Zámecká kovárna, the former lordly forge on the First Courtyard of Český Krumlov Castle, drew visitors for years with its blacksmithing museum and live demonstrations. Check before you go: the exhibition run by Atelier Sousedík moved out in 2023 (source: Atelier Sousedík).
The building itself remains a rewarding stop. It is a low, single-storey masonry structure with a broad projecting roof. It belongs to the row of farm and residential buildings that filled the castle forecourt, once called the Rejdiště, from the late Middle Ages onward (source: Český Krumlov Castle). Anyone who wants to see the hammers, tongs, and forging displays can now find the relocated blacksmithing museum at the KovoZOO forge in Staré Město u Uherského Hradiště, in Moravia.
Visitor Highlights & Practical Info
Entry to the First Courtyard is free, so you can view the forge exterior on your way to the Bear Moat, the Castle Tower, and the painted facades of the inner courtyards. Tour groups crowd the castle from late morning through mid-afternoon in summer. Arriving before 10 a.m. or after 4 p.m. gives you quieter courtyards and better light for photos. From the Latrán street area below, the walk uphill takes only minutes. Families who want hands-on smithing should plan a separate trip to KovoZOO and confirm its demonstration schedule in advance.
