Samurai, campfires or swing. Czechia comes alive with Castle and Chateau Night on August 22
On Saturday, August 22, 2026, the National Heritage Institute will host this year’s Castle and Chateau Night. Dozens of castles, chateaux and other heritage sites across the country will remain open after dark and offer a special programme. So far, a total of 140 state-owned and privately owned heritage sites have signed up to take part this year.
Samurai at Horšovský Týn, campfires at Hazmburk and Trosky, swing at Villa Stiassni, and a behind-the-scenes look at the theatre at Litomyšl State Chateau. These are just a few highlights of the varied programme offered during this year’s Castle and Chateau Night. Visitors can also look forward to costume and night tours, concerts, theatre performances, historical dances, falconry demonstrations, and evening visits to heritage sites at their own pace without a guide.
Castle and Chateau Night is one of the events that tens of thousands of visitors look forward to every year. The unique atmosphere of heritage sites after dark, special tours and programmes prepared exclusively for this evening create an experience that cannot be enjoyed during a regular visit.
The main venue will be Horšovský Týn State Castle and Chateau, one of the key sites featured in this year’s National Heritage Institute project In the Footsteps of Aristocratic Families 2026: Travels of the Nobility. Visitors can look forward to a programme inspired by Japan and the life story of Countess Mitsuko Coudenhove-Kalergi.
Every year, Castle and Chateau Night is attended not only by state-owned heritage sites administered by the National Heritage Institute, but also by more than 40 castles, chateaux and other historic properties managed by other state institutions, municipalities, associations and private owners.
