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Trosky Castle in the Czech Republic - a landmark ruin

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Trosky Castle in the Czech Republic is a landmark in the Czech nature reserve Bohemian Paradise. The two towers, now in ruins, rise majestically on a volcanic hill, and are clearly visible from afar. But what exactly is this castle?

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Trosky Castle in the Czech Republic

We travelled around the north Czech Republic this summer, with our motorhome, and we've already told you about many amazing places. One place we visited, but haven't had time to tell you about yet, is Trosky Castle.

Borgen Trosky i Tjeckien

Trosky Castle is located in the north of the Czech Republic, about 10 kilometres northeast of Prague.

The history of Trosky Castle in the Czech Republic

Trosky Castle was founded by Čeněk of Wartenberg in the second half of the 14th century. Čeněk built two high towers on two peaks shaped by volcanic activity. Other buildings were erected between the towers and three rings of curtain walls were built around them.

Borgen Trosky i Tjeckien
Illustration of the castle as it may have once looked, on the information board at the site.

The castle then passed on to other owners, and in the 15th century it was at the centre of several dramatic events, such as the Hussite War, a fire and a siege. In 1648, during the Thirty Years' War, the castle burned down for good and became the ruin we see today.

Djävul

Visiting Trosky Castle in the Czech Republic

Trosky Castle is a landmark and therefore a popular attraction. We got here by setting the GPS to "Trosky Castle" and parked in the designated car park.

På väg mot Borgen Trosky i Tjeckien
Already as we drive towards the castle we see it on the hill in front of us.

From the car park we then had a short walk ahead of us, on an uphill gravel road.

Once at the castle, you pay an entrance fee, and as usual in the Czech Republic, it's affordable. We started by reading about the sight, on signs with information in Czech, German and English. Around us were several groups of Czech young people, who were here with adult guides.

Besökare vid Borgen Trosky i Tjeckien

Then it was time to walk up! I (Helena) am known to be afraid of heights, so I was grateful for the solid and sturdy stairs, which felt safe. The view from here was fantastic!

Peter på trappan, med utsikt över landskapet

The two towers each have their own name. The higher tower is called Panna (Maiden) and the lower tower is called Baba, which is variously translated as the grandmother, the bitch or the witch. We are not sure which translation is most accurate?

The view from the heights, against the surrounding flat landscape, is stunning.

Landskap

It is also fascinating to look from one tower to the other and vice versa. All in all, we can say that Trosky Castle in the Czech Republic is a fascinating place to visit!

Borgen Trosky i Tjeckien

More to see and do in the neighbourhood

If you visit Trosky Castle, you can of course take the opportunity to see other beautiful places in the neighbourhood. Right in the neighbourhood you will find the amazing natural areas Prachovské Skály and Besedické Skály.

It is also not far from Malá Skála, where you can go canoeing and visit the Vranov Pantheon castle. In addition, we recommend a visit to the beautiful city of Vranov. Liberec, along with nature experiences in the surrounding area.

All our top tips for the Czech Republic. Click on the image!

Have you visited Trosky Castle in the Czech Republic?

Have you visited Trosky Castle in the Czech Republic? Do you like this kind of old historical castles?

Facts about Trosky Castle in the Czech Republic

  • Address: 512 63 Rovensko pod Troskami, Czech Republic
  • Municipality: Troskovice
  • County: Liberec
  • Region: Bohemia (Bohemia)
  • Country: Czech Republic
  • Location: Northern Czech Republic, about 10 kilometres northeast of Prague.
  • Name: In Czech Hrad Trosky and in English Trosky Castle.
  • Read more: You can find out more about bail at this website.

Height measurements of the tower Panna

  • Height from the base of the tower: 80 metres
  • The top of the tower: 514 metres above sea level
  • Height above the courtyard: 57 metres

Height measurements of the Baba tower

  • Height from the base of the tower: 70 metres
  • The top of the tower: 504 metres above sea level
  • Height above the courtyard: 47 metres

Visiting Trosky Castle

  • Opening hours: The castle is open from April to October, usually around 09:00-16:00. In some months the castle is closed on Mondays.
  • Prices: Adults pay 140 CZK in admission (about 63 crowns), seniors pay 110 CZK (about 50 crowns) and children 6-18 years old pay 60 CZK (about 27 crowns) in 2022.
  • Accessibility: Visiting the castle involves a short walk on a gravel road from the car park, uphill. The castle area itself contains several relatively steep stairs. The site is not wheelchair accessible.

The history of Castle Trosky

  • 14th century: The castle was founded by Čeněk of Wartenberg.
  • Later 14th century: After Čeněk's death, the castle became the property of King Wenceslaus IV and then Otto III of Bergau. The latter captured the monastery in Opatovice and came across its treasures, which he hid in the castle.
  • 15th century: During the Hussite War, Trosky was on the Catholic side and was not captured by the enemy.
  • 1428: The Trosky castle suffered a fire. It was subsequently besieged by the military captain Jan Královec.
  • 1438: The robber Kryštov Šov of Helfenburg and his companion Švejkar settled in the ruin to tyrannise the local villagers before they were captured.
  • 1444: Margareth of Bergau, widow of the former owner Otto of Bergau, made Trosky her residence.
  • 1468: The castle was taken over by William of Hasenburg.
  • 1648: During the Thirty Years' War, the castle was completely burnt down and turned into a ruin.
  • 19th century: A romantic interest in the ruin blossomed, and a staircase was built to the Panna Tower.
  • 20th century: Several restorations have been made to preserve the castle.

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