Vargač in Dobříš

Vargač is the ruin of a medieval castle perched on a rocky outcrop above the Huťský pond, on the eastern edge of Dobříš in the Czech Republic. Its centuries-long history links it to Bohemian kings and noble families, though today the site is privately owned and closed to visitors on the inside.

Who founded the castle, and when?

Vargač was founded in the 14th century during the reign of John of Luxembourg; its likely founder was Margrave Charles, later crowned Emperor Charles IV. The castle housed the office of the kingdom's chief huntsman, tying it to the royal administration of hunting in the surrounding forests. It remained crown property throughout the Hussite Wars.

How did ownership change over the centuries?

After the Hussite Wars, Vargač passed through many hands. In 1422 it was pledged to the brothers Bedřich and Hanuš of Kolovrat. By the mid-15th century it belonged to the Poděbrady family, from around 1472 to the Švamberks, and from 1491 to the Lobkowicz family. In the 1530s the owners were the Švihovský of Rýzmberk line. Records from 1556 describe the building as nearly ruined, yet in 1569 it was pledged to the Sázava monastery, and repairs followed in 1570 and 1573. Between 1630 and 1780 the estate belonged to the Mansfeld family — Bruno of Mansfeld reportedly bought it for 40,000 Rhenish guilders.

What happened to the castle after the fire?

A major fire in 1720 severely damaged Vargač. Reconstruction between 1730 and 1740 restored part of the complex, but it lost its earlier residential and defensive role — one surviving building was converted into a granary, which stayed in agricultural use until 1949. Two structures still stand today: the Baroque former granary and a smaller building known as the burgrave's house.

Can visitors go inside Vargač today?

The ruins have been protected as a cultural monument since 1965, but the site remains privately owned and is not open for interior visits. It has stood unused since 1989, and since 2018 it has reportedly been listed for sale for around 30 million Czech crowns. The ruins can still be viewed from outside, with a good vantage point from the neighboring Rococo-Classical chateau in Dobříš and its French-style garden, especially when the trees are bare.

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

The castle sits at roughly 370 meters above sea level on a rocky rise overlooking the Huťský pond, right by Na Vargači street on the eastern edge of Dobříš. Dobříš is a small town in central Bohemia on the edge of the Brdy forests, also known for its nearby chateau. A walk up to Vargač pairs well with a visit to the chateau park and the paths around the pond.

Frequently asked questions

When was Vargač castle built? It was founded in the 14th century during the reign of John of Luxembourg, likely on the initiative of Margrave Charles, the future Emperor Charles IV.

Can you go inside Vargač? No, the ruins are privately owned and closed to interior visits, though they can be seen from outside, including from the nearby chateau garden.

What caused the castle's decline? A fire in 1720 badly damaged the castle. It was rebuilt between 1730 and 1740, but only for agricultural use, including as a granary.

Who owned the castle throughout history? Owners included the Bohemian crown, the Kolovrat family, the Poděbrady, the Švamberks, the Lobkowicz family, the Švihovský of Rýzmberk line, and, from 1630 to 1780, the Mansfeld family.

Where exactly is Vargač located? On the eastern edge of Dobříš in central Bohemia, on a rocky outcrop above the Huťský pond, near Na Vargači street and the Dobříš chateau.