Štarkov

Štarkov is a wooded rocky hill crowned with the ruins of a medieval castle, standing roughly a kilometre from the village of Nový Jimramov in the Bohemian-Moravian Highlands. The site combines two layers of interest: striking rock formations protected as a natural monument, and the remains of a stronghold that once guarded a trade route through the surrounding forest.

What will you find on site?

The summit of Štarkov reaches 679 metres above sea level, and its rocky core — where the castle remnants stand — has been protected as a nature reserve since 1980, covering an area of 1.3 hectares. The rocks are made of gneiss, shaped into jagged forms by frost weathering during the Quaternary period; these natural rock blocks served as a ready-made foundation and part of the walls for the castle builders.

What survives of the old stronghold includes fragments of the perimeter walls, traces of a round and a rectangular tower, remnants of ramparts and a moat, and the remains of a cistern in the former courtyard. The residential building was constructed directly among the rock blocks, and stretches of wall connecting the individual formations are still partly preserved. A dense spruce-beech forest surrounds the whole site, which turns the walk to the ruins into something closer to a forest expedition than a simple monument visit.

What is the history behind the castle?

The castle — also known as Skály — was founded at the end of the 14th century, between 1379 and 1388, on the initiative of Erhard of Kunštát, son of Archleb of Kunštát. Erhard himself first appears in records under the name "of Skály" in 1388. During the Hussite Wars, a group of some 500 Hussites reportedly took shelter within its walls, and Duke Albrecht tried without success to drive them out. In 1456 the stronghold was sold to Vaněk, castellan of Pernštejn, and was subsequently demolished. Later records describe the castle as already abandoned by 1588 — from that point the ruins were gradually reclaimed by nature, eventually becoming part of a landscape now protected as a natural monument.

How do you get to Štarkov?

The ruins are reached via marked hiking trails: a red trail from Nový Jimramov and a blue trail from Jimramov. Both approaches are short and require no special preparation, though the terrain is rocky and steep in places, so sturdy footwear is recommended. The site is freely accessible year-round, with no entrance fees and no opening hours.

When is the best time to visit?

Spring and autumn are the best seasons, when the forest canopy is thinner and the rock formations and wall remains are easier to spot through the trees. In summer, the shade of the spruce-beech forest is a welcome relief from the heat during the climb. In winter, frost- and snow-covered rocks create a striking scene, though extra care is needed underfoot.

Frequently asked questions

Is there an entrance fee for Štarkov? No, the site is freely accessible year-round, with no tickets or entry gates.

How long does it take to walk to the ruins? From Nový Jimramov it's about a 15–20 minute walk, depending on pace and trail conditions.

Have any castle structures survived? Yes — wall fragments, remnants of towers, traces of the moat and ramparts, and the remains of a cistern in the former courtyard.

Why is Štarkov protected as a natural monument? Because of its unique gneiss rock formations, shaped by frost weathering, and the surrounding forest, which forms a valuable natural habitat.