Castle Krašov

Krašov Castle is one of the oldest castle ruins in the Czech Republic, perched on a rocky promontory above the Berounka River next to the village of Bohy, in the Plzeň-sever district of the Pilsen Region. The combination of weathered stone walls, a river valley view, and a surrounding nature reserve makes it a rewarding stop for hikers exploring western Bohemia.

When was Krašov Castle built?

The castle was founded before 1232 by Jetřich of the Hroznatovci family, placing Krašov among the oldest Gothic castles in the Czech lands. The stronghold was originally meant to guard an old trade and military route running through the Berounka valley. The Krašov lords who gave the site its name held it until the mid-14th century.

Who owned the castle after the Krašov family?

Ownership then passed to the Švihov and Kolovrat families, and over the following centuries the castle changed hands repeatedly among noble and burgher owners, including members of the Bezdružický and Svíták families during the transition from the 15th to the 16th century. In the 16th century the fortress was rebuilt in Renaissance style, turning the austere stronghold into a more representative residence.

What role did the Plasy monastery play?

From the second half of the 17th century — formally from 1678 — Krašov belonged to Benedikt Engelken, abbot of the Cistercian monastery in Plasy. The monks converted the castle into a summer residence starting in 1701, and Baroque-style remodeling took place between 1755 and 1779. After the monastery was dissolved in 1785, the castle lost its caretaker, fell into disrepair, and was gradually dismantled for building material. By around 1800 it had already become a permanent ruin.

What can visitors see on site today?

The ruins preserve a two-part layout: a fortified core and an extensive outer bailey separated by a deep, rock-cut moat. Visitors can still make out a round bergfried tower, remnants of a two-story palace, and a chapel dedicated to St. Ludmila. The outer bailey once held a brewery with a malt house, a smithy, a bathhouse, and a mill, pointing to the estate's former economic self-sufficiency. The outer bailey in particular is considered one of the best-preserved of its kind in the country.

Where exactly is the castle, and how do you get there?

The ruins stand on a rocky spur above the confluence of the Brodeslavský stream with the Berounka River, at roughly 310 meters above sea level, right next to the village of Bohy. A marked hiking trail leads to Krašov, including a roughly 3.5-kilometer route from the village of Všehrdy. The surrounding area is protected as a nature reserve with thermophilic vegetation, adding a scenic dimension to the walk.

Can you visit the castle today?

Yes. The site is managed by the Spolek pro ochranu přírodní rezervace a hradu Krašova (the Association for the Protection of the Krašov Nature Reserve and Castle), which also runs a small tourist hostel on the grounds. Entry to the ruins is free, and during the summer season (for example in August) the site is typically open from 10:00 to 18:00. Since the site is run by a local volunteer association, it's worth checking current hours before setting out.

Frequently asked questions

When was Krašov Castle founded? Before 1232, by Jetřich of the Hroznatovci family.

Why is Krašov Castle in ruins? After the Plasy monastery, which had owned the castle, was dissolved in 1785, the site lost its caretaker and was dismantled for building material — by around 1800 it was already a ruin.

What are the main things to see at the ruins? The round bergfried tower, remains of the palace, the chapel of St. Ludmila, and the moat separating the castle core from the outer bailey.

Is admission to Krašov Castle free? Yes, entry to the ruins is free of charge.

How do you reach Krašov Castle? The easiest way is via the marked hiking trail, for example from the nearby village of Všehrdy (about 3.5 km) or from the direction of Bohy.