Loket is only about fifteen minutes by car from Karlovy Vary, making it an easy little excursion from the spa town. The name Loket comes from the town’s position in a bend of the Ohře River. Loket means Elbogen in German, or elbow in English, which describes its location rather perfectly.
Loket @Czechia
With just a little more than 3,000 inhabitants, Loket is a tiny town, but it has a rather impressive castle looming above it. The castle can be seen from quite a distance, and I already appreciated the view of it on the drive down to the parking area. I do love a good castle, especially when there is the possibility of a guided tour and some history to go along with it. From up close, sitting dramatically on its rocky perch above the town, it looked even more impressive.
Loket Castle @Czechia
Unfortunately, we arrived after 4pm, by which time the castle was already closed for the day. We did manage one quick glance inside before we were informed that touring was over for the day. Really too bad! It gives me a very good reason to come back to Loket.
closed entrance to Loket castle @Czechia
a look behind the door @Loket Castle
The most fascinating thing about Loket is its location on an island surrounded by a bend of the Ohře River. It is not something you immediately notice while walking around town, but an old map made the unusual layout very clear.
a map of Loket @Czechia
Besides the castle, Loket has a grand market square surrounded by some lovely historic buildings. One of them even houses a Freemason museum inside a bed and breakfast. There is therefore plenty to explore even when the castle is closed.
the bed & breakfast with the museum @Loket
Across the square from the museum stands the city hall, which was my favourite building on the square.
city hall @Loket
Loket also has a surprising number of churches for such a small town. I particularly liked the red one standing right at the entrance to the historic centre.
a red church @Loket
During our visit, some kind of market was taking place on the main square. The area around the fountain seems to be fenced off specifically for these kinds of gatherings, with parking pushed towards the sides. By the time we returned later, the market had disappeared and the square was almost completely deserted.
main square @Loket
Being only 44 kilometres from the German border, it was interesting to see that some of the buildings still carry German inscriptions, including the Hotel zum Weissen Ross. According to its website, it is one of the oldest hotels in Europe, dating back to sometime in the 16th century. Goethe, the famous German writer, apparently liked it so much that he returned here regularly for his holidays. His quotes are now displayed across the facade of the hotel courtyard.
Hotel to the White Horse @Loket
a quote about aging by Goethe @Hotel zum Weissen Ross
We stopped at Galerie Café for coffee and cake before making our way towards the castle. Perhaps that coffee break was the reason our window of opportunity to visit the castle had already closed by the time we arrived.
pleasant café for a break @Loket
From the café, we walked down the street before turning left and heading uphill towards the castle. There were not many people around, although I suspect everyone else had simply been better informed about the opening times.
Even without seeing the inside of the castle, Loket made quite an impression on me. Such a tiny place, yet there is a surprising amount to see.
a small church @Loket
the way up to the castle @Loket
looking down from the top of the stairs @Loket
When we made it back to the main square, the market had ended and everyone had vanished. The dark clouds gathering overhead made sure that we followed suit. We left Loket just in time to make it back to Karlovy Vary for dinner.
I will definitely return, though. Next time, I am checking the castle opening hours first. Yours, Pollybert
empty market square @Loket
