Things to do
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Karlštejn Castle
Charles IV built this castle in the 14th century to keep the imperial regalia and his relics, and its towers step up a wooded crag above the village. Interiors are seen only on guided tours. The route to the Chapel of the Holy Cross, with walls set with semi precious stones and painted panels, takes small groups and must be booked well ahead. The climb from the station takes about 20 minutes.
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Koněprusy Caves
Three levels of limestone passages run beneath a hill in the Bohemian Karst, with flowstone, stalactites and a medieval forgers' workshop found inside. The guided route is about 600 metres long with more than 500 steps, including a spiral stair near the end. Air stays near 10 degrees all year, so a warm layer helps. Caves open daily from April to October and close in December and January.
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Svatý Jan pod Skalou
Pressed against the foot of a limestone cliff, a baroque monastery church in this hamlet stands over the cave where the hermit Ivan is said to have lived. A steep path climbs to a cross on the rock face, with a view over the forested Bohemian Karst. Rock steps on the climb turn slippery after rain. Footpaths link the hamlet to Karlštejn through quiet woods.
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Velká Amerika
Sheer limestone walls drop to blue green water in this flooded quarry in the woods north of Karlštejn, often called the Czech Grand Canyon. A fenced viewpoint on the rim looks straight down into the pit. Access to the quarry floor is forbidden and swimming is banned. A marked trail from Karlštejn village climbs through the forest in about an hour.
