Like a Phoenix rising from the embers…

Helfštýn Castle

Helfštýn is one of the largest castles in Central Europe. Probably founded in the last quarter of the 13th century, the main redevelopment into a Gothic fortress took place at the turn of the 14–15th centuries. After that, the castle was perfected by the construction of bastions and a new system of towers and gates. In 1656, relatively extensive demolition took place, leaving Helfštýn definitely deprived of its character of a perfectly defended chateau. This started the long-term dilapidation, accelerated by further demolition work ordered by the then owners, the House of Dietrichstein, in the second half of the 18th century.

Due to a sensitive, yet daring redevelopment, the castle now features a unique system of footbridges, staircases, and roofs that enhance the experience during tours. The upper storeys of the palace, previously inaccessible, have been opened up, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape of the Moravian Gate Valley.

Tipy v okolí

• Olomouc – historical capital of Moravia, UNESCO site, ancient centre of education, culture, and folklore.
• Šternberk – you can visit the castle and Exhibition of Time there, as well as the local monastery – former seat of the Augustinian order.

Tipy na ubytování

Hotel Herbarium, Central Park Flora – Olomouc

Tipy na stravování

Restaurace Drápal, U Červeného volka, Asado Grill – Olomouc

Kolštejn Chateau

A castle initially stood at the site, guarding the trade route from Silesia to Olomouc. Over more than 700 years, the castle was owned by various noble families. The current Renaissance chateau comes from the 16th century when the Gothic castle of Goldek, first mentioned in 1325, was redeveloped. In the 17th century, Kolštejn played an important role during the Thirty Years’ War when the Imperial Army fought back the Swedish Army. But the importance of this strategic place was gradually waning. In the first half of the 20th century, the chateau was transferred to the municipality, later to the state, and due to its miserable condition, it was almost demolished at the end of the last century.

The chateau is undergoing gradual reconstruction. The redeveloped chateau now offers a guided tour, describing the architectural changes across the centuries and the turbulent and rich history. In addition to the tour, the complex offers accommodation where you can experience a romantic, unusual stay in the luxurious Chateau Goldenstein Hotel.

Tipy v okolí

• Šumperk – nicknamed “Little Vienna”, the town offers a pleasant provincial atmosphere. You can visit the Exhibition of Witch Trials, which severely affected the region in the 17th century.

Tipy na ubytování

• Wellness hotel Kolštejn
• Chateau Goldenstein
• Hotel Perk Šumperk
• Resort Sobotín

Tipy na stravování

• Wellness hotel Kolštejn
• Chateau Goldenstein
• Hotel Perk Šumperk
• Resort Sobotín

Międzylesie Chateau

The original castle was founded by the knightly von Glaubitz family in the mid-14th century. At the end of the 16th century, ruins of the castle, destroyed more than a century before by the Hussites, were converted into a Renaissance chateau and later rebuilt in Baroque style. In 1945, the House of Althann who owned the domain were forced to leave, and the chateau was plundered.

The first partial redevelopment started in 1950 and the site was soon opened to the public. But in 1972, part of the chateau burnt down and it closed again. The chateau was bought by a local company in 2008, which reconstructed its Baroque part and opened a restaurant and hotel there. The company plans to redevelop the remaining parts and use them for tourism purposes.

Kamieniec Ząbkowicki Palace

The Marianne Orange-Nassau Palace evokes monumental medieval castles, but in fact, it is a romantic building constructed between 1839–1872 at the initiative of Princess Marianne of the Netherlands who was very emancipated, enterprising, and rich. The chateau was plundered and burnt down by Soviet soldiers after World War II and fell into decay.

The premises are under repair at present. In addition to a few reconstructed rooms, hallways, courtyards, and balconies, you can also admire the fountain that sprays water to a height of 30 metres. The chateau offers guided tours and organises various cultural and musical events.

Tipy v okolí

• Goldmine in Złoty Stok – You can go to a guided tour of the Museum of Mining, the former gold and arsenic mine. The exhibit presents the history of gold mining in the region, dating back to the Middle Ages.

Tipy na ubytování

• Złoty Jar, Złoty Stok
• Kuźnia Smaków, Małe Pułkowo  
• Stara Kruszarnia, Złoty Stok

Tipy na stravování

• Złoty Jar, Złoty Stok
• Kuźnia Smaków, Małe Pułkowo  
• Stara Kruszarnia, Złoty Stok