Top Things to do in Loket
The 6 Best Things to Do in Loket, Czech Republic
Discover the best top things to do in Loket, Czech Republic including Castle Loket, Galerie Cafe, Kostel Svateho Vaclava, Mestska Radnice, Hrncirna, Museum of Secret Societies.
Restaurants in Loket
1. Castle Loket
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 325 reviews
Reviewed By komsAustralia - Australia
Loket Castle is one of the oldest Castles in the Czech Republic. It was built at the beginning of the 13th century. Soon after the castle was built a small town arose below it. This castle is one of the most visited tourist destinations in the Region of Karlovy Var nowadays. No wonder! Over two and a half centuries ago, Goethe had written: "The beauty of Loket Castle is indescribable. It resembles a work of art that we can admire from all sides."
The castle was a strategic defence point for centuries. It also served as a temporary residence for members of the royal family. Today there are several Exhibitions in the castle including an exhibition of porcelain and weapons, an archaeology exhibition (incl. unique murals) and also in the castle prison and the dungeon an exhibition of extensive torture chambers with figures with agonised expressions and plaques with horrible descriptions next to each cell. In addition to the latter, there were sound effects reproducing the screams of tortured people. This dungeon section is definitely not for everyone as it is very realistic and it can be very disturbing. So it is better to avoid it if you are faint hearted. I wouldn't take any children there. We saw children crying and fleeing from there. We also saw one who was sick.
To summarize:
Amazing place in an awesome location with many different Exhibitions and one of the few sites where you can go without a guide. You will need a few hours to see everything. The town itself is also very beautiful. Really worthy to visit!
PS. Loket, city and castle were both used as a location for the James Bond movie "Casino Royale". However it was pretending to be a resort town in Montenegro.
2. Galerie Cafe
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 24 reviews
Reviewed By Paroshep - Ennis, Ireland
Loket is a very small town with a big castle and other attractions. This café is more an attraction than a café because the décor, artwork, garden and overall ambiance is better than the ordinary food and drink.
The staff was pleasant and helpful; the coffee, cake, and ice cream that we had was good but not great.
Yet, we highly recommend every visitor to Loket should include this place in their itinerary.
3. Kostel Svateho Vaclava
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 16 reviews
4. Mestska Radnice
Overall Ratings
4 based on 9 reviews
5. Hrncirna
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 8 reviews
Reviewed By Muvator - Croatia
Loket is a beautiful little town, like so many in the Czech Republic, in the vicinity of Karlovy Vary. Since it is a bit isolated, it took us a while to get there, so we were tired, in need of coffee, a clean bathroom and the Internet, to find a camping store near Linz. The beautiful little Terrace in front of the Gallery (Hrnčirna) attracted us instantly. The lady there said that the computer is inside and that she will switch it on while we wait for our coffee. It turned out that there is something wrong with the computer, so the owner came down with his personal laptop, gave us free access to the Internet and told us about the artwork on sale in the café/gallery, all made by local artists. The coffee was excellent, the staff more than helpful and the bathrooms not only clean, but also lovingly decorated, with all the little extras, like hand cream, that others rarely think of. We really felt welcome and at home there.
Loket is in itself definitely worth a visit, but make sure you visit the Hrnčirna as well.
6. Museum of Secret Societies
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 4 reviews
Reviewed By komsAustralia - Australia
Motto: No mortal is wise in all circumstances.
The Museum of Secret Societies is located in the small town of Loket.
The building that houses the museum is located directly in front of the castle Loket (approx. 100 m from the castle). This is a very interesting place full of interesting and yet unusual and unique objects and artifacts. It is not often that "ordinary people" are able to see things related to so-called "secret societies". During our visit there we were told that this is the biggest collection of Freemasonry artefacts in the Czech republic. For example, there are a great number of Masonic aprons from various Masonic lodges, various Masonic insignias, Masonic jewels and documents.
According to the ticket seller, there is also the possibility to stay overnight at the museum. Naturally, this incurs an extra fee. Although, I am not sure what the cost is, I imagine it is similar to the cost of a room at the hotel next door to the museum.
It is a nice and pleasant museum to visit. Admission fee applies.
