Zřícenina Bradlec

Bradlec Castle Ruins perch on a basalt outcrop rising 557 metres above sea level, near the village of Žďár u Kumburku, on the border between the Bohemian Paradise (Český ráj) and the Podkrkonoší foothills, not far from the town of Jičín. The hilltop is formed by two basalt columns joined on their southern side by a narrow, arching rock ridge — a striking natural feature that made the site ideal for defense and was the main reason a castle was raised here in the first place.

Who built the castle, and when?

Bradlec was founded at the turn of the 13th and 14th centuries by the powerful Markvartic family, one of the most influential noble houses in medieval Bohemia. The first documented owner was Havel Ryba of Bradlec, who held the castle between 1316 and 1323. It served as a knightly seat and a vantage point over the surrounding countryside, though its active life as a residence turned out to be relatively short compared with other strongholds in the region.

Why did the castle fall into ruin?

Bradlec's fate is closely tied to the neighbouring castle of Kumburk — the two strongholds, almost equally old, passed through the hands of the same noble families for centuries. By the end of the 16th century, following the death of Vilém Trčka in 1569, Bradlec was left completely abandoned and began to decay. Its later owners, the Wallenstein (Valdštejn) family, preferred to reside at their manor in Železnice — Bradlec no longer offered the living space, comfort, or easy access expected of a noble residence by that period.

What survives today?

Only fragments of three tower walls and remnants of other castle buildings have survived to the present day. Despite the modest scale of what remains, the dramatic setting atop twin rock peaks and the views over the surrounding hills make it a popular stop on hiking routes through the Bohemian Paradise.

How do you get there?

The Bradlec ruins are freely accessible year-round, with no admission fee. Visitors reach the site on foot, either via the blue-marked trail from the village of Újezdec or the green-marked trail from Bradlecká Lhota. The route winds through the woods and pastures typical of this part of Podkrkonoší, and the climb to the top is short enough that the castle is often combined in a single outing with the nearby Kumburk castle.

What legend is connected to Bradlec?

Locals have long passed down the story of a White Lady who appeared, in turn, at both Bradlec and Kumburk. She is said to have been the wife of a former owner of both castles, cursed by an evil sorceress. Tradition also speaks of a secret underground passage linking the two fortified hills, said to conceal a treasure that can only be found on Good Friday, just before dawn.

Frequently asked questions

Is there an entrance fee for the ruins? No, Bradlec castle ruins are open to the public year-round, free of charge.

How long is the walk to the ruins? The approach from either Újezdec or Bradlecká Lhota is relatively short and does not require special physical preparation.

Can a visit be combined with Kumburk castle? Yes, the two castles lie close together and are a classic combined destination for a day trip around Jičín.

What remains of the original castle buildings? Fragments of three tower walls and scattered remnants of other structures — the rest was lost after the castle was abandoned in the 16th century.

Is the castle linked to any local legends? Yes, it features in the story of the White Lady and a secret passage to Kumburk castle said to hide a hidden treasure.