Some paths might be closed for maintenance or due to ice in winter. It is always good to have a backup route in mind. Use the Go To Brno portal for the latest local updates.

• GPS apps sometimes lead you to a locked maintenance gate.
• The climb can be very slippery during the winter months.
• Public transport routes may change during local festivals or construction.
• The castle park is very large, and it is easy to take a wrong turn.
• Most paths do not have elevators or ramps for the entire climb.
• Lighting can be dim on the wooded paths after sunset.
• The main ticket office is located inside the inner courtyard.