10 Essential Sights for Your Radyně Castle Ruins Guide

Exploring the ruins requires a bit of planning to see everything. The site is more than just old stones and broken walls. It features interactive displays that bring medieval myths to life. You can spend several hours wandering through the castle and the surrounding woods. Many people combine this visit with other day trips from Plzeň to see more of the area.

The castle is famous for its unique silhouette. Two massive towers once dominated the skyline, but only one remains fully accessible today. This tower serves as a perfect vantage point for photographers. On clear days, you can see the peaks of the Bohemian Forest in the distance. This guide ensures you do not miss the hidden corners of the fortress.

1. Name: The Observation Tower Type: Viewpoint Why go: It offers 360-degree views of the Plzeň basin. Best for: Photographers and sightseers. Where: The main castle residential tower. Time: 30–45 minutes. Cost: Small entry fee (approx. 70–100 CZK). Getting there: Walk up the internal wooden stairs. Tip: Visit at sunset for the most dramatic lighting.
2. Name: Exhibition of Mysterious Creatures Type: Experience Why go: It features life-sized models of local ghosts and legends. Best for: Families with children. Where: Inside the castle tower rooms. Time: 20 minutes. Cost: Included in the tower ticket. Getting there: Located on the lower floors of the tower. Tip: Read the story of the greedy lord Radouš before entering.
3. Name: The Devil’s Pulpit (Čertova kazatelna) Type: Nature Why go: A unique rock formation with a dark folklore history. Best for: Nature lovers and hikers. Where: A short walk from the castle gates. Time: 15 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Follow the yellow-marked trail from the castle. Tip: Wear sturdy shoes as the rocks can be slippery.
4. Name: The Castle Courtyard Type: Sight Why go: You can see the scale of the original 14th-century fortifications. Best for: History enthusiasts. Where: The central open area of the ruins. Time: 20 minutes. Cost: Free (access to outer walls). Getting there: Enter through the main gate. Tip: Look for the informational panels explaining the architecture.
5. Name: Starý Plzenec Hiking Path Type: Activity Why go: A scenic walk through dense forests and rocky terrain. Best for: Active travelers. Where: Between the town of Starý Plzenec and the castle. Time: 1–1.5 hours. Cost: Free. Getting there: Start at the Starý Plzenec train station. Tip: The trail is steep, so take plenty of water.
6. Name: Rotunda of St. Peter and Paul Type: Sight Why go: One of the oldest Christian buildings in the Czech Republic. Best for: Architecture fans. Where: On the Hůrka hill, across from Radyně. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Free to view outside; small fee for tours. Getting there: A 5-minute drive or 30-minute walk from Radyně. Tip: This is a key stop for any best castles near Plzeň itinerary.
7. Name: The Castle Refreshment Stand Type: Experience Why go: Taste local snacks and Czech beer with a view. Best for: Relaxing after a hike. Where: Right outside the main castle entrance. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: 50–150 CZK. Getting there: Located next to the ticket office. Tip: Try the traditional Czech sausages (klobása).
8. Name: Kozel Chateau Type: Day trip Why go: A beautiful hunting lodge with a large forest park. Best for: A relaxing afternoon walk. Where: 6 kilometers from Radyně. Time: 2–3 hours. Cost: Free for the park; fee for chateau interiors. Getting there: Take a short drive or use the Kozel Chateau bus link. Tip: The park is especially beautiful during the autumn months.
9. Name: Švihov Water Castle Type: Day trip Why go: A rare Gothic water fortress with impressive moats. Best for: Fans of medieval engineering. Where: 30 kilometers south of Plzeň. Time: Half-day. Cost: 150–250 CZK for a tour. Getting there: Best reached by car or train. Tip: Check the Švihov Water Castle tour schedule in advance.
10. Name: Pilsner Urquell Brewery Type: Experience Why go: The world-famous birthplace of Pilsner beer. Best for: Culinary travelers. Where: Plzeň city center. Time: 2 hours. Cost: Approx. 350 CZK. Getting there: Use train travel from Plzeň to return to the center. Tip: Book your tour online to avoid long queues.

How to Reach Radyně Castle from Plzeň

Getting to Radyně is simple and offers several options. Most travelers start their journey in the city of Plzeň. You can take a local train to the station in Starý Plzenec. From there, a marked trail leads you up the hill to the ruins. The hike is beautiful but requires some physical effort. It is a great way to experience the Visit Plzeň region's nature.

If you prefer driving, there is a parking lot near the castle. The drive from the Plzeň city center takes about 15 minutes. This is the best option if you plan to visit multiple sites in one day. You can easily combine Radyně with other historical spots. For more ideas, look at the Plzeň Region official site for seasonal events.

Public buses also run from Plzeň to Starý Plzenec regularly. Always check the latest schedules on the Visit Czechia portal. The castle is usually open from April through October. During winter, the exterior remains accessible, but the tower is often closed. Plan your trip for a weekday to avoid the largest crowds.