Fuglhaus

Fuglhaus is a ruined medieval stronghold in the Czech Republic, located about 1.5 km from the village of Klec, on a hill above the Klec pond at an elevation of roughly 425 metres. The site is also known under the names Flughaus, Fugelhaus or Vogelhaus, and has been protected as a cultural monument since 1963.

How to get there?

The ruins lie in South Bohemia, in the Třeboň area, close to the village of Klec and the town of Lomnice nad Lužnicí. The site sits within the Třeboňsko Protected Landscape Area, famous for its network of fishponds and hiking trails connecting the region's historic sites. The easiest way to reach it is from nearby Třeboň or Lomnice nad Lužnicí, following local roads and paths towards the Klec pond — the ruins themselves are reached on foot.

What will you see?

The site's history reaches back to the late 14th century. The village of Klec was first mentioned in written records in 1383, when it belonged to the lords of Stráž. The stronghold was most likely built by Oldřich z Ústí shortly after 1395, as a small fortification guarding the surrounding land. In 1410 it was purchased from him by Jan z Ústí, whose descendants earned a dark reputation in local history — they sheltered robber knights who raided and plundered estates belonging to the powerful Rožmberk family.

Such activity eventually brought retaliation. In 1435, Oldřich II of Rožmberk captured the stronghold and burned it to the ground. After this event the place largely disappears from written sources, and after 1465 almost no further trace of it remains. Building material from the ruins was later reused by local inhabitants to construct a nearby structure known as Bašta.

Today, the site of the former stronghold shows mainly irregularities in the terrain — remnants of earthen ramparts, ditches and the outlines of former fortifications. Numerous pottery fragments are still found in the ground, testifying to past settlement. No standing walls or architectural elements survive above ground, but the layout of the terrain — a rise above the pond, surrounded by ditches — still allows visitors to picture the stronghold's former defensive position.

Who is it for?

Fuglhaus is a destination primarily for those interested in medieval history and the military past of South Bohemia, as well as travellers who enjoy quieter, less obvious sights. This is not a restored, spectacular attraction, but an authentic site of a medieval conflict and destruction, set within the peaceful nature of the Třeboňsko region. It pairs well with a visit to the Klec pond and other nearby points of interest such as Třeboň or Lomnice nad Lužnicí.

When to visit?

Spring and summer are the best times for a walk to the ruins, when the ground is dry and longer days allow for extended trips around the ponds. Autumn, thanks to fewer visitors, suits those looking for peace and quiet amid the nature of the Třeboňsko area.

Frequently asked questions

What was Fuglhaus? It was a small medieval stronghold built shortly after 1395 near the village of Klec, serving as a fortification guarding the surrounding area.

Why was the stronghold destroyed? In 1435, Oldřich II of Rožmberk captured and burned the stronghold in retaliation, since its owners had sheltered robber knights who raided Rožmberk estates.

What can be seen at the site today? Only terrain irregularities remain — ramparts, ditches and traces of former fortifications, along with pottery fragments still found in the ground.

Is the site protected? Yes — the Fuglhaus ruins have been protected as a cultural monument since 1963 and lie within the Třeboňsko Protected Landscape Area.