Valečov Castle Ruins

The ruins of Valečov Castle seem to grow straight out of the rock, you can hardly tell where the sandstone ends and the castle walls begin. Its beauty is enhanced by its location in the beautiful landscape of Bohemian Paradise, the distant view from the preserved walls and its remarkable past. 

The original castle was built during the fierce battles that the local nobility fought with Vok of Rotštejn in the 13th century. At that time, it was still a partially wooden structure. The remains of a strong fire that occurred during the conquest of the castle in 1439 are still evident today. Shortly after, a certain Vaněk of Valečov took over the devastated site with the ruins to build a new, larger and more powerful castle there.

• Interesting fact: The question is how extensive the castle complex once was and what were the sandstone cracks in the rocks used for? It is assumed that on the site of today’s orchards there was a fortification with artillery bastions, a brewery, a forge and a smelter. The rock crevices could then serve as beer and wine cellars, kitchens or even communication corridors.

During the 15th and 16th centuries, Valečov changed owners one after another. Some of them played an unfortunate role in its rather unsuccessful reconstructions, which resulted in the gradual decline of the castle. After the Thirty Years’ War, Valečov was inhabited only by the poor, and the era of the once impregnable fortress finally ended with the dismantling of the castle walls as a source of cheap building material.

Fortunately, Valečov did not draw its last breath and rose again from the ashes like a mythical phoenix. The Czech Tourist Club was responsible for its partial reconstruction at the beginning of the 20th century. Today, it is managed by the adjacent municipality of Boseň. Practically all the surrounding trails will lead you to the castle gate – yellow, red, green, and even the children’s nature trail through the Přihrazské rocks. Head to Valečov from May to October, when it is open to the public. If you are not afraid, definitely book a special night tour.

What’s next?

Take advantage of the extensive network of trails in the area and visit the village of Mužský with its original half-timbered houses. You can also walk to Mnichovo Hradiště, where the former seat of the Wallenstein family stands in the form of a splendid Renaissance Château. If you are spending more days in the area, take a walk from Mnichovo Hradiště to the ruins of the Zásadka Château, or drive to Mladá Boleslav, where there is the Škoda Auto Museum and the Metoděj Vlach Aviation Museum.