Kozí hřbet Castle

Kozí hřbet is a forgotten medieval castle ruin tucked away in the forest above a bend of the Mastník stream, near the village of Radíč in the Sedlčany region, Příbram district, Czech Republic. Also known as Hrádek, it once stood on a narrow rocky ridge at an elevation of roughly 300 metres — a position that still explains today why the ruins are so tricky to reach for a casual visitor, and so appealing to committed hikers.

How to get there?

A blue-marked tourist trail leads to the ruin from Radíč, continuing further on toward Hrazany. The route runs about 5.5 kilometres, mostly through forest along the valley of the Mastník stream, so it's worth allowing at least two hours for the round trip. The area lies within the scenic, lightly visited Sedlčany region, popular among hikers who prefer trails away from the crowds.

What will you see?

The first written mention of the site, then known as Hrádek, dates back to 1369 and appears in connection with the name of Volkéř of Hrádek, though archaeological finds suggest the fortress may have originated as early as the 13th century. From 1392 until 1475, the castle belonged to the Břekovec family. Thanks to its nearly inaccessible position on a rocky ridge, the stronghold even withstood an attempted siege by Hussite forces — a notable feat of defense for such a modest, provincial castle.

After 1475 the property changed hands and gradually fell into decline. Abandoned by the late 15th or early 16th century, it was already recorded in documents as a "deserted castle" by 1541. What survives today are traces of the fortifications — the outlines of two moats, remains of an outer bailey whose original buildings are no longer identifiable, a gate passing over the second moat into the castle's core, and fragments of the ramparts, a tower, a gate and the former residential palace. The two-part layout — outer bailey and defended core — is still legible more than five centuries later.

The ruin is protected as a cultural monument, though unlike many better-known Czech castles it remains a quiet, unassuming place, with no ticket booths or visitor infrastructure. That raw, untamed character is exactly what draws hikers here looking for a genuine encounter with history, without the crowds.

When to visit?

Because of its forested setting and lack of covered facilities, the best time to visit is spring, summer and early autumn, when the path along the Mastník stream is dry and easy to walk. Sturdy hiking shoes are recommended, as the terrain around the ruin can be uneven and rocky. Visitors planning a longer outing can combine a visit with the continuation of the trail toward Hrazany, where further points of regional interest await.

Frequently asked questions

When was Kozí hřbet castle built? The first written record dates from 1369, but archaeological evidence suggests the fortress may have originated as early as the 13th century.

Who owned the castle? From 1392 to 1475 it belonged to the Břekovec family, after which it changed hands and gradually fell into disuse.

Why did the castle survive an attack by the Hussites? It owed its survival to its highly inaccessible position on a narrow, rocky ridge, which made a siege very difficult.

How do you reach the ruin from Radíč? Via a blue-marked tourist trail heading toward Hrazany — the route is about 5.5 kilometres long and runs mostly through forest along the Mastník stream.