After undergoing five years of reconstruction and facing the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic, Kost Castle in the heart of Czech Paradise is now facing a surge of tourists. Renowned as one of the best-preserved Gothic castles in the Czech Republic, Kost Castle attracts around 60,000 visitors annually, with peak tourist season being the busiest time.

Jan Macháček, the castle steward owned by the Italian branch of the noble Kinský family, announced that this year they are launching a standard tourist season after years of restrictions. However, to enhance visitors’ experience and manage the influx of tourists, new measures have been implemented. A reservation online ticket sales system has been established on the castle’s website, allowing interested individuals to book their visit in advance. At least three days before the tour, visitors will be notified about the actual occupancy to avoid unnecessary travel if the tour capacity is already reached.

The introduction of the reservation system aims to prevent tourists from being turned away at the gates of Kost Castle due to overcrowding. It also addresses the issue of parking, as the majority of visitors, approximately 98%, arrive by car. With only 110 parking spaces available in the castle’s narrow vicinity, improper parking has been causing obstructions. The new system will help regulate the number of visitors and ensure a smoother experience.

The castle owners anticipate last-minute bookings, which they usually handle with flexibility and compromises. For foreign tourists, who make up around 15% of the visitors, guided tours will be offered in their native languages. English-speaking tourists and those from Italy will have the opportunity to explore the castle using a unique mobile application, which can be downloaded at the ticket office or through a QR code on the castle’s website.

In addition to the mobile application, the castle plans to introduce audio tours later in the year. However, technical challenges need to be overcome to ensure optimal signal quality throughout the castle’s massive walls, which present unique acoustics compared to other structures.

With its rich history and authentic Gothic architecture, Kost Castle offers an enchanting experience for tourists seeking to immerse themselves in the charm of the Middle Ages. The implementation of new measures and technologies will help manage the increasing visitor numbers while maintaining the castle’s allure as a must-visit destination.

Article by Prague Forum