Trakoscan Castle is one of the most frequently visited and famous castles in Croatia. The castle is preserved in its original form, with its architectural magnificence attracting thousands of tourists across the globe each year. Standing amidst tall alpine trees and high hills, the castle is famous for its surreal and fairytale vibes.
If you are among those who get bewitched by the beauty of Trakoscan Castle and wish to visit it in person, stay put. This article will inform you about everything you need to know before visiting the castle, from its history to the common visiting hours to the ticket prices. Familiarize yourself with all this information to ease your visit to Trakoscan Castle.
Table of Contents
The castle holds a gorgeous portrait of a lady by an unknown artist from the nineteenth century.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Trakoscan Castle Located?
Trakoscan Castle is located in Bednja, Croatia.
When was Trakoscan Castle Built? Who Build It?
Trakoscan Castle was built around the 13th Century by General Jan Vitovac as a part of the fortifications of northwestern Croatia.
When is The Best Time to Visit the Castle?
The castle is open to visiting year-round but the best time to visit the castle is during the winters when the castle is covered with crystal snow, offering a majestic view of the castle and alps tree surrounding this beauty.
What Other Monuments are Located Nearby?
While visiting Trakoscan Castle, you can also enjoy monuments in nearby Bednia city, including Pavlinski samostan, one of three operating monasteries in Croatia; Krapina Neanderthal Museum; and Rogatec Open Air Museum.
FOR HISTORY | BEAUTIFUL IMAGES | INTERESTING FACTS | TRAVEL TIPS
Early History
Early Construction of the Castle (13th century)
Trakoscan Castle was built in the late 13th century as a small fortress to strengthen the defense line of northwestern Croatia. The castle first came to prominence around 1334 when the castle came under the Counts of Celjski.
Fluctuating Ownership After the Celjski Family (14th Century Onwards)
Once the Celjski family died out, the castle’s ownership passed on from one owner to another, which broke the castle’s grand estate into smaller properties and holdings. The first new owner was Jan Vitoven, who passed it to Ivanis Korvin. After him, Ivan Gyulay and his family took ownership of the castle for the next three generations. Later, the castle became a part of the royal treasury.
The king of Croatia later granted the ownership of the castle to Croatian Cardinal Ban Juraj Drašković in the 1500s. The castle remained in possession of the Drašković family for the coming centuries.
Renovation of the Castle (19th century)
During the Drašković’s family’s ownership, the castle lost its strategic significance. It was subjected to prolonged neglect till the nineteenth century where the castle was finally renovated by the family, mirroring the spirit of the Romantic age. The castle was converted into a renovated modern dwelling. The existing castle park, along with the artificial lake, reflects the nineteenth-century renovations as well.
Revisit More Historic Places Below or Read Further
Current Times
At present, the castle falls under the ownership of the Republic of Croatia after the nationalizing of the estate in 1944. The castle is now a heritage site with a permanent museum displaying the heritage and history of Trakoscan Castle.
The castle museum currently has on display a valuable collection of paintings, furniture, priceless objects from the Renaissance period, and archaic weapons. All the heritage displayed in the museum reflects the grandeur and historical magnificence of the castle.
Interesting Trakoscan Castle Facts
- The castle holds a gorgeous portrait of a lady by an unknown artist from the nineteenth century.
- Trakoscan Castle is one of the rare historical structures in Croatia that exists to-date.
- Concerning the castle’s ownership, there are numerous speculations since the castle changed many owners from the time it was built.
- According to some legends, the name of the castle ‘Trakoscan’ was derived from the Thracian fortress, whereas some believed it to be named after the knights of Drachenstein.
Visiting Trakoscan Castle – Tips and Tricks
If you are excited to visit this wonderland castle but do not have the necessary information to visit the castle, we have you covered. In the following section, we have provided a detailed guide including the visiting hours, ticket prices, and some general tips to ease your visit to the castle.
How to get to Trakoscan Castle?
If you are excited to visit this wonderland castle but do not have the necessary information to visit the castle, we have you covered. In the following section, we have provided a detailed guide including the visiting hours, ticket prices, and some general tips to ease your visit to the castle.
Ticket Prices, Visiting Hours & Travel Tips
Information was checked & updated on October 29, 2023.
The castle is open for visitors around the year, but the visiting hours vary according to the seasons. In summer, from April to October-end, the visiting hours are from 10:00 AM to 6 PM. During winter, from November to March-end, the castle is open from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
To visit the castle and the castle museum, there is a small ticket fee. The ticket price is 7,00 EUR ($8 USD) for adults. For children as well as students, the ticket price is half-price, 4,00 EUR ($4 USD). Auto guides are also available to aid your tour around the castle that can be purchased for 10 Kn ($1.5 USD).
You can reserve your tickets both online and at the castle entrance. The ticket center at the castle entrance also has brochures, guides, and maps for sale, along with all the desired information concerning the castle tour.
How Long Will It Take to Tour Around?
It can take up to two to three hours to visit the castle as well as the castle museum.
Up to Date Information
For up to date ticket prices and visiting hours visit the official website: https://trakoscan.hr/english/
Some words of advice and tips:
- Since Trakoscan Castle is one of the most popularly visited castles in Croatia, it is best to reserve your tour spot in advance to avoid any hassle.
- If you want to take your own car to the castle, free parking with numerous parking lots is available.
- Adjacent to the castle is a beautiful lake and park, along with several restaurants and stores. Make sure to check them out, and don’t forget to buy a souvenir to take home!
