Gutštejn Castle: A Ruined Gothic Fortress
Explore the romantic ruins of Gutštejn Castle near Konstantinovy Lázně, a testament to Bohemia's medieval history and scenic beauty.
Gutštejn Castle, situated near Konstantinovy Lázně in the Pilsen Region, is a captivating ruin that whispers tales of medieval Bohemia. Founded around 1300 by the Lords of Gutštejn, the castle served as their ancestral seat. The first written record of the castle appears in 1319. However, the Gutštejn family, owning estates elsewhere, gradually neglected the castle. In 1422, Jan Žižka of Trocnov besieged and conquered Gutštejn. Later returned to the Gutštejn family, it eventually passed to Hanuš Elpognar of Bezdružice in 1549. By the mid-16th century, the castle was deserted, and after the Thirty Years' War, only ruins remained. Today, visitors can explore the remains of the perimeter walls and a square tower with rounded corners dating from the turn of the 15th century. Although the tower is closed to the public, the castle grounds are open for exploration, offering a glimpse into its rich history and a fairytale atmosphere. The site is freely accessible and provides beautiful views of the surrounding countryside. Gutštejn Castle is a national cultural monument, attracting hikers and history enthusiasts alike. A short distance from the castle lies the Šipín hillfort, and below the castle, a Czech tramping hamlet is still used by wanderers.
Local tips
- Wear sturdy shoes for exploring the uneven terrain of the castle ruins.
- Bring a camera to capture the picturesque views from the castle grounds.
- Combine your visit with a hike on the nearby Šipín nature trail.
A brief summary to Gutštejn
- 349 52, CZ
- +420374631773
- Visit website
- Monday 12 am-12 am
- Tuesday 12 am-12 am
- Wednesday 12 am-12 am
- Thursday 12 am-12 am
- Friday 12 am-12 am
- Saturday 12 am-12 am
- Sunday 12 am-12 am
Getting There
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Walking
From the parking area at Daňkov, follow the YELLOW trail for approximately 500 meters to reach the castle ruins. The path is well-marked and relatively easy to navigate.
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Public Transport
Take the train or bus to Konstantinovy Lázně. From there, it's approximately a 6 km walk along the YELLOW trail to reach Gutštejn Castle. Alternatively, take a local taxi from Konstantinovy Lázně to Daňkov, reducing the walking distance to 500m. A taxi ride would cost approximately 200-300 CZK.
