DATE OF VISIT: Sunday 16th March 2025
COMMENTS & HISTORY
Orlík Castle is situated approximately 90 kilometres South/South West, of Prague. The easiest way to visit the castle is by car and the journey takes approximately 80 - 90 minutes. If as a visitor, you are visiting Prague and you do not have a car, I recommend hiring a car because the journey, visiting the castle and walking in the surrounding woodlands, is all "doable" in one day. There is a reasonably sized car park at the castle, (in the village of Orlík), and a fairly steep road down to and back from the castle. The car parking cost is Czech Koruna 80 for the whole day and the car parking fee machine accepts payment cards.
Details of the castle, opening times and other information, can be found at the following site: https://www.zamekorlik.cz/en/
Following signs for "hrobka" which are clearly sited from the castle, you are able to walk through the woodwork and landscape around the reservoir for a distance of approximately 1200 metres. The path undulates through the landscape and the woods and although there are some reasonably steep inclines, (there and back), the walk is easy for all except those with severe mobile disabilities. The walk to the tomb or "hrobka" gives you a view across the reservoir to the castle which allows for some very scenic photographs - please see as below.
THE CASTLE
Orlík Castle (Orlík nad Vltavou) is a historic castle in the Czech Republic, situated on a rocky promontory above the Vltava River (now the Orlík Reservoir). The castle's origins date back to the 13th century, originally built as a Gothic fortress to protect trade routes and the river crossing. Over the centuries, it underwent various architectural changes, adopting Renaissance and Neo-Gothic elements.
Orlík Castle was historically associated with the noble Schwarzenberg family, who owned it for centuries. The castle's appearance changed significantly in the 20th century when the construction of the Orlík Dam caused the water level to rise, making the castle appear closer to the water rather than towering high above it.
Today, Orlík Castle is a popular tourist destination, offering guided tours that showcase its well-preserved interiors, historical artifacts, and a collection of weapons and hunting trophies. The castle also provides beautiful views of the surrounding landscape and reservoir, making it a favourite spot for history enthusiasts and nature lovers.
THE RESERVOIR
Orlík Reservoir (Orlická přehrada) is the largest reservoir in the Czech Republic by volume, located on the Vltava River. It was built between 1954 and 1961 as part of a hydroelectric and flood control system. The dam, standing 91 meters high and 450 meters long, serves multiple purposes, including electricity generation, water management, and recreation.
The reservoir is named after Orlík Castle, which once stood high above the river but now appears much closer to the water due to the dam's construction. The reservoir spans approximately 68 km in length, making it a significant body of water for boating, fishing, and water sports.
Today, Orlík Reservoir is a popular tourist destination, offering opportunities for swimming, sailing, and camping. Several holiday resorts and marinas are located along its shores, making it a key recreational area in the South Bohemian Region. It also plays an important role in the Vltava Cascade, a series of dams regulating water flow and producing hydroelectric power.
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