Zámeček Železná Ruda

The Zámeček (small chateau) is a modest former hunting lodge standing right in the center of Železná Ruda, next to Klostermannovo náměstí, the town's main square. It counts among the oldest surviving buildings in this part of the Bohemian Forest (Šumava), and today it houses a museum dedicated to historic motorcycles.

Who built this little chateau?

The building was commissioned by Count Jindřich (Heinrich) of Nothaft as a summer hunting residence — the Nothaft family used it as a base for hunting trips into the surrounding forests. Construction began around 1690 and was completed in 1706, a date still legible carved into the building's southwestern corner. The chateau is a single-story structure arranged around four wings, with the south wing holding the main entrance and a distinctive dormer window above it. The façade is decorated with a simple wave-pattern cornice.

How did ownership change over the centuries?

After Jindřich of Nothaft's death, the estate passed to Zuzana Nothaftová. In 1758 it was bought by Václav Klenovský, and in 1772 it changed hands again, acquired by Jan Jiří Hafenbrädl from Klenovský's heirs. A more significant shift came in 1852, when the property was taken over by Karl von Hohenzollern — from that point on the building no longer served as a residence but became the administrative seat for the princely forests and estates. During the First Czechoslovak Republic it housed the state forest administration.

What happened to the chateau after the war?

In 1945 the Hohenzollern family lost the estate, and the building began a long decline. Neglect grew so severe that by 1989 its demolition was actually planned — though it was ultimately never carried out. The thoroughly devastated structure only received a full reconstruction in 2004–2005, after it was bought by Zdeněk Bálek.

What can visitors see in the chateau today?

Following the reconstruction, the left wing of the building opened as the Museum of Historic Motorcycles, one of the largest collections of its kind in the Czech Republic, including several pieces considered unique worldwide. Alongside motorcycles, the museum also displays vintage cars and bicycles. It operates seasonally: daily from June through September, weekends only in May, and on a reduced winter schedule. Groups of more than 10 people can arrange a visit outside regular hours by calling ahead.

Because the chateau sits right in the middle of Železná Ruda, a visit pairs easily with a stroll around town or a trip into the surrounding Šumava mountains.

Frequently asked questions

Who built the chateau in Železná Ruda? It was built by Count Jindřich of Nothaft as a summer hunting residence, with construction running from around 1690 to 1706.

What is housed in the chateau today? Since the 2004–2005 reconstruction, its left wing has held the Museum of Historic Motorcycles, which also displays vintage cars and bicycles.

Is the chateau the oldest building in Železná Ruda? It is considered one of the oldest surviving buildings in the central part of the Šumava region.

Where exactly is the chateau located? At Klostermannovo náměstí 1, on the town's main square.

Was the chateau ever at risk of demolition? Yes — after decades of neglect following 1945, its demolition was planned in 1989, but the building was ultimately spared.