Neuberk Castle

Neuberk Castle stands on the southwestern edge of Mladá Boleslav, on the left bank of the Jizera River along the road toward Mělník. This Baroque residence cannot be visited inside, yet it remains one of the more distinctive architectural landmarks of the region and a rewarding sight for anyone passing through the area.

How do you get there?

Neuberk sits just outside the administrative boundary of Mladá Boleslav, so reaching it from the city center takes only a few minutes by car or bicycle. The château is visible from the road running along the Jizera toward Mělník, which makes it easy to spot even if you're simply passing through the Český ráj region. Travelers relying on public transport can use central Mladá Boleslav as a starting point and walk along the riverbank to reach the site.

What will you see?

The building consists of two rectangular Baroque wings, constructed between 1730 and 1738. Its founder was Jan Ignác Gemrich, a burgher of Prague and judge of the Supreme Land Court, who purchased part of the estate at auction in 1734 and was granted the noble predicate "z Neuberka" (of Neuberg) in 1760. Interestingly, part of the building material was reportedly taken from the ruins of the nearby medieval castle Rácov, meaning a piece of older regional history is literally built into the newer residence.

None of the original furnishings have survived, but two rooms on the upper floor still feature frescoes with mythological scenes, painted by the celebrated Baroque artist Václav Vavřinec Reiner. These murals are widely considered the most valuable surviving feature of the château's interior. The residence was also known for its extensive library, visited by scholars such as Josef Dobrovský and Václav Matěj Kramerius; part of the collection was later donated to the National Museum in Prague.

Since the castle is not currently open to visitors, sightseeing is limited to viewing the façade and the surrounding grounds from outside. Even so, the architecture and the scenic riverside setting make it worth a short stop during a longer trip through the area.

When is the best time to visit?

Because a visit is limited to an exterior view, spring and summer are the most rewarding seasons — the greenery along the Jizera frames the Baroque façade nicely, and longer daylight hours make it easy to combine a brief stop at the château with a longer cycling or walking route through Český ráj. Autumn brings a moodier atmosphere that photographers in particular tend to appreciate.

A brief history

After its construction in the first half of the 18th century, the château remained in the hands of the founding family until the upheavals of the 20th century reshaped its fate. During the Second World War the building was occupied by German troops, and afterward it served as headquarters for the Red Army command. It was later nationalized; today part of the premises houses private apartments, while another part belongs to the town of Mladá Boleslav.

Frequently asked questions

Can you tour the inside of Neuberk Castle? No, the château is currently closed to visitors — you can only view the façade and grounds from the outside.

Who built the castle? The Baroque residence was built between 1730 and 1738 by Jan Ignác Gemrich, a Prague burgher and judge of the Supreme Land Court, who later received the noble predicate "z Neuberka."

What is the most notable feature of the interior? Two upper-floor rooms decorated with mythological frescoes by Václav Vavřinec Reiner, one of the most important Baroque painters of his era.

How far is the castle from central Mladá Boleslav? It stands on the southwestern edge of town, right on the Jizera River — just a few minutes away by car, bike, or on foot along the riverbank.