Šostýn

Šostýn Castle is a medieval castle ruin standing on a wooded hill right next to Kopřivnice, in the Moravian-Silesian Region of the Czech Republic. Only fragments of the walls and the outline of its fortifications survive today, but the site still hints at the scale of what was once a significant defensive stronghold in the area.

How to get there?

The ruins sit near Kopřivnice, a town in the Nový Jičín district better known today as the home of the Tatra automobile museum. A yellow-marked hiking trail leads up to the castle from the town, and the route also forms part of the Lašská educational trail, which links several points of local interest. The walk requires no special preparation, making it a popular destination for family outings and day trips through the Moravian-Silesian Beskids.

What will you see?

The Gothic castle, originally known by its German name Schornstein, was built in the late 13th century on the initiative of Count Henry of Hückeswagen. It served the Bishopric of Olomouc, and over the following decades it was repeatedly granted as a fief to local noble families, a common arrangement under the feudal system of medieval Silesia and Moravia. In the early 15th century, the stronghold came under siege by Polish forces, and around 1420 it was captured by the bishop's army, closing a turbulent chapter in its history.

Today, visitors can make out a preserved moat and two defensive ramparts surrounding the former complex. Remnants of the perimeter walls, fragments of the residential palace building, and the base of a tower are also visible, offering a sense of the castle's original layout. Some of these elements are currently undergoing partial reconstruction, which makes it easier to picture the original structure than it was just a few decades ago.

Discovery and preservation

The first serious archaeological research at the site dates back to the 1930s, though systematic work only resumed in the 1990s. Since then, the town of Kopřivnice has overseen both the excavations and the ongoing conservation work, gradually securing the ruins and opening them up to visitors. Thanks to this continuity of research, Šostýn is now one of the better-documented medieval ruins in the region.

When to visit?

The ruins are open year-round and free to visit, making them a convenient destination at any time of year. Spring and summer are well suited to longer walks along the surrounding trails and offer better visibility from the hilltop, while autumn tends to bring quieter, less crowded conditions. It's worth combining a visit with a stop in Kopřivnice itself, from where marked routes lead directly to the ruins.

Frequently asked questions

Who founded Šostýn Castle? It was built in the late 13th century by Count Henry of Hückeswagen, originally under the name Schornstein, to serve the Bishopric of Olomouc.

Why did the castle fall into ruin? The stronghold had a turbulent history, including a siege by Polish forces in the early 15th century and its capture by the bishop's army around 1420, after which it gradually declined.

What survives on the site today? Visitors can see a moat, two defensive ramparts, remnants of the perimeter walls, remains of the palace building, and the base of a tower, some of which are partly reconstructed.

How do you reach the castle from Kopřivnice? A yellow hiking trail and the Lašská educational trail both lead to the ruins, and the site is open year-round free of charge.