Kámen Castle

Kámen Castle is a small Gothic castle perched on a rocky outcrop near the village of Doupě, in the Pelhřimov District of the Vysočina Region in the Czech Republic. Sitting close to where Vysočina meets South Bohemia, it's tucked away from the usual tourist trail — which makes it a rewarding stop for anyone travelling between Pelhřimov and Tábor who's willing to take a short detour.

Where does the name come from and how old is the castle?

"Kámen" simply means "stone" in Czech, and the name is no coincidence — the castle was built in the mid-13th century directly on a large rock, which gave it its name. The first written record of Kámen dates back to 1316. For centuries it belonged to the royal chamber and passed through the hands of various nobles and court officials. In 1366, Jindřich of Ciglheim opened gold mines in the surrounding area, which briefly boosted the local economy. The estate stayed under royal control until 1504, and from 1523 until the early 18th century it was held by the Malovec family of Malovice — by far its longest-tenured owners.

What role did the castle play in history?

During the Hussite Wars of the 15th century, Kámen served as an important strategic stronghold for Hussite forces. Its position on top of a rock gave defenders a natural advantage that mattered a great deal in that period of religious conflict.

What can visitors see today?

Since 1974, the castle has operated as a museum — and an unusual one at that, dedicated to the history of single-track vehicles built in former Czechoslovakia. The exhibition is run as a branch of the Museum of Vysočina in Pelhřimov. The core of the collection is made up of pre-war and post-war Jawa and ČZ motorcycles, but there are genuine rarities too: a Poustka from 1925, a Praga BD 500 from 1928, an Ogar 250 Standart from 1936, a Premier Sachs 98 from 1939, and even an amateur-built lead motorcycle from 1910 alongside a two-cylinder Walter from 1913. It's a place where the story of medieval fortification meets the story of Czech motorcycle manufacturing — a combination you won't find in many other castles.

It's worth knowing that the castle went through a major renovation in recent years, costing nearly 120 million Czech crowns in total, with 68 million coming from European Union funding. The modernized exhibition now weaves together the history of the monument itself with a refreshed presentation of the motorcycle collection.

How do you get there?

Kámen sits in a quiet corner of the Pelhřimov District, so travelling by car is by far the easiest option — the castle is well signposted from the roads connecting Pelhřimov and Tábor. Travellers without a car can take local buses to nearby villages, followed by a short walk through the forest to reach the castle.

When is the best time to visit?

The visitor season typically runs from spring through autumn, when guided tours and the full motorcycle exhibition are open. Summer is the most rewarding time to come, since the surrounding forest and the rocky outcrop look their best in warm weather — though it's worth checking current opening hours before setting out, as the castle tends to close outside the main season.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Kámen Castle really have a motorcycle museum? Yes, it's one of the castle's main draws. Since 1974 it has housed an exhibition dedicated to single-track vehicles made in Czechoslovakia, run as a branch of the Museum of Vysočina in Pelhřimov.

Where does the castle's name come from? "Kámen" means "stone" in Czech, referring to the large rock the castle was built on in the mid-13th century.

Who were the castle's most notable owners? The Malovec family of Malovice, who held the estate from 1523 until the early 18th century — longer than any other known owners.

Is the castle easy to reach without a car? It's doable, but a car makes things much easier — the area is rural, and reaching the castle by bus means a short walk through the forest from the nearest village stop.