Dubai, UAE – January 27, 2026 – While much of Europe slows down during the colder months, the Czech Republic invites travellers to experience its storybook heritage in a quieter, more enchanting season. Select castles and chateaus across Czechia remain open throughout winter, offering visitors a rare opportunity to explore centuries of history against a backdrop of snow-dusted towers and misty landscapes.
Winter transforms iconic Czech landmarks into serene cultural retreats, free from peak-season crowds and filled with an intimate atmosphere that allows visitors to truly connect with the destination’s royal past. From grand castle complexes in city centres to charming chateaus in the countryside, Czechia proves that heritage travel is very much a year‑round experience.
Historic Icons Open All Year
Among the highlights is Prague Castle, one of the world’s largest castle complexes, which remains open even during the winter season. Visitors can explore key landmarks such as the Old Royal Palace, St. George’s Basilica, exhibition spaces, and the majestic St. Vitus Cathedral, all while enjoying reduced crowds and a peaceful winter ambiance.
Just outside Prague, the majestic Karlštejn Castle, founded by Emperor Charles IV, opens its doors on select winter days, allowing visitors to step inside the private and representative rooms once reserved for royalty. Surrounded by forested hills, the castle presents an especially dramatic sight during winter months.
Charming Chateaus Beyond the Capital
Further afield, winter visitors can discover elegant chateaus such as Mníšek pod Brdy, which offers guided tours through historically preserved living quarters that reflect aristocratic life of the early 20th century. Meanwhile, Dětenice Chateau, located in the Bohemian Paradise region, offers family-friendly experiences and themed tours that bring history to life for all ages.
These winter‑open monuments are complemented by nearby historic towns, cultural museums, and scenic countryside, making them ideal for short breaks or slow‑paced discovery during the colder season.
A Different Side of Czechia
Winter is often overlooked when planning European travel, yet Czechia’s castles and chateaus demonstrate how the off‑season offers distinctive charm, cultural depth, and authentic experiences. Shorter opening hours are balanced by peaceful surroundings, personalised guided tours, and an atmosphere that feels almost timeless.
With excellent rail connectivity, walkable historic centres, and welcoming hospitality, Czechia continues to position itself as a year‑round destination for travellers seeking culture, history, and meaningful experiences beyond the usual travel calendar.
Source: – www.visitczechia.com
About Czechia
Czechia in Central Europe is a country that’s known for over twelve hundred castles, sixteen UNESCO World Heritage Sites, natural healing waters and traditional European thermal spas, sophisticated crystal design and glassworks with a long history. Omnipresent beer culture with original lager production that has been adopted around the world. The country has mild climate and cozy atmosphere, with well-preserved architecture across the ages, gentle rolling hills, deep green forests and natural lakes creating unique landscape.
There is lot more to be discovered beyond the “crown jewel” of the destination – Prague- like the famous spa triangle in Western Bohemia (Karlovy Vary being the most known), Czechia has picturesque historical towns like Český Krumlov, Telč, Olomouc. The South Moravian region is traditional wine region with vibrant city Brno as the region capital. Stunning Lednice – Valtice complex in vicinity. Embrace the magic of Czechia and explore a realm of cultural wonders and breathtaking beauty.
About VFS Global Tourism Services
VFS Global has established its regional and global footprints in the space of tourism services, complementing its core visa services business. With 16 years of experience, the Tourism Services Unit has served more than 25 destinations. The team partners client destinations, across different countries, to enable the achievement of their travel and tourism promotional objectives and business targets. We specialize in destination representation, outsourced tourism office management and trade support services for national tourism authorities from client governments. We facilitate them in a wide range of destination promotional activities.
Some of the key services include dedicated tourism support offices, destination training, product development, B2B roadshows & workshops, consumer events, digital campaigns, MICE engagement program, public relations and e-learning modules. The team is able to partner client destinations across different countries to deliver the desired tourist arrival and spend targets.
About VFS Global
As the global leader in trusted technology services, empowering secure mobility for governments and citizens, VFS Global embraces technological innovation, including Generative AI, to support governments and diplomatic missions worldwide. The company manages non-judgmental and administrative tasks related to applications for visa, passport, and consular services for its client governments, increasing productivity and enabling them to focus entirely on the critical task of assessment.
With a responsible approach to technology development, adoption and integration, the company prioritises ethical practices and sustainability while serving as the trusted partner to 69 client governments. Operating over 4,000 Application Centres in 166 countries, VFS Global has efficiently processed more than 528 million transactions* since 2001.
Headquartered in Zurich and Dubai, VFS Global is majority owned by Blackstone, the world’s largest alternative asset manager, along with minority shareholders including Swiss-based Kuoni and Hugentobler Foundation, Singapore based Temasek and UAE based Dubai Holdings.*Comprised of 332 million transactions by VFS Global and 196 million transactions by CiX Citizen Experience