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Houska Castle: Gateway to Hell and Historical Enigma

Explore the mysterious Houska Castle, a Gothic fortress guarding a legendary gateway to hell in the heart of the Czech Republic.

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Houska Castle, a 13th-century Gothic fortress located north of Prague, is shrouded in mystery and legend. Built atop a cliff in a remote area, it's rumored to guard a gateway to hell, adding to its unique and eerie allure. Visitors can explore its well-preserved interiors and learn about its dark history.

A brief summary to Houska castle

Local tips

  • Wear comfortable shoes, as there is a small uphill hike from the parking area to the castle entrance.
  • Bring cash, as the entrance fee is payable in Czech crowns or Euros, and the nearest ATM is 12km away.
  • Check the opening hours in advance, as they vary depending on the month.
  • Consider visiting nearby castles such as Bezděz, Ralsko, or Kokořín to make the most of your trip.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From Prague, take a train to Mladá Boleslav. From there, catch a bus to Doksy, which runs regularly and takes approximately 45 minutes. From Doksy, you can take a local bus or taxi to Houska Castle, about 8 km away. Check local bus schedules for the most accurate times, as they may vary. A single bus fare within Doksy is approximately 20 CZK. A taxi from Doksy to Houska Castle will cost around 200-300 CZK.

  • Driving

    If driving from Prague, take the route towards Mladá Boleslav and then follow signs for Doksy. From Doksy, follow the signs to Houska Castle, located at Houska 1, 471 62 Doksy. Parking is available near the castle, with a fee of approximately 50 CZK. Be aware that the road leading to the castle is narrow in sections

  • Walking

    For those staying in Doksy, Houska Castle is accessible on foot, approximately 8 km from the town center. Follow the road signs towards Houska, enjoying the scenic views along the way. The walk takes approximately 1.5-2 hours.

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Discover more about Houska castle

Houska Castle, nestled in the forests of the Liberec Region, stands as one of the Czech Republic's most enigmatic landmarks. Constructed in the 13th century, likely under the rule of Ottokar II of Bohemia, the castle's purpose has fueled countless legends. Unlike typical defensive structures, Houska was built in a remote location with no strategic importance, no external fortifications, and an inward-facing defense system. This peculiar design, coupled with the absence of a water source and kitchen, has led many to believe it was built for a far more sinister reason: to seal a gateway to hell. Legend claims that the castle sits atop a bottomless pit from which demonic creatures emerged. To prevent these entities from escaping into the world, the castle was built, with the chapel of Archangel Michael, the leader of God's army against evil, placed directly over the alleged gateway. Visitors can still see the chapel's fading frescoes, some depicting demon-like figures. The castle's history also includes a stint as a depository for Jewish and Masonic books during World War II when it was seized by the Wehrmacht, adding another layer to its mystique. Today, Houska Castle is open to the public, inviting tourists to explore its Gothic chapel, Green Chamber, and Knight's Drawing Room. Whether drawn by the legends of hellish portals or the castle's unique architecture and historical significance, a visit to Houska is sure to be a memorable experience.

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