Things to do
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Křivoklát Castle
Bohemian kings hunted from this Gothic castle on a rock spur above the Rakovnický stream, deep in the Křivoklát forests. A long tour takes in the royal hall, a chapel with a carved altar and the round tower called Huderka. Tours run Tuesday to Sunday from May to October. From November to April the interiors open only to booked groups.
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Křivoklátsko
Unbroken woods cover the hills along the Berounka here, one of the largest unbroken forests in Bohemia and a UNESCO biosphere reserve. Marked trails follow the river and climb to rocky viewpoints over its meanders. Trains on the line from Beroun stop at small stations along the valley, so a walk can start at one and end at the next. Ticks are common in summer, and long trousers help on the overgrown paths near Skryje.
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Točník Castle
Built for King Wenceslas IV around 1400, this castle crowns a cone shaped hill south of Křivoklát, with its residential palace and long walls still standing. The ruin of Žebrák Castle stands on the neighbouring hill, a short walk away. Tours run in the warmer months, and the climb from the car park below Točník is steep.
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Týřov
Above the Berounka in the middle of the forest, the ruins of a royal castle stand on a rocky spur reached only on foot. Walls, a gateway and the base of a tower survive among old oaks in a nature reserve. A marked trail along the river leads from the village of Skryje, and the final climb is steep and rocky enough to need sturdy shoes.
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Žebrák Castle
On a wooded hill facing Točník, this ruined castle keeps a round tower that can be climbed for a view over both hills and the Brdy forests. Walls and a gateway stand around it. Entry is ticketed in the summer season. Together with Točník it makes a half day from the town of Žebrák below.
