The One with Křivoklát Castle, Czech Republic

On Friday morning after exercising, breakfast, and last-minute packing, we loaded up in the car and headed to the Czech Republic! We're only 45 minutes from the border and only 2 1/2 hours from Prague. Still boggles my mind! It was a typical rainy, gloom and doom kind of day, but we didn't let the weather dampen our spirits, though it may have dampened our clothes by the end of the day.

Prag/Praha/Prague or bust!

As soon as you cross the border into the CZ you have to get a vignette sticker from a gas station that allows you to drive on their freeways. Check on the Czech sticker!

Our first stop was Křivoklát Castle. The narrow backroads to get there were insane! Don't get me wrong, they were gorgeous and beautiful beyond words, but who goes to these places? They're hard to get to!

Křivoklát was founded during the 12th century and belonged to Bohemian kings. During the reign of Přemysl Otakar II a large, monumental royal castle was built, later rebuilt by King Václav IV, and later enlarged by King Vladislav of Jagellon. 

We crossed over this bridge to get to the castle.

The gaps between the planks were huge! Fox almost got his foot caught in them.

The castle was damaged by fire several times. It was turned into a harsh prison and the building slowly deteriorated. During the 19th century, the family of Fürstenberg became the owners of the castle and had it reconstructed after a fire in 1826.

Fallen leaves on the wet bridge.

Sklepy Pivovaru. I just like to say that over and over and over. | The entrance gate.

Even though rain is cold and wet and not so much fun, I really like the ambience it gives photos. And it makes things feel very medieval and old.

Views down to the town of Křivoklát.

This I have come to know: castles are always high up on hills. Best position of authority and for defending the town below I suppose. Makes sense.

Today the castle serves as a museum, tourist destination, and place of theatrical exhibitions. Collections of hunting weapons, Gothic paintings, and books are stored here.

We wandered around to see all that we could see.

With no guide or tour, we felt a little sneaky going up into the tower, but there wasn't a sign that said we couldn't so up we went!

Big barrels of...?

Looking out | A torture contraption? YIKES!

Fall colors galore. So pretty.

We brought two umbrellas, one for Fox and one for us. Fox loved walking around with his "ugmbrelala". | The tallest spire.

It was a quick stop - short and sweet! We loved being practically the only people there. As we were walking back to the car a big group of tourists was coming in - glad we missed them by a couple minutes.

Onto the next destination - Karlštejn Castle!