Rabštejn

Rabštejn is a ruined castle perched on two steep rocky crags above the village of Bedřichov, part of the Oskava municipality in the Šumperk district. Sitting at an elevation of 805 metres, on a ridge slope descending into the Oskava river valley within the Hraběšická hillland, it lies roughly 2 km north of Bedřichov. It is considered the highest-built castle in Moravia, and its bare rock outcrops themselves resemble watchtowers complete with walls and battlements.

When was the castle built?

Construction is dated to the turn of the 13th and 14th centuries. It was most likely built under Hrabiš of Švábenice, who held the Úsov estate between 1254 and 1296, and the new castle was probably meant to guard the northern part of his territorial holdings. The first written record of Rabštejn dates to 1318, connected to the feudal conflicts of the time in the Bohemian lands.

What happened to the castle over the centuries?

During the Hussite Wars, Rabštejn became a stronghold of Hussite supporters who used it as a base to plunder the estates of the Bishopric of Olomouc. The castle was eventually captured by the forces of Matthias Corvinus. It was later partly restored, and in the 17th century it served as a base for a Swedish garrison during the Thirty Years' War. The Swedish troops were eventually driven out, after which the castle was permanently abandoned.

What remains of the castle today?

Only minor remnants of the walls that once led into the castle courtyard have survived, along with traces of the surrounding fortification walls and the moat. The castle itself was built on two rocky outcrops measuring 25 and 35 metres in height, and these crags, together with the sparse architectural remains, define the ruin as it appears today.

How can visitors reach Rabštejn?

Hiking trails lead to the ruins, most commonly starting from the Skřítek mountain pass (about 6.5 km, a 1 to 1.5-hour walk) or from Bedřichov itself (about 5 km). The final stretch of the approach is steep and involves climbing ladders fixed into the rock, making the trip appealing to hikers and rock climbers alike. The ruins are freely accessible year-round, with no admission fee.

What legend is associated with the castle?

A local legend tells of a raven that was supposed to bring the imprisoned lord of the castle a ring — the very ring he had once given to his beloved, who threw it away.

Frequently asked questions

Where exactly is Rabštejn located? Within the cadastral territory of Bedřichov, part of the Oskava municipality in the Šumperk district, at an elevation of 805 metres, about 2 km north of the village.

Is it really the highest castle in Moravia? Sources describe Rabštejn as the highest-built castle in the Moravia region.

When was it built and by whom? At the turn of the 13th and 14th centuries, most likely on the initiative of Hrabiš of Švábenice, who then held the Úsov estate.

What has survived from the original castle? Small fragments of the entrance walls leading to the courtyard, along with traces of the surrounding walls and moat, all set on two rocky blocks 25 and 35 metres high.

Is there an entrance fee for the ruins? No, the site can be visited free of charge throughout the year.

What is the easiest way to reach the castle? On foot from the Skřítek pass (about 6.5 km) or from Bedřichov (about 5 km); the final section is steep and follows ladders fixed among the rocks.