This castle near Prague comes alive just as others close for winter

Many Czech castles close down after the summer tourist rush, but this is when Zámek Loučeň enters one of its busiest seasons.

As daylight fades over the chateau’s grounds, thousands of lights begin tracing their way through the wooded park. The outlines of its labyrinths emerge in the darkness, joined by glowing hearts, familiar landmarks like the Eiffel Tower and other installations that turn a winter walk into something more theatrical.

Elsewhere in the sprawling English-style park, visitors will find 12 labyrinths and mazes constructed from grass, stone, wood and other materials. Together, they form Loučeň’s Labyrintharium, an attraction designed for adults as much as children.

A stately castle to explore, a wellness resort, and a restaurant all make Loučeň into a destination in an area of Czechia most may otherwise overlook. Here’s more about how the chateau came to be, and how families, couples and groups can spend an afternoon, a full day or an entire weekend there.

Built in the 1720s, Loučeň served as an aristocratic residence until 1945. The historic location outlasted war, government regime changes, and the period of rebuilding Czechia’s past that came with the end of communism.

During communist times, it was converted into a school for the Ministry of Transport, with its historic rooms used for accommodation and adult classes. “It was not only this castle. It happened to many other historic properties,” says Kateřina Šrámková, owner and CEO of Zámek Loučeň. “Some were training centers, some were homes for older people and some were archives.”

Šrámková and her team saw an opportunity in Loučeň’s location in particular. Prague residents were already traveling similar distances to established castles such as Karlštejn and Konopiště, while this part of Central Bohemia, in the northeast, had fewer visitor attractions.

Reconstruction began around 2005, and when the chateau reopened on July 7, 2007, Šrámková, then an investor, expected to return to her previous career as a tax adviser. Instead, the demands of running the new attraction drew her into its daily operation.

Around 3,500 people arrived for Loučeň’s free opening day, and Šrámková had to jump in and lead tours herself to help manage the crowds. “Each of us took a group of people and we were doing the tours,” she shares. “I had no idea so many people would come, far exceeding expectations.”

More than 30,000 people visited during the chateau’s first six months, followed by over 70,000 in 2008. By 2025, annual attendance had risen to more than 200,000, according to Šrámková.

Step inside the chateau and you’ll be welcomed by costumed guides immersing visitors in the world of the Thurn und Taxis family’s former home. English-language tours are not part of the regular public timetable, but English-speaking guides can be arranged in advance for private groups, international schools and company visits.

The Labyrintharium, park and outdoor activities can be enjoyed without a guide, so visitors can wander through them independently, making the grounds particularly accessible to international guests who may not speak Czech.

During warmer months, visitors can combine the labyrinths with picnics, cycling, giant chess games and time in the park. The grounds include a natural amphitheater and spaces for performances and family activities. Hotel guests can also use bicycles or e-bikes to explore the surrounding forests and Polabí countryside.

The estate contains restaurants, chateau apartments and the Maxmilian Lifestyle Resort, with an indoor pool, sauna and wellness facilities. A private cottage within the grounds offers another option for an overnight stay.

Loučeň changes its program throughout the year. Chocolate-themed tours and family activities accompany the autumn school holidays, while spring and summer favor picnics and outdoor exploration.

When the weather turns colder and other castle gates across Czechia begin closing, Loučeň really comes to life. From mid-November through mid-January, the chateau fills its rooms with more than 20 decorated trees for The Story of the Christmas Tree. Each tree has its own design and story, from familiar films and books to traditions that reveal how celebrations have changed across countries and generations.

After dark, illuminated paths transform the park and labyrinths into a seasonal light trail. Those interested in visiting the display can contact the chateau to arrange a tour in English.

The changing program also gives companies options beyond a standard hotel conference or Prague restaurant party. Loučeň’s corporate facilities include a conference hall for 120 people, 10 smaller rooms and 140 beds. Groups can use the chateau, orangery, wine cellar, park and amphitheater for meetings, gala dinners, family days and team-building activities.

Companies can combine formal sessions with an English-language tour, tasting, outdoor challenge, dinner or overnight stay. The estate says it can accommodate everything from intimate gatherings to outdoor events for as many as 4,000 people.

Loučeň preserves the setting of a historic Czech chateau while giving visitors more to do than admire it from behind a velvet rope. If you’re looking to add to your Czech castle count, this is a must-see for sure.