A castle hidden in the forest surprises tourists. Many people unknowingly miss it
Mysterious attractions, to which there are no clear signs, sometimes offer more than those sought after and besieged by crowds. This is a hidden gem.
This time we will take you to the Czech Republic, where, just like in Poland, you will find old objects that delight travelers. Deep in the forests of the Czech Central Highlands, away from main roads and noise, there is a castle from which you can admire the picturesque landscapes. Surrounded by green trees, it looks like something from a fairy tale land. This is Helfenburk in Úštěk.
A castle hidden in the forest
To find an attraction that is often missed by travelers, go to a historic town located in northern Bohemia. There, in the picturesque area between the Czech Mountains, there are many attractions, including: reserve and lake Chmelař. Less popular are the ruins of Helfenburk Castle, located about six kilometers from the city. You can’t get to them by car. After a short walk through the forest, you manage to find a vast area with a gem.
The castle was built at the end of the 14th century, and according to the National Heritage Institute, it was one of the important fortresses of northern Bohemia – it allowed it to guard the trade routes leading to Litoměřice and Lusatia. Today, what remains of it are mainly the majestic walls and the entrance gate with a tower. Interestingly, you can climb it and the views from there will be breathtaking. In good weather conditions you can see, among others: Milešovka and other surrounding hills.
Weekend destination in the Czech Republic
It is worth planning a visit to the Helfenburk ruins for a weekend or as one of the trips during a longer holiday in the Czech Republic. The travel time from Poland will depend on which city we start from. Due to the proximity to the western border, it will be especially easy for people from Wrocław: approx. 3 hours. 15 minutes or from Zgorzelec: approx. 1.5 hours.
It is best to head to the town of Úštěk, and once you have visited the historical center, Gothic houses and narrow streets, head towards the castle. Don’t count on souvenir shops and clearly marked trails, instead prepare for peace and wildlife. The best time to go will be spring or autumn. It is worth wearing comfortable shoes and walking while listening to the sound of the wind.
