The castle gardens lie on a hill to the southwest of the castle buildings, reached by passing through the fifth courtyard and crossing the Cloak Bridge. Founded in the 17th century as a Baroque garden, they grew with terraces, a lower parterre of flower plantings, an upper garden, a summer riding hall, a music pavilion and a castle pond. The Rococo garden building known as Bellaria was extensively restored between 2020 and 2024 and has its own guided tour. Admission to the garden itself is free and does not need a guide, which makes it the best-value long walk in town. In the summer the garden is also home to the revolving auditorium, an open-air stage on a turntable that seats the audience on rotating platforms. The garden follows the seasons, so in November expect it to be closed or on short hours, with bare beds and cold paths if it is open.
Seasonal status
The castle's pages show no set opening period for the garden in November, and the garden tour is marked unavailable at the moment, so treat the garden as closed unless the castle posts winter access. The castle courtyards and the Cloak Bridge are still walkable and give a view down on the garden walls and the roofs of the town. Bellaria's separate tour lasts about 60 minutes, costs around 200 CZK at full fare and takes only 20 people, and it is not running now.
In season the garden is the quietest spot near the castle. Walk up from the bridge, follow the terraces to the upper garden and look back for a view of the castle tower rising above the trees. The music pavilion and the pond make good places for a picnic, and the shade is welcome on a hot day. The revolving auditorium hosts theatre and music in summer, so check the programme if you want an evening performance, and bring a jacket since the garden cools quickly.
Practical tips
Use the castle's website for hours, because the garden can close for events or weather. The paths are gravel and slope gently, so strollers are manageable but not easy. There are few toilets and no big cafe inside, so plan refreshments in the Inner Town before or after. If you are visiting in winter, swap the garden for the Seminary Garden viewpoint, which is accessible all year.
What to expect
The experience
A free self-guided walk through a terraced Baroque garden with parterres, a music pavilion, a pond and the Rococo Bellaria building, open on seasonal hours.
Best time
Late spring to early autumn, on a dry morning or early evening; in November, check for access first.
How long
One to two hours for the walk, longer with a picnic or a performance.
Tips
Check the castle website for opening, wear sturdy shoes for gravel paths and bring water and a layer. The Bellaria tour is separate and needs a ticket.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Visitors who want green space, quiet views and a free activity close to the castle.
- Families
- Space to run, a pond to look at and gentle paths make it easy for children.
- Couples
- Late-afternoon light on the terraces and a back-view of the tower is a romantic reward.
- Pair with
- The castle tour, the Baroque Theatre and the Cloak Bridge view.
- Time needed
- About an hour and a half in season.
Good questions
Is the castle garden free?+
Yes, admission to the garden is free without a guide. The Bellaria summer house has its own guided tour with a ticket.
Is the garden open in November?+
The castle shows no set opening period for November, so assume it is closed unless the castle posts winter access. Check the website before you climb up.
What is Bellaria?+
A Rococo garden building restored between 2020 and 2024, with a separate guided tour of about 60 minutes for up to 20 people. The tour is seasonal.
What is the revolving auditorium?+
An open-air theatre in the garden whose audience platform turns to follow the stage action. It is a summer venue with its own programme.
How do I get there?+
Walk through the castle courtyards, cross the Cloak Bridge and follow the signs up the hill. Allow about ten to fifteen minutes from the main square.
