Trosky Castle

Welcome to the Bohemian Paradise—or Český ráj. As you travel through this lush, rolling landscape of dense pine forests and dramatic sandstone rock cities, the horizon is suddenly violently interrupted. …

As you pass through the first defensive gate, take a moment to catch your breath. We are now standing in the lower, outer courtyard of the castle. …

We now direct our attention to the eastern peak, crowned by the stout, hexagonal tower known affectionately—and perhaps a bit ominously—as 'Baba', which translates to 'The Crone' or 'The Old Woman'. Baba sits on the lower of the…

Descending from Baba, we move into the saddle of land stretched like a hammock between the two great volcanic peaks. This is the inner ward, the protected core of Trosky Castle. …

Turn your eyes westward to the highest, most dramatic peak. This is 'Panna', or 'The Maiden'. …

How does a fortress as impregnable as Trosky become a ruin? The answer lies in the catastrophic violence of the 17th century. …

While Trosky has sat in physical ruin for nearly four centuries, it has recently experienced a miraculous, digital resurrection. If you look around the courtyard today, you might spot visitors looking at the stones with a…

As our tour concludes, find a secure vantage point on the walls and look outward. The true magic of Trosky Castle is not just the stone beneath your feet, but the staggering panorama it commands. …