Dršťka

Dršťka is a little-known castle ruin in the Brdy highlands, about one kilometer south of the village of Skořice in the Rokycany district. The remains sit on a rocky ridge inside the Brdy Protected Landscape Area, at the foot of Palcíř hill, roughly 540 meters above sea level.

Where exactly are the ruins located?

The site lies deep in forest, well off the main tourist trails, which is part of why it remains one of the region's lesser-known attractions. Reaching it from Skořice usually takes under an hour round trip on foot, and walking the ruins themselves takes only a few minutes more. For decades the area formed part of the Brdy military training zone, which restricted access. Since the region became a protected landscape area, however, the site has been open to visitors who stick to marked paths.

Who built the castle, and why is it a ruin today?

The earliest written record dates to 1390, naming the four sons of Dobrohost of Ronšperk as owners — a family very likely responsible for founding the castle. The names Ronšperk and Losumberk appear alongside Dršťka in historical sources, all referring to the same stronghold, which can make research confusing.

The castle faced its biggest test in 1421, during the Hussite Wars, when Hussite forces laid siege to it. The siege failed, and the castle held. Even so, its importance faded within a few decades. By the mid-15th century the Dobrohost family had sold Dršťka, and in 1459 they acquired the castle and town of Poběžovice, carrying the family name Ronšperk with them. From that point Dršťka lost its role as the family's main seat, and by the 16th century it had been abandoned entirely, left to decay.

What can visitors actually see there?

The stronghold belonged to the type of castle built around a square donjon, or keep, and is one of the few such complexes known to have had an associated settlement alongside it. Little survives from the original structure beyond uneven ground contours and small masonry fragments — one surviving retaining wall at the base of the rock measures only about two meters. Two rocky outer wards are also visible, separated from the core of the site by ditches cut directly into the stone.

It is worth setting expectations before the hike: physical traces are scarce, and this is a site for history and archaeology enthusiasts rather than a dramatic ruin with standing walls. Its real draw is the quiet forest setting of the Brdy highlands and the story behind the stones — a castle that survived a Hussite siege before slowly fading into obscurity.

How should you plan a visit?

Skořice is the best starting point, offering the shortest approach to the ruins. Because the terrain is forested and partly rocky, sturdy hiking footwear is recommended. The Brdy Information Centre operates in the area and can advise on current trail conditions and access rules for the former military zone.

Frequently asked questions

Are the Dršťka ruins open to the public? Yes. The site lies within the Brdy Protected Landscape Area and is accessible to visitors who keep to marked routes, even though it was once part of a restricted military zone.

How far are the ruins from Skořice? About one kilometer south of the village, at the foot of Palcíř hill — the walk there and back typically takes under an hour.

How much of the castle still stands? Very little. Visitors will mainly find uneven terrain, a short stretch of retaining wall, and traces of two rocky outer wards. This is a ruin for history buffs rather than a site with intact walls.

What is the history behind Dršťka Castle? It was most likely founded by the Dobrohost of Ronšperk family before 1390, withstood a Hussite siege in 1421, then lost its status to Poběžovice by the mid-15th century and has stood abandoned since the 16th century.