Holoubek Castle

Holoubek Castle is a medieval ruin standing roughly one kilometer north of the village of Chroustov, in the Třebíč district of the Bohemian-Moravian Highlands in the Czech Republic. Also known by its German name, Taubenstein, it occupies a rocky promontory that is now surrounded on three sides by the waters of the Dalešice reservoir. That combination of weathered stone walls and open water makes it one of the more atmospheric castle ruins in the region, even though it remains relatively unknown outside local hiking circles.

Who founded the castle, and when?

The castle was built around 1330 on the initiative of Konrád Payer. The first written record of it dates to 1353, when Konrád handed it over to his brother, Bohuš of Starč. In its early years the castle served the typical role of a fortified noble seat, overseeing the surrounding roads and settlements.

How did ownership change over time?

Bohuš's sons sold Holoubek in 1392 to Martin of Jemnice and Radotice. Shortly afterward, the castle was seized by force by Jindřich Zajímač of Jevišovice, who used it as a base for robber raids on nearby routes and villages — a common practice among minor nobility during the turbulent decades around the turn of the 15th century. Martin of Jemnice won a court case demanding the castle's return, but a legal ruling alone was not enough: in 1407 he had to hire an armed force to retake it by conquest.

Why was the castle destroyed?

Holoubek's fate was sealed at a regional assembly held in Velké Meziříčí in 1440, which ordered the castle torn down, most likely as part of a broader campaign against strongholds used by robber knights. By 1447 the site had already been abandoned and was falling into ruin. No one ever rebuilt it, and its stone walls have since been left to the slow work of weather and vegetation.

What remains visible today?

Surviving remnants include a nine-meter-tall bergfried tower, sections of the fortification walls, and the foundations of the residential palace. A deep moat, which once separated the castle from the rest of the promontory, is still clearly traceable. The ruins are freely accessible, reached by hiking trails starting from the nearby village — a walk that pairs the site's history with views over the Dalešice reservoir.

How do you get to Holoubek Castle?

The most convenient starting point is the village of Chroustov, from which a marked footpath of about one kilometer leads to the ruins. It's worth combining the visit with a walk along the shore of the Dalešice reservoir, since the water is what gives this castle its distinctive character compared with most inland ruins that sit on dry ground.

Frequently asked questions

Is there an entrance fee for the ruins? No, the site is freely and publicly accessible, with no admission charge.

How long does the walk to the castle take? The hike from Chroustov typically takes about 20 to 30 minutes, depending on pace.

What else is worth seeing nearby? The area also includes the Plešický waterfall and the Dvořákova vyhlídka viewpoint, which offers a view over the Dalešice reservoir.

Is the site suitable for families with children? The trail itself is easy, but the ruins have uneven ground and steep slopes near the water, so extra caution is needed with small children.