Hazmburk Castle

Hazmburk Castle

An impregnable fortress in Central Bohemian Mountains.

Standing in northwest Bohemia on a hill near Litoměřice, two towers referred to as White and Black are all that has been left from a castle, which in turbulent medieval times used to guard precious religious artefacts and serve as a seat of important noble families. Nonetheless, even as an abandoned ruin it earned fame – in the works of the Romanticists who were attracted by its mystical atmosphere. Let yourself be carried away by it too...
In its heyday – particularly in the 15thcentury, Hazmburk Castle was considered to be impregnable and was one of the most reliable forts. Its strategic location had been appreciated long before by Stone Age people, as witnessed by numerous archaeological finds. Thanks to the solid walls and visual vantage point overlooking a wide area around it, the castle was placed into trust and for several years it served as a hiding place for the precious sacral vestments from the Strahov Monastery in Prague.

The castle was finally defeated by time – as it became dilapidated in the early 16thcentury, leaving just a few charming ruins, which captivated several romantic poets.  When you see the castle for yourself, you will find out why. Erected on the basalt massif, its towers can be seen for miles in every direction. After its reconstruction, the White Tower is now used as an observation tower, commanding beautiful views of the dramatic scenery of Poohří, the picturesque Elbe River Basin and the fabulous peaks of České středohoří (Central Bohemian Mountains.

Hazmburk is situated in North Bohemia not far from the Royal Town of Litoměřice, where you can visit the historical centre of the town built at the confluence of the Rivers Elbe and Ohře or explore the mysterious underground. On the other bank of the River Elbe, stands Terezín Fort, sadly known for its role in WWII, when it was used as a ghetto, and a prison of the Prague Gestapo. 

Why not end your sightseeing journey of the North Bohemian region with a glass of good wine in the Johann W winery in Třebívlice? They have been growing vines here since the early 1900s!