Lichnice Castle Ruins: A Journey Through Time
Explore the majestic ruins of Lichnice Castle in the Iron Mountains, a historic site offering panoramic views and a glimpse into the past.
Perched atop Světlík Hill in the Iron Mountains, the ruins of Lichnice Castle offer a compelling journey into Czech history and breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. Founded around 1250 by Smil of Zittau, the castle, originally named Lichtenburg, controlled a strategic location. Its history is rich with royal connections, having been owned by King John of Luxembourg and Emperor Charles IV. Lichnice played a role in significant historical events, including the Hussite Wars, during which it was conquered in 1421. The Trčka of Lípa family acquired the castle in 1490 and rebuilt it in a late Gothic style, marking a period of development and repair. However, the castle's importance waned, and after a fire in 1610 and the Thirty Years' War, it was deliberately demolished in 1648. Today, visitors can explore the remaining perimeter walls, the ruins of a round residential tower, and the distinctive tower gate. A lookout tower, erected before 2017, provides stunning views of the Iron Mountains. The castle grounds also feature a geopark with rock blocks from the area and a small museum in a restored castle room. Nearby attractions include the memorable Žižek's oak and the Dívčí kámen viewpoint.
Local tips
- Wear sturdy shoes for exploring the uneven terrain of the castle ruins.
- Visit during the main season (May to October) for access to the museum and lookout tower.
- Check the event calendar for festivals or historical reenactments that may be taking place at the castle.
- Combine your visit with a hike through the Lichnice nature reserve and the Lovětínská gorge.
A brief summary to Lichnice Castle ruins
- Podhradí, 538 43, CZ
- +420724179933
- Visit website
- Tuesday 10 am-5 pm
- Wednesday 10 am-5 pm
- Thursday 10 am-5 pm
- Friday 10 am-5 pm
- Saturday 10 am-5 pm
- Sunday 10 am-5 pm
Getting There
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Walking
From the village of Podhradí, follow the marked trail uphill towards the castle ruins. The walk is short but steep, taking approximately 15-20 minutes. There are no fees for accessing the trail.
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Public Transport
Take a bus or train to Třemošnice. From Třemošnice, you can walk to Lichnice Castle via the Lichnice nature reserve, following the marked trails to Podhradí. The hike is roughly 7.5 km and takes about 2 hours. Bus fares from Čáslav to Třemošnice are approximately 30-50 CZK.
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Driving
Drive to Podhradí, where limited free parking is available near Žižkův dub. From the parking area, it's a short uphill walk to the castle ruins. Parking is free.
