Myší zámek

Myší zámek ("Mouse Castle") is a small sandstone islet in the middle of Lake Máchovo near Doksy, hiding the remains of a medieval fortification. Despite its inviting name, the island cannot actually be visited — it forms a protected bird reserve, and its quiet mystery can only be admired from a boat or sailboat gliding past its shores.

What is hidden on the island?

The rocky outcrop still holds traces of a defensive structure dating back to the 14th century. It predates the lake itself: the body of water now known as Lake Máchovo, once called the Great Pond, was created on the order of the Bohemian ruler Charles IV in 1366. When the surrounding low-lying land was flooded to form the reservoir, the older fortification ended up stranded on an island, with its lower sections partly submerged. It has never been conclusively established what kind of building originally stood there — some researchers suggest it may have been a promontory-style fort.

Where does the name come from?

The island owes its name to a local legend about a knight named Dalibor of Myšlín, who built a small castle there hoping for safety away from the mainland. Along with his food supplies, however, a mouse made its way onto the island — and since conditions there proved unusually favorable for rodents, its population multiplied rapidly. The mice devoured all of the knight's provisions, forcing him to abandon his refuge. From then on the island became known as "Myší" (Mouse Island), and Dalibor himself came to be known as Dalibor of Myšlína.

Why is the island closed to visitors?

Myší zámek is one of two islands rising from the surface of Lake Máchovo — the other being Kachní ostrov (Duck Island), which is likewise protected as a bird sanctuary. Both islands serve as shelter for waterfowl, which is why access to them is prohibited. It is precisely this restriction on human presence that has preserved a patch of untouched wilderness right next to Doksy, one of the region's most popular lakeside resorts.

How can you best see Myší zámek?

The best way to admire the island is from the water — by boat, kayak, or sailboat crossing Lake Máchovo, one of the most popular recreational lakes in northern Bohemia. From the lake, visitors can make out the islet's rocky, tree-covered shoreline and the faint outline of its old walls, which have stood as a silent witness to the site's history for centuries. A trip around the island makes a natural addition to a stay in Doksy, where most visitors come primarily for the beaches, water sports, and lakeside relaxation.

Frequently asked questions

Can you walk onto Myší zámek island? No, the island is off-limits to visitors because it is protected as a bird reserve.

Where does the island's name come from? From a legend about the knight Dalibor of Myšlín, whose food stores were destroyed by a rapidly multiplying population of mice that arrived on the island.

How old is the structure on the island? The remaining fortifications date back to the 14th century, predating the creation of the lake itself in 1366.

How can visitors see the island? The best way is by boat, kayak, or sailboat on Lake Máchovo — visibility from the shore is limited.