Velký a Malý Bezděz

Velký a Malý Bezděz is a pair of hills in northern Bohemia, in the region known as Máchův kraj, a few kilometers southeast of the town of Doksy. The taller of the two, Velký Bezděz, rises to 606 meters above sea level and is crowned by one of the most recognizable castles in the Czech Republic, while the neighboring, lower hill of Malý Bezděz completes a distinctive silhouette visible from far across the surrounding flat landscape of lakes and forests. The whole area is protected as a nature reserve, which makes it a popular target for trips combining history with hiking.

Where does the site's fame come from?

The hill owes its renown to the castle whose construction was ordered by the Bohemian king Přemysl Otakar II in the second half of the 13th century, specifically starting in 1264. Building work was largely finished by 1279 – it was during this period that the young prince Václav II was held prisoner within its walls. The fortress was built to protect trade routes and to safeguard royal territory against the ambitions of neighboring noble houses, the Ronovci and the Markvartici.

How did ownership of the castle change over time?

From the early 14th century onward, Bezděz passed through the hands of a succession of powerful noble families, including the Berks of Dubá, the lords of Michalovice, the house of Cimburk, and later the Vartenbergs and the Wallensteins. Emperor Charles IV had a particularly close connection to the castle and visited it many times. In 1366, together with the then castellan Oldřich Tista of Libštejn, he founded a large pond nearby that was later renamed Lake Mácha in honor of the poet Karel Hynek Mácha.

What role did the castle play during the Hussite Wars?

During the Hussite Wars of the 15th century, Bezděz became one of the important strongholds of the Catholic Church in northern Bohemia, underscoring its strategic military significance during that turbulent period of Bohemian history.

What can visitors see at the castle today?

Unlike many other Czech castles, Bezděz was never converted into a romantic residence and was never destroyed, which is why it has retained rare early Gothic architectural features, including the castle chapel and a Way of the Cross lined with numerous small chapels. It is precisely this authenticity that makes the site valued by historians and ordinary visitors alike, drawn by its medieval atmosphere and sweeping views.

Frequently asked questions

How high is Bezděz Castle located? The peak of Velký Bezděz, on which the castle stands, is 606 meters above sea level.

Who built the castle at Bezděz? Construction was ordered by King Přemysl Otakar II in 1264, with the main work essentially completed by 1279.

Is the area around the hills protected? Yes, Velký a Malý Bezděz holds the status of a nature reserve.

What is located near the hills? Nearby lies Lake Mácha, founded in 1366 on the initiative of Emperor Charles IV.