Kolštejn Castle

Kolštejn Castle is a former Gothic stronghold rebuilt into a Renaissance chateau, standing in the village of Branná in northern Moravia, Czech Republic. Originally built to guard a trade route between Moravia and Silesia, the historic complex now operates as a hotel.

What is the history of the castle?

Construction of the original stronghold is dated to 1306–1310. The first owner known by name was Jan of Wüstehube, recorded in sources from 1313. The castle later passed to King John of Luxembourg, who granted it as a fief to the lords of Lipé, a grant confirmed by Margrave Charles in 1340.

The estate subsequently passed to the lords of Zvole, who held it until 1568. Through marriage, it then came into the hands of Jan the Elder Černčický of Kácov, who in 1575 recorded the castle, together with two small towns and several villages, as the property of Charles the Elder of Žerotín.

When was the Renaissance chateau built?

Under the Žerotín family, construction of a new Renaissance residence began in the 1570s on the site of the old castle's former moat and outer bailey. In 1581 the estate passed to the lords of Vrbno, who continued the building work, completing the Renaissance chateau in 1597.

Who owns the castle today?

After 1918 the estate became the property of the municipality of Kolštejn, which was renamed Branná after the Second World War. The chateau is now privately owned, and its current owner has carried out a restoration of the building. Today it functions as a four-star hotel.

Who is this destination for?

Kolštejn Castle appeals to travelers looking for accommodation in a historic setting and to anyone interested in architecture that combines Gothic and Renaissance elements. It also makes a good base for exploring northern Moravia and the Czech-Silesian borderland, an area the stronghold once guarded as part of a medieval trade route.

The surrounding area

The chateau is located in Branná, in a region crossed since the Middle Ages by the trade route linking Moravia and Silesia. Its position near the Sudetes and the Czech-Polish border makes it a convenient stop for visitors touring the region's historic strongholds.

Frequently asked questions

What was Kolštejn Castle originally? It is a complex of two structures, one Gothic and one Renaissance, built in the village of Branná. The original stronghold was built to guard a trade route between Moravia and Silesia, with construction dated to 1306–1310.

Who was the first owner of the castle? The first owner known by name was Jan of Wüstehube, recorded in 1313. The castle later passed to King John of Luxembourg and subsequently to several noble families, including the lords of Zvole and the Žerotíns.

When was the Renaissance part of the castle built? Work on the Renaissance residence began in the 1570s under the Žerotín family and was continued by the lords of Vrbno after they acquired the estate in 1581. The building was completed in 1597.

What is the castle used for today? After 1918 the property passed to the local municipality, later renamed Branná. It is now privately owned, and following restoration work it operates as a four-star hotel.