The Bohemian government before Wenceslaus came of age had been handled by Otto IV, Margrave of Brandenburg, who is said to have held Wenceslaus captive in several locations.

Wenceslaus returns to Bohemia in 1283, at the age of twelve.

His mother's second husband, Záviš of Falkenštejn, will rule instead of him for a few years.

Wenceslaus on January 24, 1285, marries Judith of Habsburg, daughter of Rudolf I, to whom he has been betrothed since 1276.