Loket, Medieval town in Karlovy Vary Region, Czech Republic
Loket is a town in the Karlovy Vary Region that sits on a rocky outcrop surrounded by the Ohře River on three sides. The castle rising from this stone ridge dates to the 12th century and displays Gothic architectural features.
The castle was built during the Luxembourg dynasty as a fortified border stronghold and royal seat. In the 19th century its purpose shifted when it was converted to serve as a prison.
The castle serves as a gathering place for events that celebrate the town's medieval roots and draw visitors together. Theater and music performances take place outdoors, using the historic walls as a natural backdrop for performances.
You can visit the castle year-round and join guided tours through its interior spaces. The grounds can also be explored on your own, with the path starting from the town center at the foot of the rocky outcrop.
A meteorite fell into the castle courtyard in 1422, drawing the attention of a famous German poet who visited the region later. The event is still told in local stories today, connecting the town to an unusual cosmic occurrence.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
