Walk around Pernštejn Castle
A trip to the most beautiful Moravian castle
Almost at the very eastern end of the Bohemian-Moravian Highlands is the monumental Pernštejn Castle. As one of the few castles that has never been conquered by anyone, it stands on a rocky promontory high above the valley of the Nedvědička River. This basic walk will take you along the shortest circuit around the castle. If you have more time, be sure to extend your trip by climbing to the lookout points south of Nedvědička, from where there are famously beautiful views of the castle.
Castle pub Pernštejn
Due to its location, Pernštejn Castle does not have public parking spaces directly at the castle. Paid parking is located in the Nedvědička Valley to the east of the castle. There is a small train operating in the season that can take you up – an attraction especially for small children. Others can walk along the Pernštejn nature trail, which then connects with the yellow hiking trail. It is about 800 meters through the forest to the saddle, where the castle pub is located, but expect 70 meters of elevation gain.
View of the castle gardens
The castle gardens are on the south side of the hill and unfortunately have a fee – it is usually the custom that parks and gardens around castles are freely accessible.
A familiar view of Pernštejn Castle
We were here in the morning, so the sun was shining „behind the castle“ for better photos it is definitely better in the afternoon. Here there is a fee not only for the sightseeing tours, but also for the entrance to the castle courtyard itself.
Views of Pernštejn Castle
The center of the castle is, of course, the palace, but the most famous building is certainly the Prism Tower, which would serve as an entire castle somewhere in Scotland.
Hláska Tower
At the very southern end of the castle there is a small watchtower called Hláska.
Pernštejn - Castle Palace
The castle palace is an absolutely impressive building. The view is best from the so-called fifth courtyard.
Castle Chapel of the Conversion of St. Paul
The Castle Chapel of the Conversion of St. Paul is also in the 5th courtyard of the castle and is freely accessible without a guide.
The view and the famine
While walking through the castle, you will also get a limited view of the first gate of the castle. There is also a nice view of the local famine room.
Cannon bastion and first gate
We return from the paid part of the tour to the fountain with the statue of St. John of Nepomuk. Behind it, we can see the first gate and a partially overgrown cannon bastion. We go to that one because it is also a viewpoint.
View of the castle from the Cannon Tower
The view from the Cannon Tower is very nice, but again, it is ideal to be here in the afternoon.
Descent around the garden
We return to the car by a different route – we descend along the castle garden.
Wooden covered bridge Pernštejn
We descend to the road and walk along the river. A wooden covered bridge is of interest. If you want to extend the circuit to include viewpoints, the route uphill begins here.
View of the castle garden
There is also a nice view from the road directly into the castle garden. Then the last 200 meters remain and you are back at the parking lot.
