Finding Parking Near Helfstyn Castle Entrance

The main parking area is in the village of Týn nad Bečvou. This lot is the closest official spot to the castle. It is located at the foot of the hill. You must walk uphill from here to reach the gate. The walk takes about 10 to 15 minutes. The path is paved but quite steep for some visitors.

Parking fees are usually collected by an attendant or a machine. Expect to pay a small daily rate in Czech Koruna. During the summer, this lot fills up very quickly. It is best to arrive before 10:00 AM on weekends. For more regional travel ideas, check out day trips near Olomouc. You can also find city info on the Olomouc Tourism Portal.

If the main lot is full, look for signs in the village. Some private residents offer parking in their yards for a fee. Do not park on the narrow forest roads. Local police often issue fines for illegal parking. Always keep some small change for the parking machines. Most machines now accept contactless cards as well.

10 Highlights for Your Helfstyn Castle Ruins Excursion

Here are the top things to experience during your visit. This list includes sights, activities, and nearby trips. Each item helps you make the most of your day.

• Best overall: The Palace Ruins
• Best for families: The Hussite Tower
• Best rainy-day: The Castle Mint
• Best free: Týn nad Bečvou Nature Trail

1. Name: The Renaissance Palace Type: sight Why go: See the award-winning glass roof and steel walkways. Best for: Architecture lovers. Where: The highest part of the castle. Time: 45 minutes. Cost: Included in entry. Tip: Walk the upper levels for the best photos.
2. Name: The Hussite Tower Type: viewpoint Why go: It offers panoramic views of the Moravian Gate valley. Best for: Photographers. Where: Near the second courtyard. Time: 20 minutes. Cost: Free with admission. Tip: Climb early to avoid the narrow stair crowds.
3. Name: Blacksmith Exhibition Type: experience Why go: Helfstyn is the world center for artistic blacksmithing. Best for: Craft fans. Where: Third courtyard. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Free with admission. Tip: Check the blacksmith festival Helfstyn Castle dates for live events.
4. Name: The Castle Mint Type: museum Why go: Learn how historical coins were struck on-site. Best for: History buffs. Where: Inner courtyard rooms. Time: 20 minutes. Cost: Small extra fee sometimes applies. Tip: Buy a souvenir coin for a unique gift.
5. Name: The Fifth Courtyard Type: sight Why go: This is the largest open space in the fortress. Best for: Relaxing. Where: Middle of the complex. Time: 15 minutes. Cost: Free with admission. Tip: This area is great for kids to run safely.
6. Name: Týn nad Bečvou Trail Type: nature Why go: A lovely forest path leading from the village. Best for: Hikers. Where: Starts near the main parking lot. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Free. Tip: Use this trail instead of the road for shade.
7. Name: Lipník nad Bečvou Type: day trip Why go: A charming town with a historic square and gardens. Best for: Culture. Where: 4 km from the castle. Time: 2-3 hours. Cost: Free to walk. Tip: Visit the unique rooftop garden in the town center.
8. Name: Castle Restaurant Type: experience Why go: Enjoy traditional Czech food inside the castle walls. Best for: Lunch. Where: Near the entrance courtyard. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Moderate. Tip: Try the local Moravian beer on tap.
9. Name: The Artillery Bastions Type: sight Why go: Explore the massive defensive walls built for cannons. Best for: Military history. Where: Outer perimeter. Time: 20 minutes. Cost: Free with admission. Tip: Look for the old stone carvings in the walls.
10. Name: Moravian Gate Cycle Path Type: activity Why go: A flat, scenic bike route passing the castle. Best for: Active travelers. Where: Valley floor below the castle. Time: 2+ hours. Cost: Free. Tip: You can rent bikes in Lipník nad Bečvou.

Planning Your Trip from Olomouc

Most visitors travel from Olomouc by car or train. The drive takes about 30 minutes via the highway. If you take the train, get off at Lipník nad Bečvou. From there, you can catch a local bus. You can also walk the 4 km trail to the castle. The walk is scenic and well-marked.

The castle is open from March to November. It is usually closed on Mondays, except during holidays. Check the official website for 2026 opening hours. Summer is the peak season for events and festivals. Spring and autumn offer cooler weather and fewer crowds.

Wear comfortable walking shoes for the uneven stone floors. The castle is quite exposed, so bring a hat. There are several water stations inside the complex. Accessibility is limited in the upper ruins due to stairs. However, the lower courtyards are relatively flat and accessible.