Hrad Loket
At the foot of the Slavkovský les in the Karlovarský kraj, the royal Gothic hrad Loket towers on a rocky promontory above the Ohře river. This castle in the village of Loket in the Sokolov district was already one of the strongholds on the border with the Chebsko region in the 13th century; it is quite possible that it was built as a border fortress. Since 1989, it has been accessible to the public, who may view an exhibition of porcelain, weapons, and an impressive exhibition on torture law in the premises of the former prison.
The exact date of the founding of hrad Loket is unknown, and the name of its founder is not known with certainty either, but it is assumed that the history of the castle began in the second half of the 12th century. There are written reports from 1234, but it became better known to us only at the beginning of the 14th century, when the future king Karel IV was imprisoned at hrad Loket. In the Middle Ages, hrad Loket faced attempts at conquest many times, but it withstood all attacks and was never conquered. In the 16th century, it became the property of Loket burghers, and city councillors even held meetings here. After being besieged by Swedish troops during the Thirty Years' War, the castle became a border fortress, and at the turn of the 18th and 19th centuries, it was converted into a prison, which operated until 1948. Since 1992, after several changes, the castle has once again been the property of the city, which has begun a new chapter for the castle, restored its ancient beauty, and attracts thousands of visitors every year.
Hrad Loket offers several "bests". For example, the 12th-century rotunda sv. Anežky, which was discovered in 1966, is the smallest rotunda in the world due to its diameter of 3.6 metres. Visitors will also see the largest Czech meteorite here, which allegedly fell into the Loket courtyard. The most prominent landmark of hrad Loket is the 26-metre-high tower, which offers a view of the wide surroundings. In the past, there was a room with a fireplace and a medieval toilet here. Below the castle tower, visitors may visit the permanent exhibition of historical weapons, where both firearms and so-called cold weapons can be seen. The exhibition is also supplemented by plate armour, helmets, and shooting targets. Mothers and grandmothers, in particular, will be delighted by the exhibition of porcelain from the 19th and 20th centuries, manufactured, among other places, in the local Loket porcelain factory. And there is a treasure hidden at hrad Loket, too. Not in a chest, but on the walls. Wall paintings from the beginning of the 15th century were discovered here. However, what interests most visitors the most is the exhibition of torture law. Several cells, which served as a prison between 1822 and 1948, have been preserved at Loket in their original form. For strong stomachs only, there is an authentic depiction of the torture process of the accused, who were supposed to confess to their crimes.
When visiting hrad Loket, however, visitors do not have to rely solely on permanent exhibitions. Cultural events are also frequently held here, offering entertainment for children and adults. Visitors may attend evening or night theatre performances, and children will love the puppet theatre. In the summer months, knightly festivals are held here, vintage festivals in the autumn, and Christmas markets in the winter. In short, hrad Loket is vibrant all year round.
When you decide to arrive, do not forget to choose accommodation near hrad Loket in time. The town of Loket itself has limited accommodation capacities, but less than 7 kilometres from the castle, visitors may use accommodation in Karlovy Vary, where both apartments and guesthouses can be found. These can also be found, for example, in the nearby village of Nová Role. Should you plan a trip with a larger group and need an entire cottage for yourselves, such can be found in Hroznětín or Kolová.
Depending on where exactly you stay, you may also choose the nearest attractions. In Karlovy Vary, you should not miss the Sklářské muzeum Moser, where the greatest gems made of glass can be seen. Although it might seem nonsensical, the Vánoční dům is also in operation here all year round, so why not remember Christmas in the middle of a hot summer? Children will be captivated by the Motýlí dům, and gentlemen by the Jan Becher muzeum. When you crave nature, you may go for a walk around the Březová dam, hike up to the Diana lookout tower, or see where the proverbial warmest spring, Vřídlo, originates. There is truly plenty of entertainment, history, and art to be found in the vicinity of hrad Loket.
