Places

Kreuzenstein Castle rises proudly above the hills north of Vienna, a fairytale silhouette that seems almost too perfect to be real. Seen from below, its towers and battlements appear to emerge straight from a storybook, framed by trees and glowing warmly in the afternoon sun. The castle stands on the site of a medieval fortress destroyed during the Thirty Years’ War, later rebuilt in the 19th century by Count Wilczek, who combined genuine medieval fragments with romantic imagination. The result is an extraordinary mix of authenticity and fantasy, where history meets artistry in stone.

Jindrichuv Hradec, one of South Bohemia’s most captivating towns, unfolds around the serene Vajgar Pond, where its grand Renaissance castle dominates the skyline. The calm surface of the water mirrors the white facades and red rooftops, creating a picture of quiet perfection beneath the ever-changing Czech sky. The castle complex, one of the largest in the country, blends Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque elements, telling the story of centuries of noble life and architectural ambition.
 

Perched dramatically upon a sheer granite cliff high above the meandering Dyje River, Vranov nad Dyjí Castle embodies a storybook grandeur that seems tailor-made for romance. From any vantage point, its silhouette commands the landscape, but there is one perspective in particular that feels as though it was crafted by the hand of a poet for lovers and dreamers. This is the view that captures not just the fortress's majesty, but its soul.
 

Telc, a jewel of the Vysocina Region, unfolds like a living painting reflected in the calm waters of its ponds. The town’s charm lies in the perfect balance between nature and architecture—its red rooftops and graceful towers rising above the water’s surface, mirrored in the gentle ripples below. The view captures the quiet rhythm of a town that has preserved its Renaissance soul, offering a peaceful retreat from the rush of modern life.

Slavkov Castle, also known as Austerlitz Castle, rises gracefully above the rolling parkland of South Moravia. The stately Baroque mansion, designed by the Italian architect Domenico Martinelli in the early eighteenth century, remains one of the finest examples of this architectural style in the Czech Republic. Its pale façade and terracotta roofs create a striking contrast against the open sky, exuding quiet grandeur and timeless elegance.

Schloss Eckartsau and Schloss Karlstein are two picturesque castles I have had the pleasure of visiting recently. To be honest, the first one, Schloss Eckartsau, is open to the public, including its extensive parks and gardens. The second one, Schloss Karlstein, can only be admired from the streets of Karlstein an der Thaya, Austria, where it is located. Schloss Karlstein is privately owned, so unfortunately, no tours or public access are available.

Falkenstein: The Ruined Castle on the Austrian Countryside

Perched atop a hill, surrounded by lush green fields, Falkenstein Castle stands as a testament to the rich history of Austria. The ruins of this medieval fortress bear witness to the events that have shaped the nation's past. The castle's imposing structure, its walls rising from the earth like a ghostly apparition, is a sight to behold. The sun casts an otherworldly glow, illuminating the intricate stone carvings that adorn the walls.

Towards the close of February, I had the pleasure of exploring the Namest nad Oslavou deer-park. It's quite a remarkable expanse, really, comprising not only the sprawling parkland surrounding a majestic castle but also a significant portion of the adjoining forest. As I meandered through this picturesque landscape, I found myself drawn time and again to the tranquil allure of a small pond nestled amidst the verdant foliage.

Nestled in Zruc nad Sazavou, a charming town, stands the magnificent Zruc nad Sazavou Castle. Recently, I had the pleasure of visiting this historical gem, armed with my camera to capture its timeless beauty.

A few years ago, I had the pleasure of visiting Bitov Castle, and recently, I decided to revisit this captivating destination. This time, my focus was on exploring the castle itself, immersing myself in its rich history, and capturing the essence of its architectural beauty through my lens.