Motto: After more than two centuries of neglect and slow decline, this castle (or rather its ruin) can still keep its ability to engage our attention and even put some visitors under a spell. Landstejn is one of the largest and best preserved Bohemian Romanesque castles in the country. Its great mass rises above the forests at a border intersection of three historical countries: Bohemia, Moravia and Austria, protecting an important trade route of the past, leading into Austria. It is situated in the natural park called Czech Canada.
The history of the castle is, even today, full of obscurities - especially from the times when the castle was first constructed. The circumstances of its origin and location next to the Czech-Austrian frontier are not absolutely clear, as well as the history of another castle over the Czech-Austrian frontier which was in direct visibility of Landstejn. Archaeological research still goes on so that new information is expected in the future.
Jan Jiri Grassel (German name Johann Georg Grassl), a notorious robber, whose name is given to all criminals up to the present day, lived and robbed in the romantic surroundings of Landstejn.
What does Landstejn offer?
In addition to the customary sight-seeing tour, you could have the good luck to enjoy one of the many performances which take place here. Everything starts at the end of May when The Landstejn Castle Festival begins. Diverse music bands and groups of historical fencing perform at the Landstejn castle during the summer season.
Sometimes you can even witness a castle wedding.
The chapel below the castle was opened for tourists in 1999. This chapel is an only remain of an original Romanesque church and is consecrated to the Holy John the Baptist. It is located in the village Pomezi. (Further details can be found from the history of the castle.)
How can Landstejn be reached?
By car Landstejn can be reached via Jindrichuv Hradec from the west or via Slavonice, Cesky Rudolec or Stare mesto pod Landstejnem from the east.
The train connection is more complicated but quite interesting. Take the narrow-gauge railway at Jindrichuv Hradec in the direction of Nova Bystrice until the station Hurky. The castle is about a 5 mile walk away. The narrow-gauge railway itself is worth the outing, its route meandering through the picturesque landscape - the little train does not hurry anywhere, simply ideal for tourists. A train and bus combination (see below) can be used as well.
There is a direct bus connection from Nova Bystrice (railway station) and Slavonice (railway station) to the Landstejn castle during the summer season. Otherwise the regular bus can be taken from Slavonice or Nova Bystrice to Stare mesto pod Landstejnem with an additional walk of about 2 miles.
Opening Hours.
| Month | Opening hours |
| January to March | Closed |
| April | Saturdays, Sundays and holidays 9:00am till 4:00pm |
| May | Daily except Monday 9:00am till 4:00pm |
| June to August | Daily except Monday 9:00am till 5:00pm |
| September | Daily except Monday 9:00am till 4:00pm |
| October | Saturdays, Sundays and holidays 9:00am till 4:00pm |
| November and December | Closed |
Admission.
| Adults | 40,- Kc | EUR 1,30 |
| Children 6 - 16 years | 20,- Kc | EUR 0,65 |
| Students | 20,- Kc | EUR 0,65 |
| Pensioners | 20,- Kc | EUR 0,65 |
| Unguided tours. A printed guide is available at the castle entrance. |
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Please report any problems with these pages to pension@rudolec.cz.© Ing. Karel Muska, 1st September 2004. |
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