Křivoklát Castle

Šťasný nový rok! (Happy New Year!) House guests, holidays, and kids on school break have kept me from the blog. I've got a backlog (would that be a klog?) of posts building. Since the boys returned to school today, I finally have a little time to catch up.

Colder weather has kept us from making day trips to the country as our interests are usually of the outdoor variety. But the weather took a turn for the better over the weekend, and we decided to visit Hrad Křivoklát (Křivoklát Castle). We caught a fast train to Beroun and then got on this cute little local to head to the site. I took this picture just as we realized that we got off the train one stop too early.

Oops.

No matter. It was a clear day with temps in the low 40s F/5 C. Momentarily stalled, we set out for a three-kilometer walk on a well-maintained trail.

With temperatures suddenly well above freezing, rivers have been much higher than usual, and there is some concern of flooding. Perhaps you can see how high the Berounka is in the distance.

It ran fast and carried lots of ice and debris. All heading to the Vltava. And Prague.

Off to storm the castle.

Our first full glimpse of Křivoklát!

Built in the 12th century, Křivoklát was the childhood home of Charles IV (of Charles Bridge and Charles University fame). Originally a hunting residence for royals, it ultimately became a royal prison.

Přízraky Křivoklátska (Phantoms of Křivoklát) ~ with a history as a royal prison, there are going to be a few ghost stories to tell.

Karl and Garrett took a tour of the interior while Ben and I hung out in the courtyard, playing and reading. Garrett was most taken with the stories of branding people with hot coals (ew) and the hunger chamber, a deep well-like structure that prisoners were lowered into to die. Like I said, ghost stories.

Afterward we walked to town, had a snack at the local pub,

and caught the next train home.