Košťál

Košťál is a basalt hill rising above the village of Jenčice, in the heart of the Bohemian Central Uplands (České Středohoří), reaching just under 500 meters in elevation.

Where is it located?

The hill sits a few kilometers west of Lovosice, close to the town of Třebenice, within the Litoměřice district. Its sharp, rocky summit stands out clearly against the skyline, distinguishing it from the smoother, rounded hills that dominate this volcanic landscape.

How did the hill form?

Košťál is a diatreme — a volcanic pipe roughly 400 meters across, formed when magma broke through late Cretaceous bedrock. The upper part of the hill consists of harder trachybasalt and basanite rock, while softer breccia makes up the lower slopes. This contrast in resistance to erosion is what gave Košťál its steep, rocky profile, setting it apart from the gentler, rounded summits typical of the surrounding region.

What will you find at the top?

The summit is crowned by the ruins of Košťálov Castle, a donjon-type fortress believed to have been built around 1276. A section of the tower-house still stands, forming the distinctive silhouette visible from the surrounding countryside, alongside scattered remnants of outbuildings and defensive walls.

What is the castle's history?

In the early 15th century the castle belonged to the Kaplíř family, who withstood a Hussite siege there. The family later moved to a more comfortable residence lower down, and the hilltop castle was gradually left to decay. By the time of the Thirty Years' War, it stood empty and abandoned.

How do you get to Košťál?

The hill lies within the municipal territory of Jenčice and is the village's most recognizable landmark. Local paths lead up from the village; sturdy footwear is recommended given the rocky terrain. The area makes for a rewarding half-day trip, easily combined with a visit to nearby Třebenice or Lovosice.

When is the best time to visit?

Spring and autumn are ideal, when vegetation doesn't obscure the views and temperatures are comfortable for climbing the rocky slopes. In summer the exposed summit can get quite hot, so bring water.

Frequently asked questions

What is Košťál? It's a volcanic basalt hill (a diatreme) in Jenčice, in the Bohemian Central Uplands, topped by the ruins of a medieval castle.

How high is Košťál? The hill reaches just under 500 meters, making it one of the most prominent peaks near Lovosice and Třebenice.

Can you visit the castle ruins? Yes, remnants of the tower-house and small fragments of outbuildings survive at the summit and are accessible on foot.

What is the history behind Košťálov Castle? The castle was built around 1276. It was held by the Kaplíř family, survived a Hussite siege in the early 15th century, and was gradually abandoned, standing empty by the time of the Thirty Years' War.