Loket is a medieval castle built on a rock surrounded by the Ohře River. Thanks to this impregnable position, it was also known as the “Key to the Kingdom of Bohemia,” as it was believed that if this castle were conquered, the entire Kingdom of Bohemia could fall; thus, Charles IV designated it as a stronghold that must never be conquered.
Loket is also the name of a truly enchanting little town, which is certainly worth seeing from a bird’s-eye view from the castle tower. In addition to the castle, the town is dominated by the Baroque Holy Trinity Column, a row of historic townhouses, and the remains of the town walls.
Loket Castle has a dark history, which visitors can explore primarily in the exhibition on the law of torture and torture methods. Watching life-size moving mannequins demonstrating various methods of torture to visitors will surely be an unforgettable experience. The castle’s mysterious atmosphere has been appreciated by many artists in the past, including J. W. Goethe. You can then balance out this somewhat grim excursion with a visit to the Porcelain Exhibition at the Governor’s House.
