Planning Your Visit to Spilberk Castle

When you are visiting Spilberk Castle Brno, timing is very important. The castle grounds are open every day for walkers and runners. However, the museum and the casemates have specific hours. Most exhibitions open at 9:00 AM or 10:00 AM depending on the season. They usually close by 5:00 PM or 6:00 PM.

Tickets can be bought for single exhibitions or as a combined pass. A combined ticket is the best value for money. It allows you to see the prison, the tower, and the museum. You can buy tickets at the main reception desk in the small courtyard. For official updates on prices, visit the Go To Brno tourism portal.

The walk up the hill is steep but very beautiful. There are several paths through the surrounding park. Most visitors start their walk from Husova street or Pellicova street. Wear comfortable shoes because the paths are made of cobblestones. The views from the top are worth the effort.

12 Best Things to See at Spilberk Castle Brno

There are many things to do at the castle and in the nearby area. Here are our top picks for your itinerary. Each item offers a unique look at the history of Brno.

• Best overall: The Casemates
• Best for families: The Carillon
• Best for views: The Lookout Tower
• Best free activity: The South Bastion

1. Name: The Casemates Type: sight Why go: Explore the dark tunnels of the infamous "Prison of Nations." Best for: History lovers Where: Castle basement Time: 1 hour Cost: 120-180 CZK Getting there: Follow signs to the lower fortress level. Tip: The history of Spilberk Castle prison and torture is quite intense, so prepare for a dark atmosphere.
2. Name: The Lookout Tower Type: viewpoint Why go: It offers the highest and best view of the Brno skyline. Best for: Photographers Where: East side of the main castle building. Time: 30 minutes Cost: Included in the museum ticket. Getting there: Accessible via the main museum entrance. Tip: Visit on a clear day to see all the way to the Alps.
3. Name: The Baroque Pharmacy Type: museum Why go: See a perfectly preserved 18th-century medical workshop. Best for: Curious travelers Where: Main castle courtyard. Time: 30 minutes Cost: Small entry fee. Getting there: Look for the signs near the ticket office. Tip: Check out the rare jars that once held "dragon blood."
4. Name: The Carillon Type: experience Why go: Listen to 15 large bells play beautiful melodies every hour. Best for: Music fans Where: Large castle courtyard. Time: 10 minutes Cost: Free Getting there: Walk to the center of the fortress. Tip: The melodies change based on the season.
5. Name: The South Bastion Type: viewpoint Why go: A peaceful garden area with great views of the Petrov district. Best for: Couples Where: Southern outer wall. Time: 20 minutes Cost: Free Getting there: Take the path around the outside of the castle. Tip: This is a perfect spot for a quiet picnic.
6. Name: The Lapidarium Type: museum Why go: View ancient stone sculptures in former underground water tanks. Best for: Art enthusiasts Where: Near the main gate. Time: 45 minutes Cost: Standard museum entry. Getting there: Entrance is through the museum reception. Tip: The underground lighting makes for great photos.
7. Name: The Castle Well Type: sight Why go: One of the deepest wells in Moravia, carved into solid rock. Best for: Engineering fans Where: Main courtyard. Time: 10 minutes Cost: Free to view. Getting there: Located right in the middle of the courtyard. Tip: Drop a coin to hear how long it takes to hit the water.
8. Name: "Brno from the Gothic to the Present" Type: museum Why go: A massive exhibition showing how the city grew over centuries. Best for: Local history buffs Where: Upper floors of the castle. Time: 1.5 hours Cost: Part of the museum ticket. Getting there: Use the main castle staircase. Tip: Look for the old maps of the city walls.
9. Name: Cathedral of St. Peter and Paul Type: day trip Why go: The most iconic church in Brno with famous twin towers. Best for: Architecture fans Where: Petrov Hill, near the castle. Time: 1 hour Cost: Free for the nave; small fee for towers. Getting there: A 15-minute walk from the castle gates. Tip: Visit the Cathedral of St. Peter and Paul to hear the bells ring noon at 11 AM.
10. Name: Villa Tugendhat Type: day trip Why go: A UNESCO world heritage site and a masterpiece of modern architecture. Best for: Design lovers Where: Cerna Pole district. Time: 2 hours Cost: 300-450 CZK Getting there: Take tram 9 or 11 from the city center. Tip: You must book Villa Tugendhat tickets and tours several months in advance.
11. Name: Old Town Hall Type: sight Why go: See the famous Brno Dragon and the crooked gothic tower. Best for: Families Where: Brno city center. Time: 30 minutes Cost: Free to see the dragon. Getting there: Walk 10 minutes down the hill from the castle. Tip: The dragon is actually a preserved crocodile!
12. Name: Brno Central Cemetery Type: day trip Why go: The final resting place of famous composer Leos Janacek. Best for: Peaceful walks Where: Videnska Street. Time: 1-2 hours Cost: Free Getting there: Take tram 2 or 5 from the center. Tip: Visit the Brno Central Cemetery official site for a map of famous graves.

Practical Tips for Spilberk Castle Casemates

Visiting the underground tunnels can be a cold experience. Even in the summer, the temperature inside the casemates stays around 10 to 12 degrees Celsius. We recommend bringing a light jacket or a sweater for your tour. The ground can also be damp, so wear shoes with good grip.

If you have trouble walking, there is a small bus that goes up the hill. However, most people prefer to walk through the park. The park is a great place to relax after your tour. You can find several benches and small snack stands along the paths. Always check the weather forecast before you plan your outdoor walk.

For transport around the city, use the local trams and buses. They are very reliable and run frequently. You can check schedules on the DPMB official site. Buying a 24-hour pass is usually the cheapest way to see all the sights in Brno. This will help you get from the castle to other landmarks quickly.