Private Day Trip to Houska Castle with a Personal Driver
Houska is a Gothic castle shrouded in legend — they say it was built right over the Gates of Hell, sealed shut by its walls. Whether you believe it or not, the preserved Gothic core and frescoes in the chapel are well worth the visit. It’s less than an hour from Prague.
Why This Castle
Houska Castle: A Gothic Fortress Steeped in Mystery
Houska is a castle with a turbulent past, surprisingly well preserved. Founded in the 13th century, likely by King Přemysl Otakar II himself, it was meant to serve as an administrative hub. But nearby Bezděz Castle soon took over that role, leaving Houska off the beaten path.
Over the centuries, it passed through many hands — from the Berka of Dubá family to the Smiřickýs and Albrecht von Wallenstein, who used it only as a hunting lodge. A Renaissance makeover in the 16th century, courtesy of the Hrzán of Harasov family, added charm, yet the castle kept its fortress-like feel right up to the Thirty Years' War.
From Prague, it’s about 55 km — roughly a 1-hour drive. Your driver will take you right to the gate, so you can enjoy a stress-free day with no parking hassles.
Highlights
What you’ll see at Houska Castle
The castle has several fascinating rooms worth exploring. Keep an eye out for Gothic details and unique decorations.
Houska Castle
Houska stands deep in the woods, far from any roads, with no water source and no strategic purpose. That very oddity makes it one of the Czech Republic’s greatest mysteries.
It was founded in the 13th century by Přemysl Otakar II and later remodeled into a Renaissance château.
The chapel and the gates of hell
The Gothic chapel is said to stand over a crack in the rock long known as the gates of hell. Legend has it the castle was built to contain evil forces rising from the depths.
The vaulted ceiling and stone niches are among the oldest parts of the castle. Most of the local myths revolve around this chapel.
Mysterious frescoes
The chapel walls are covered with some of the oldest murals in the country. The most famous is the figure of a left-handed archer known as Frau Mine.
These rare scenes still raise questions about who and what they depict. Some even see a portrayal of the devil in them.
The Green Chamber
The Renaissance Green Chamber is covered in colorful frescoes depicting hunting scenes. The castle itself and mysterious figures also appear in them.
The paintings are surprisingly well-preserved and vivid. It’s one of the most beautiful rooms in the castle.
Gothic Details
The castle has preserved its original Gothic features up to the second floor, including portals and windows.
Chapel Frescoes
The painted decoration of the castle chapel is among the most valuable parts of Houska.
Green Chamber
A ceremonial room with frescoes, included on the guided tour route.
Renaissance Rebuild
In the 16th century, the Hrzánové of Harasov rebuilt the castle into a Renaissance château.
Thirty Years' War
The castle was briefly occupied by Swedish troops and lost its fortifications after the war.
Royal Origins
Founded by Přemysl Otakar II, it is one of the best-preserved castles from his era.
Day Trip Idea
What your day could look like
Sample itinerary — your driver always adapts to you.
Realistic day budget
What a day like this really costs — no hidden items
Why book a private driver
Comfort and peace of mind
No transfers, no waiting at stations, no surprises at the end. Just tell us the time and how many people.
- Fixed price upfront — you see it when you book, and it won't change with traffic or jams.
- Your own private car — no sharing with strangers, no detours or waiting around.
- Pickup anywhere — from your hotel, apartment, or right at the arrivals hall of Václav Havel Airport (PRG).
- Free flight monitoring — if your flight is delayed, your driver will wait; we track arrivals.
- Child seats — available on request at no extra charge, just let us know the children's ages.
- The whole day your way — return trip, waiting time on-site, and stops along the route as agreed.
One-way price
Fixed price for a one-way trip. Return journey, waiting time, and full-day excursions are added according to the price list below.
Book this trip →How the price is calculated
Clear pricing for your trip
The base price covers the journey to your destination. Return trips and longer waiting times are added using simple rules — so you always know exactly what you're paying for.
| Option (sedan, 1–4 pax) | Price | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
One-way transfer — trip there Prague → Houska Castle. Driver takes you and returns empty. |
1,980 CZK | |||||
Return trip with up to 2 hours waiting Trip there + 2 h waiting included + return journey (+50%). 1,980 + 990. |
2,970 CZK | |||||
Return trip with 6 hours waiting Pricing examples How much it costs
Minivan (5–8 people): same calculation, higher base — one‑way 2,750 CZK. · Prices shown are indicative examples; we’ll confirm the exact fixed price when you book, based on the date, number of people, and itinerary. Practical info Before you go📅 When to visitBest from spring through autumn; in peak season aim for the morning. 🎟️ ToursCheck opening hours and guided tour availability in advance. 🅿️ Walkable centreWith a private driver you don’t worry about parking — they drop you as close as possible. 🍽️ What to eatLocal cuisine and specialities in restaurants and cafés in the centre. 👟 What to bringComfortable shoes, layers, and a camera. ⏱️ How much timeHalf a day covers the main sights; with lunch and the surroundings, a full day. FAQ Your most common questionsHow far is Houska Castle from Prague and how long does the drive take?From Prague it’s about 55 km to Houska Castle; the drive by private car takes roughly 1 hour. Is Houska Castle open to the public?Yes, the castle is protected as a cultural monument and is open to the public during visiting hours. Who founded Houska Castle?The castle was founded by King Přemysl Otakar II at the beginning of his reign in the 13th century. What are the most valuable parts of the castle?The most valuable features are the painted decoration in the castle chapel and the so‑called Green Chamber, as well as the preserved Gothic architectural details. Why wasn’t the castle expanded further?Its modest size and the impossibility of further expansion meant that its function was soon taken over by nearby Bezděz Castle. Who were the notable owners of Houska?Among the more significant owners was Albrecht von Wallenstein, who used the castle only as a hunting lodge. What happened to the castle’s fortifications?After the Thirty Years’ War it was decided to demolish the castle, but in the end only the fortifications and the outer bailey were torn down. We’ll tailor your Houska Castle day trip to perfectionHouska Castle is the perfect day trip from Prague. With your own private car and driver, skip the transport hassle and enjoy a day steeped in history and mystery. Book this trip → +420 776 508 777
Photos: Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA / public domain).
PRG Airport Transfers · IČO 04455495 · Augustinova 2075/9, 149 00 Praha 4 · +420 776 508 777 · info@prg-airport.cz
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