Castle Horní Libchava

Castle Horní Libchava is a Renaissance chateau in the small village of Horní Libchava, just outside Česká Lípa in the Liberec Region of northern Czechia. It's not a headline attraction on the scale of Karlštejn, but it rewards visitors interested in lesser-known corners of Czech history and in one genuinely striking feature: cellars carved straight into sandstone rock.

How do you get to Horní Libchava?

The village sits right on the road connecting Česká Lípa with Nový Bor, so driving is by far the easiest option — it's only a few minutes from Česká Lípa town centre. Regional buses also run between Česká Lípa and Horní Libchava on a regular schedule. The castle itself stands in the middle of the village surrounded by a small park, so whether you arrive by car or bus, it's a short walk to the gate. Before setting out, it's worth checking the current access situation, since the castle's opening status has changed in recent years — more on that below.

Who built the castle, and how did it change hands?

The building's present form dates back to 1574–1593, when Heinrich of Wartenberg rebuilt an older, more modest fortified family seat into a Renaissance residence. Despite the elegant Renaissance façade, the structure still betrays its earlier defensive purpose — thick walls and a compact layout reflect a time when protection mattered more than show.

Following the Battle of White Mountain in 1620, the Horní Libchava estate was confiscated from its owners, a fate shared by many Bohemian noble properties of the era. In 1623 it passed to the Order of Malta, which administered the estate for more than three centuries. The Knights of Malta actually resided at the castle from 1653 to 1925, and it's this long stretch that shaped much of the building's present character. After the Knights left, the German army and later the Czechoslovak army made use of the premises — a trajectory typical of many Czech chateaux during the twentieth century.

What makes the cellars so unusual?

The castle's most memorable feature lies underground. The entire building sits above extensive cellars, and the most remarkable sections are hewn directly into the sandstone bedrock, with space estimated to hold up to 400 people. Even among Czech castles known for elaborate cellar systems, the scale and rock-cut technique here stand out.

Since 2011 the castle has been privately owned by Oldřich Kilián, a traveller who has visited more than 120 countries. He gradually opened the building to visitors and furnished the interiors with objects and furniture gathered on his travels, giving the rooms an eclectic mix of Czech history and ethnographic souvenirs from around the world.

Can you actually visit the castle today?

Here it pays to be upfront: access has been inconsistent in recent years. The "Pohádkový zámek" (Fairy Tale Castle) association, which ran tours and events on site, ended its activities in autumn 2024, and the castle is currently not open to the public in a regular format. It remains listed as a protected cultural monument of the Czech Republic, which bodes well for its long-term preservation and for a possible reopening down the line. If you're planning a trip, check the current status shortly before you go, since the situation can change.

Frequently asked questions

Where exactly is Castle Horní Libchava located? In the village of Horní Libchava in the Liberec Region, a few kilometres from Česká Lípa in northern Czechia.

When was the castle built? Its current Renaissance form dates from 1574–1593, built on the site of an earlier, smaller fortified residence.

Who owned the castle the longest? The Order of Malta, which took over the estate in 1623 and had the Knights actually residing there from 1653 to 1925 — more than three centuries of association with the site.

Can you tour the underground cellars? The sandstone cellars beneath the castle can hold up to 400 people, but whether you can actually visit them depends on the castle's current opening status, which has recently been closed to regular tourism.