Uncover the Mysteries of Castles: Explore the Haunted Homes of Roaming Knights

Kokořín: a refuge for troublesome knights

Kokořín Castle has stood since the 14th century on a sandstone rock overlooking the Kokořínský dol valley, positioned to the north of the village that shares its name, all within a protected natural area. According to local myths, this castle served as the stronghold of the robber knights, led by Petrovský of Petrovice, who were notorious for their terrorizing ways throughout the region. After the Thirty Years’ War, Emperor Ferdinand categorized Kokořín among the “cursed” castles, marking it as a place that could not be repaired. It is said that soon thereafter, a band of robbers under Petrovský’s direction emerged to plague the locality. While multiple legends recount their exploits, their existence was increasingly doubted over time—until a major renovation unearthed several skeletons in the castle’s cellars and well. Some speculate they were unfortunate captives for whom ransom was demanded but never received in this impoverished area, or perhaps they were the robbers themselves, sealed away in punishment deep within the castle’s bowels.

Potštejn: the hidden treasure of robber knight Nicholas

The town of Potštejn is well-known for its fairy tale treasure, dominated by the ruins of a once grand castle. It was during the 14th century that the notorious robber knight Nicholas resided there, along with his gang, wreaking havoc and stealing whatever they could. However, before long, his stronghold came under attack from the royal army led by Charles, who was later famed as Charles IV. In 1339, Nicholas met his demise amidst the ruins of his conquered castle, yet the legendary treasure he supposedly hid away—made up of the stolen riches he had accumulated over the years—remains elusive to this day, untouched and undiscovered. Numerous quests to locate it have occurred over the centuries, all in vain. Notably, Count Chamaré, the estate’s owner in the 18th century, spent a “fortune” and invested thirty-five years searching for this treasure, transforming Potštejn’s ruins into an actual ruin. The hill beneath the castle is riddled with underground tunnels that Chamaré’s workers excavated multiple times, compromising the structural integrity of this historic monument and contributing to its almost complete collapse. The legend inspired author Alois Jirásek to pen his novel, The Treasure, which later became the basis for Zdeněk Troška’s film, The Treasure of Countess Chamara.

Ralsko: robbers and their counterfeit coins

Perched near Mimona on the summit of Ralsko hill, the ruins of its namesake castle offer stunning views of the expansive surrounding landscape. Constructed in the 14th century, the castle began to fall apart by the 16th century. This gradually deteriorating fortress served as a temporary hideout for both marauding knights and counterfeit coin makers from Lusatia. Legend suggests that a prisoner who managed to escape from the castle informed local merchants that every morning the knights would drive their cattle out to graze and open the castle gates, allowing villagers to infiltrate. One day, the men of the village mingled with the herd during this routine, burst into the fortress, overpowered the guards, and pillaged and burned the castle.

Kaltenstein: the castle where the governor’s daughter was held captive

Blackwater in the Jeseniky region may be familiar to you as a popular starting point for bikers adventuring on the Rychlebské trails. If you trek upwards into the hills toward the south on the green trail (or from the nearby Granite along the red trail), after a short hike, you’ll reach a high, wooded hill where the expansive ruins of Kaltenštejn Castle, also known as Hradisko, can be found. In the tumultuous times of the post-Hussite era, the adventurer Sigismund Rachna seized control of this remote castle and even went so far as to abduct the daughter of the royal governor Puta of Častolovice. It seems he was quite cruel to her because the castle was soon besieged by royal forces, and both Rachna and his brother faced torture and execution for their misdeeds. The castle grounds, which were protected by several layers of walls, included stables, a mill, and even a brewery; water was drawn from the well using a pedal wheel by the inhabitants of Kaltenstein. As the surrounding villages declined in population during the 15th century, the castle became unnecessary, leading the Bishop of Wrocław to order its destruction. However, you can still admire the 15-metre high cylindrical tower with a width of almost 11 meters that remains standing today.

Šelenburk: a castle built from the spoils of robbery

If you climb from Krnov to the pilgrimage church of Our Lady of the Seven Sorrows in Cvilín, you can ascend the lookout tower and continue your exploration towards the enigmatic and legendary ruins of Šelenburk Castle. Deep beneath the remnants of this castle are said to lie incredible treasures that a robber knight supposedly collected for his daughter. It remains unclear which local lord built a notorious reputation—but one fact is certain: after the Thirty Years’ War, the castle was ultimately abandoned and gradually fell into disrepair. Today, the remnants include moats and ramparts, the vestiges of walls and vaults of a palace, various structures, wells, and sizable cylindrical towers. It is said that anyone who wishes to uncover the treasure must spend three days and three nights in the castle while also facing local monsters—a feat that, as of now, no one has ever accomplished. Thus, the treasure remains securely hidden, awaiting its discoverer!

