State Castle Vimperk
Vimperk Castle invites visitors on a fascinating journey through history. With a rich past dating back to the Middle Ages, this charming castle offers a glimpse into noble life and the events that shaped the South Bohemian region.
The Janovicer family ruled Vimperk until 1375, when the castle and its surrounding lands were pledged to the wealthy Prague burgher Jan Rotlev, the mint master of the royal mint in Kutná Hora. In 1494, the estate passed to the Malovec family of Chýnov. However, due to their involvement in the Estates Uprising of 1547, their lands were confiscated by King Ferdinand I.
The Roman King and Emperor then sold the estate to Jáchym of Hradec, who in turn sold it just a year later to Wilhelm of Rosenberg. The Rosenbergs began transforming the Gothic fortress into a Renaissance chateau. They used Vimperk as a retreat during plague outbreaks, enjoying the fresh mountain air.
In 1565, Wilhelm transferred the estate to his brother Peter Wok of Rosenberg. In 1601, Peter Wok sold the newly renovated castle to Wolf Novohradský of Kolowrat. Under his rule, the Lower Castle was built, where, after 1610, an elaborately painted ceiling covering nearly 250 square meters was created. This masterpiece ranks Vimperk among the most important Renaissance castles in Central Europe.
Accessibility
Open year-round (according to current opening hours)
Entrance fee
according to the current price list
How to get there
Parking: Central Vimperk parking lot, with a walk through the historic town center
Time needed to visit
2 hours
