Castle Nový Herštejn

Castle Nový Herštejn is a ruined castle set on a forested hill near the village of Němčice, in the Domažlice district of the Czech Republic.

Where is Nový Herštejn Castle located?

The ruins stand on a wooded hilltop close to the small town of Kdyně, in the western part of the Czech Republic, not far from the Bavarian border. The site sits away from the busier tourist routes, making it appealing to travelers who prefer quieter, less-visited spots.

Who built the castle, and when?

Construction is dated to the first half of the 14th century. The likely founder was Bušek II of Velhartice, a member of a powerful noble family that controlled the surrounding land. The earliest written record of the castle dates to 1348, and for most of its existence the stronghold remained in the hands of this same family.

What shaped the castle's turbulent history?

Because of its position near the Bavarian frontier, the castle repeatedly found itself caught up in border conflicts. In 1475 it was captured, set on fire and partly destroyed during one such war. The damage was severe, though the site did not immediately lose all military relevance.

In 1496 the estate was purchased by Půta Švihovský of Rýzmberk, a member of an influential regional noble family, who is believed to have restored the castle. Ownership changed again after 1524, when the property passed to the town of Domažlice. The town had little use for maintaining an active fortress, and the castle was gradually allowed to fall into decay.

What remains standing today?

Visitors can still see a partly preserved residential donjon measuring roughly 15.6 by 16.6 meters in floor plan. Also visible are the remnants of a square tower, traces of the former entrance gate, and sections of the walls that once formed the castle's fortifications. Today the site has the character of a picturesque ruin, typical of many medieval strongholds along the Czech-Bavarian border region.

Is the castle protected?

Yes. The ruins of Nový Herštejn are listed as a cultural monument in the Czech Republic, which gives the site formal legal protection against further deterioration and unauthorized interference.

Who should visit?

The castle suits travelers interested in medieval history, hikers who enjoy forested hillside trails, and anyone drawn to lesser-known, low-key historical sites. Given its condition as a ruin, visitors should not expect extensive tourist infrastructure — this is a destination for those seeking an authentic, uncommercialized encounter with history.

Frequently asked questions

Where exactly is Nový Herštejn Castle located? The ruins lie on a forested hill near the village of Němčice, close to the town of Kdyně, in the Domažlice district of western Bohemia, near the Bavarian border.

When was the castle built? It was built in the first half of the 14th century, with the first written mention appearing in 1348.

Why did the castle fall into ruin? The castle was destroyed in 1475 during border warfare with Bavaria, later partly restored, and then abandoned to decay after 1524, when it passed to the town of Domažlice, which had no need for an active fortress.

What can visitors see at the site today? Remains include part of a residential donjon, traces of a square tower, remnants of the entrance gate, and sections of the former fortification walls.