Ruins: the impenetrable fortress seized by the marauding knight Shof

The Ruins of Trosky Castle is one of the most recognizable and likely the most famous landmarks in the Bohemian Paradise. This uniquely shaped monument stands on two basalt volcanoes, setting it apart as a singular structure in the world. Along with its later-built forecourt, the castle originally featured three defensive layers, making it virtually impregnable at the time of its establishment. Notably, the Hussites, who besieged the castle in 1424 under Jan Žižka’s command, were unsuccessful in breaching Trosky’s defenses, nor could the Orphans. Allegedly, by the close of 1427, a band of marauders led by knight Šof and his companion Švejkar captured the castle. With a garrison of two hundred, they managed to fend off the regional army from their stronghold. Led by Christopher Shof, these marauders launched raids that terrorized the surrounding area. The East Bohemian provincial administrator attempted to halt their relentless plundering. In 1440, contemporary records noted that “The ruins remained undamaged once again.” Just fifteen years later, the structure was sold to the owner of the nearby Kost estate. A mere fourteen years down the line, the castle was finally conquered for the first time, thereafter changing ownership frequently until it ultimately became a crumbling ruin.

Sloup: the base of the Black Knight Mikes

Another intriguing site is the rock formation of Sloup Castle. This towering 30-meter high rock appears to have provided a safe shelter for people since ancient times. The castle here was established in the 13th century. Towards the conclusion of the Hussite wars, the stronghold was occupied by the robber knight Mikeš Pancíř of Smolno, who took advantage of the local conflicts between feudal lords and the Upper Lusatian Six Towns. He frequently launched raids across the surrounding areas, notoriously leading several incursions into Lusatia that caused significant devastation. Unfortunately for him, a retaliatory campaign from the besieged estates encircled the castle, causing the defenders to starve and ultimately setting it ablaze. While Mikes vowed not to rebuild the castle, the troops eventually retreated, and he managed to reconstruct the castle within three years and resumed his pillaging activities. The castle finally met its end at the hands of the Swedish armies during the Thirty Years’ War. From that point onward, the ruins were occupied by hermits, totaling seven over the years.

Other hideouts of the robber knights

• • In the 15th century, Štramberk Castle, with its Trúba tower, served as a launching pad for robbery raids into Silesia while the estate was owned by the Puklics of Pozořice.

• • At the same time, the lords of Jenštejn, residing at Bradlec Castle, also profited from their plundering ways. They were eventually deceitfully captured during a punitive expedition and executed.

• • On a limestone rock just outside Holštejn in the Moravian Karst, you will discover Holštejn Castle. Beneath it, in the rock lies the Hladomorna cave, historically used as a prison; many human remains have been located there alongside armor, spurs, and other metallic artifacts. This cave also housed many victims of the Lords of Holstein, who terrorized the surrounding regions with their raids. Those unfortunate enough to survive a fall from 17 meters often faced a gruesome death from starvation and thirst.

• • North of Volary, within a wild rocky valley carved by the Blanica River, stood Hus Castle atop a rocky outcrop. Initially constructed for the protection of the Golden Salt Road, it later became home to marauding knights after the Hussite Wars, specifically under the leadership of Habart of Lopata, committing raids in the area. By 1441, the castle faced siege, was conquered, and then destroyed. Here, you can observe the remnants of walls, the remains of the palace, and a narrow passage leading to the cellars.

• • In Czech Switzerland, the tales of robber knights come vividly to life, teeming with mysterious rock formations, castles of brigands, and enchanting narratives about dwarves and fairies—elements that captivated the great fairy tale author Hans Christian Andersen and composer Richard Wagner. The Berks of Dubá, the owners of the Šaunštejn rock castle, were also known for their endeavors as robbers and thieves. In the Middle Ages, Šaunštejn guarded the trade route connecting Bohemia with Lusatia, which was quite beneficial for the Berks: their residence became a sanctuary during their marauding ventures into neighboring territories.

Discover the Captivating World of Medieval Czech Castles

Steeped in tales of marauding knights, hidden treasures, and dramatic ruins, these fortresses invite you to explore centuries‑old legends across the Czech landscape.

1. Kokořín Castle

• Location: Perched above the Kokořínský Důl valley, north of the village of Kokořín, within a protected landscape area

• History & Legends:

  • Once the stronghold of Petrovský of Petrovice, who led a notorious band of robbers

  • In the 14th century, “Nicholas the Robber Knight” made Kokořín his base and is said to have stashed extraordinary loot in the castle’s cellar

2. Ralsko Hill Ruins

• Setting: Remnants of a hilltop fortress on Ralsko hill

• Notorious Residents:

  • Served as refuge to robber knights and counterfeit‑coin makers

  • Today, crumbling walls and tower bases hint at its shadowy past

3. Kaltenštejn Castle

• Key Features:

  • A 15 m‑tall cylindrical tower still standing

  • Extensive multi‑layered defensive walls encircle the site

• Visitor Experience: Wander among the massive stone ramparts and imagine medieval sieges

4. Šelenburk Castle

• Legend: Beneath these ruins, folklore speaks of vast riches hidden by a robber knight for his beloved daughter

• Atmosphere: Overgrown walls and moss‑covered stones set a haunting stage for treasure hunters

5. Trosky Castle

• Historic Event: In late 1427, the fortress fell to marauders led by knight Šof and his ally Švejkar

• Iconic Silhouette: Two basalt volcanic plugs crowned by twin towers—Fenster (the “Window”) and Panna (the “Maiden”)—dominate the skyline

Whether you seek the thrill of hidden treasure, the romance of ruined ramparts, or simply a journey back to medieval times, these Czech castles promise unforgettable adventures around every corner.