Nový Berštejn Castle

Nový Berštejn Castle stands by the hamlet of Nový Berštejn near Dubá, within the Doksy municipality in northern Bohemia, Czech Republic. Built between 1553 and 1567 by Adam Berka of Dubé, it became the new seat of the Berka family after they abandoned their older stronghold, Starý Berštejn, nearby. Today the building operates as a castle hotel set in an extensive park — a rewarding stop that pairs centuries of history with relaxation near Máchovo Lake and the Bohemian Paradise region.

How to get there?

Nový Berštejn sits right next to Dubá, a short drive from Doksy, in the Liberec Region. Arriving by car is the most practical option — the property has its own parking, and the drive takes roughly 20–30 minutes from Doksy or Česká Lípa. Travelers without a car can take a bus to Dubá and cover the final stretch on foot or by taxi. The region connects well to Prague (about 80 km away) and Liberec, making the castle an easy addition to a wider tour of northern Bohemia.

What will you see?

The castle preserves its Renaissance core, later reworked in the first half of the 18th century with Baroque additions and side wings. Its present-day appearance, however, dates mainly from the 19th century: from 1810 the estate belonged to the Wallenstein family, who carried out the major reconstruction that gave the building its current form. Earlier, from 1634, the surrounding Doksy estate belonged to Colonel Earl Richard Walter Butler, granted the land by Emperor Ferdinand II — his heirs resided at the castle until 1723. The 20th century brought further changes of fortune: in the 1920s the property was owned by Tomáš Maglic, general director of the Škoda Works in Pilsen, and after 1945 it was nationalized as former German property, serving first as a health clinic and later as a boarding school.

A defining feature of the grounds is the roughly 10-hectare (100,000 m²) English landscape park with Baroque elements, which includes a Baroque-style swimming pool, tennis courts, and a golf course — an unusual combination of historic architecture and modern recreational facilities. The interior, now adapted for hotel use, holds 23 stylishly furnished rooms and suites with capacity for up to 70 guests. Walking the grounds, it's worth noting the proportions of the facade and the side wings added during the Baroque period, which give the castle its harmonious present-day look.

When to visit?

The best time to come is between May and September, when the park and surrounding greenery are at their fullest and the golf course and pool are fully open. Spring and early summer are ideal for walks and a round of golf, while autumn offers a quieter, more intimate atmosphere for those seeking a calmer stay away from crowds. Winter is less suited to exploring the park, though the building and its history remain accessible year-round for hotel guests.

Why visit?

Nový Berštejn brings together several features rarely found in one place: genuine, centuries-old residential architecture, an extensive historic park, and a modern recreational offer of golf, tennis, and swimming. Rather than a ruin viewed only from outside, this is a living property where visitors can actually spend time — dining, staying overnight, playing sport — while staying connected to the story of the Berka family and the transition from Renaissance to Baroque architecture.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Nový Berštejn Castle be visited without staying overnight? The property functions primarily as a hotel, so full access to the interior and park grounds is generally reserved for guests using accommodation or hotel services such as the restaurant, golf, or pool. It's worth checking current entry rules for outside visitors before planning a visit.

How does Nový Berštejn differ from Starý Berštejn? Starý Berštejn is the older, partly ruined castle of the Berka family, abandoned in the mid-16th century when the family moved to a new, more comfortable seat — Nový Berštejn, later expanded in Baroque style.

How large is the park around the castle? The park covers about 10 hectares (100,000 m²) and includes a Baroque-style swimming pool along with sports facilities — tennis courts and a golf course.

Are there other attractions nearby worth combining with a visit? Yes — the proximity of Doksy, Máchovo Lake, and the Bohemian Paradise region makes it easy to pair a visit to the castle with time by the water or a scenic trip through the Liberec Region.