Hauenštejn Upper Castle

Hauenštejn Upper Castle rises on a rocky spur above the Ohře River valley near Stráž nad Ohří. It is one of the most atmospheric castle complexes in the Karlovy Vary Region: a medieval foundation, a romantic Neo-Gothic silhouette, vaulted Gothic cellars, a chapel, a tower with broad views and a park that keeps the visit from feeling like a simple ruin stop.

History

The castle was probably founded in the second half of the 13th century as a royal stronghold on the edge of the Loket and Žatec regions, guarding the narrow passages of the Ohře valley. The name Hauenštejn is usually linked with German words for a tool and stone, a reminder of the mining character of the surrounding landscape.

Over the centuries it passed through several noble hands, including the Šlik family from 1528. After a fire around 1600, Hauenštejn was rebuilt in Renaissance style while retaining its Gothic vaulted cellars. Its romantic appearance came later. In 1837 Countess Gabriela Buquoy bought the castle and began reshaping it: the tower was raised, a Neo-Gothic gate and chapel were added, and between 1878 and 1882 architect Alois Mytteis gave the complex the feeling of an English Gothic residence.

After the Second World War the castle was used by the Soviet army, then by the Czechoslovak state as accommodation and a children's home. It decayed badly in the 1960s and 1970s. Preservation began after 1990, and since 1992 the municipality of Krásný Les has been gradually restoring and opening the site.

What to see

Castle tower - The 16 m cylindrical tower is the icon of Hauenštejn. The climb rewards you with views over the Ore Mountains ridges, the Ohře valley and, in clear weather, the wooded borderland beyond.

Gothic cellars and Knights' Hall - The underground vaulted cellars preserve the medieval core of the castle. The representative Knights' Hall, with its carved wooden ceiling, hosts exhibitions, events and wedding ceremonies.

Neo-Gothic chapel - A small, carefully restored 19th-century chapel adds a quiet counterpoint to the defensive architecture.

Arboretum and park - The surrounding 60-hectare landscape park includes an arboretum with more than 40 maple varieties and rare ash cultivars. A nature trail leads through the dendrological highlights in a calm forest setting.

Stays and programmes

Hauenštejn is also a living venue. Groups can sleep in the castle attic in sleeping-bag accommodation, and the programme includes night tours, children's events, outdoor schools, weddings and private events. Dogs are welcome, and parts of the grounds are wheelchair-accessible.

Admission

Practical information

• Tour length: about 1 hour
• January-March: Saturday-Sunday 10:00-16:00; weekdays by phone arrangement
• April-May: daily 10:00-17:00
• June-August: daily 9:00-19:00
• September-December: daily 10:00-17:00
• Parking: by the castle

Directions and contacts

• Website: hornihrad.cz
• Address: Horní Hrad 1, Krásný Les, 363 01 Ostrov
• GPS: 50.3469, 13.0192
• Phone, reservations: +420 774 055 529
• Phone, ticket office: +420 353 541 287
• E-mail: hradni.celadka@hornihrad.cz

By train, use Stráž nad Ohří station. From there, marked hiking routes lead to the castle: the blue route is shortest, the red follows the Ohře, and the green is longer but more reliable in poor weather. By car, approach from the E442 via Damiče and Stráž nad Ohří.