Cultural events

Several times a year the atmosphere of Karlstejn is livened up by gothic and baroque music. Festive lectures of priests are followed by clanking armors and swords of knights and joyful singing and dancing. Last but not least feasts of delicious vine are held in the castle.

Karlstejn vintage

The greatest tourist attraction of the year is the vintage. It usually takes place at the end of the September every Friday to Sunday. So for the whole weekend the castle turns into a place of joy and happiness. Vine of good quality as well as stum is served in gallons and hand craftsmen compete for more authentic medieval look. Fencers put on tarnished knight armor to once again show the spectators the beauty of medieval fencing. This entire autumn feast is followed by a rich cultural programme.

Holy Masses

Incomparably calmer are regular Karlstejn masses. The first one takes place on 27^th March and serves as a reminder of founding the Karlstejn canonry. This church authority was established by Charles IV and works up till today. In August we can visit an Ascension mess of the Holy Virgin and in November a Requiem mass for Charles IV. In the year 1371 the emperor fell ill and his fourth wife Alžběta Pomořanská decided to go on a journey on foot from the castle to Prague. There she prayed at the grave of St Sigmund for her husband’s health. The story continues that the king magically regained health and lived happily for the upcoming seven years. He died on 29^th November in Prague.

Musical concerts

Karlstejn holds every year a Christmas concert. It usually takes place some day after Christmas Eve (26^th or 27^th December). Occasionally a chamber ensemble of Prague trombonists comes to perform in the castle. Also time to time the walls start to tremble with the melody of a sting quartet playing contemporary music, from gothic to baroque.