The castle was founded in the 14th century, it became an important bastion of the Hussite movement and after the defeat on the White Mountain it was acquired by the Order of German Knights. The Order gradually increased the protection of the castle, which is still the best preserved example of fortifications from the Thirty Years’ War. Despite its location on a rocky hill and its massive fortifications, it was eventually conquered by Swedish troops. During the Second World War it was a prison and a base for SS troops.

To continue learning about the local history, you can visit Bruntál chateau, for example, or, if you long to learn about rural life, we recommend the Kosárna in Karlovice.

Článek Sovinec Castle se nejdříve objevil na Northern Moravia.

Today, the ruins of the castle are preserved so that the walls will not crumble further and will continue to be a romantic place for excursions with an amazing view of the landscape of the Low Jeseník and the Moravice River. Vikštejn is one of the most interesting places in Opava Silesia and a climb to it can be combined with a visit to the nearby town of Vítkov.

Článek Vikštejn Castle se nejdříve objevil na Northern Moravia.

Článek Ruins of Fürstenwalde Castle se nejdříve objevil na Northern Moravia.

Článek Ruins of Fulštejn Castle se nejdříve objevil na Northern Moravia.

Článek Šostýn Castle se nejdříve objevil na Northern Moravia.

His servants, especially the manager of the local forests, still lived in Rabštejn.

Today, the castle resembles a few stone walls overgrown in the forest on a rocky spur. 

It is still worth a visit, however, as the views of the mountains open up and tourists can feel the strategic location of the original castle.

Článek Rabštejn Castle se nejdříve objevil na Northern Moravia.

Another exhibition is dedicated to the forest school. The lapidarium holds different exhibitions and cultural events. The upper part of the castle displays the old cannons. The tower, with a viewing deck, houses an exhibition of wooden tourist plaques.  

Článek The Sovinec Castle Exhibition se nejdříve objevil na Northern Moravia.

Článek Ruins of Cvilín Castle se nejdříve objevil na Northern Moravia.

In the past, the castle guarded the border between Silesia and Moravia, but after Silesia became part of the Czech lands, it lost its strategic importance and the owners converted it into a chateau. It was then plundered by Napoleon’s soldiers, Danes, Wallenstein’s mercenaries and Swedish troops. An important guest at the castle was, for example, Cecilia Renata, sister of Emperor Ferdinand III. Habsburg, who stayed overnight here when she was on her way to her wedding to King Władysław of Poland.

At the time of the Industrial Revolution, coal was mined around the castle. As a result, the castle fell by up to 16 metres and gradually became decrepit. That’s why today it no longer stands on a hill, but on a plain.

The castle is connected to the historic centre of the town by a footbridge over the Ostravice River and is situated on a great cycle path that leads along the Ostravice River to the Beskydy Mountains. There are concerts, exhibitions, Christmas markets and other seasonal events for the whole family. And like any good castle, it has its own White Lady. She walks around with a candle in her left hand and a golden key in her right.

Článek Slezskoostravský hrad (castle) se nejdříve objevil na Northern Moravia.

The old walls are freely accessible all year round, the lookout tower is open for a fee. There is a souvenir shop in the tower and visitors can look at a model of the castle, which shows what Old Jičín looked like at the time of its greatest glory.

From the hill on which Starý Jičín is situated, you can enjoy stunning views of the Beskydy Mountains and the Jeseníky Mountains.

Článek Hrad Starý Jičín Starý Jičín Castle se nejdříve objevil na Northern Moravia.