Raubeschloss

Raubeschloss is a small, largely forgotten hillfort hidden in the woods above Božanov, in the Náchod district near the Czech-Polish border. Unlike many fortified sites in the region, there are no walls or towers to admire here — only earthwork traces of a former stronghold that archaeologists date to the first half of the 14th century.

Where exactly is it, and how do you get there?

The site sits at roughly 580 metres above sea level, on a narrow ridge dropping off a wooded slope, in a secluded spot southwest of Božanov. The most convenient approach follows the blue-marked trail: about 600 metres from the edge of the village, then a further 300 metres along a forest path. An alternative route runs along a lower path below a former sandstone quarry, starting near an old forester's lodge. The area is freely accessible year-round, though its forest setting means muddy ground after rain and reduced trail visibility outside the main season are worth planning for.

What can you actually see today?

What remains is an oval-shaped rampart and ditch enclosing a small central platform — the earthwork is missing only on the northern side, where the slope drops steeply into the valley below. Archaeological research has confirmed traces of wooden structures on the site, indicating the stronghold never had stone fortifications; its layout resembles a fortified farmstead or manor rather than a classic knight's castle. On the eastern side, below the main enclosure, researchers identified a flattened terrace, interpreted as an outer bailey that may once have had its own access path. Visitors should also know that after storms the ground is sometimes cluttered with fallen trees, which makes reading the earthworks harder — sturdy footwear and caution when stepping off the marked path are advisable.

Where does the name come from, and who lived here?

The site's original name is unknown — it appears in written sources only in 1676-77, centuries after it was built and likely long after it had already been abandoned. The German name Raubeschloss, literally "robber's castle," is a later, popular label rather than a reference to any documented historical event tied to the site. Researchers instead connect the hillfort's origin to the colonization efforts of the Benedictine monastery in Broumov during the second half of the 13th century — it likely served as an outpost marking the boundaries of the monastery's estates in the recently settled Broumov basin, rather than a base for robber knights.

What else is worth combining with a visit?

Božanov lies on the edge of the Broumov region, known for its distinctive sandstone rock towns; within roughly a twenty-kilometre radius you'll find other hillforts and castle ruins, including Homole, Vlčinec, and Bystrý, as well as the Benedictine monastery in Broumov, less than 10 km away, a natural focal point for a longer day trip combining regional history with landscape. For hikers, Raubeschloss makes for a quiet, unhurried stop along a route through the border forests, well away from the crowds drawn to the Broumov region's better-known attractions.

When is the best time to go?

Given the forest location and complete lack of tourist infrastructure, spring through autumn is the best window, when paths are dry and well-trodden. In winter, snow and unploughed forest tracks can make the approach considerably harder.

Frequently asked questions

Are there any surviving walls at Raubeschloss? No — the site never had stone fortifications. What survives are earthwork traces of the rampart and ditch, plus archaeologically confirmed remains of wooden structures.

Where does the name Raubeschloss come from? The German name means "robber's castle," but it's a later folk name — the original name of the stronghold is unknown, and the first written mention only dates to 1676-77.

How do you reach the hillfort? The easiest way is via the blue-marked trail from the edge of Božanov (about 600 m), followed by a forest path (about 300 m), or via the lower route from the old forester's lodge near a former sandstone quarry.

Is there an entrance fee? No, the site is freely accessible year-round, with no fee and no visitor facilities.