Helfenburk

The ruins of this castle stand on a sandstone spur in the wooded Hrádecký Valley, some three kilometres east of Úštěk. The castle was probably founded in the early 14th century by the Lords of Klinštejn, a branch of the Ronov family. Towards the end of the same century, Prague Archbishop Jan of Jenštejn oversaw the expansion and embellishment of the castle, including the construction of its massive fortifications. By the 16th century, the castle had begun to decline in importance, and the Thirty Years' War marked the end of its life. It was not until 1887 that the ruins were purchased and restored by the industrialist Count Josef von Schroll. Between 1887 and 1890, he rebuilt the ruined third storey of the 30-metre tower, with 143 steps leading to the top, and turned the castle into his summer residence. The original medieval entrance to the tower could no longer be used, as it led into the inner part of the castle on the rock with the remains of the otherwise inaccessible palace, so the owner had a side entrance created. Helfenburk Castle now belongs to the town of Úštěk. A group of volunteers has looked after the castle and provided guided tours since 1978. The castle is freely open to the public.