DEHUROEN

Plizio Visual Lab

Kost Castle

Plizio editorial teamData Sources
castle
—°7
Kost Castle (Czech Republic)

Weather…

Kost Castle is one of the best-preserved Gothic castles in the Czech Republic, situated in the heart of the Bohemian Paradise region. It was founded in the mid-14th century by Beneš of Vartemberk. Uniquely, it is located in a valley on a sandstone outcrop surrounded by fishponds rather than on a hilltop, a strategic choice that allowed for flooding the surrounding area during sieges. Its most characteristic feature is the square White Tower, which has a trapezoidal ground plan designed to deflect cannon fire. The castle survived numerous sieges, including those during the Hussite Wars, nearly unscathed. The interiors house collections of medieval weaponry and exhibits dedicated to the Kinsky family, the long-term owners of the estate. Due to its massive walls and tactical position, it was long considered impregnable. Today, it remains a popular destination for hikers and history enthusiasts exploring Northern Bohemia.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C-3-238131719191483-1
Rain mm604450386979888460545456

📋 Practical info

🚪
Visiting
Kost Castle can be visited with guided tours of the interior. The courtyard and outer areas are freely accessible.
🕒
Typical hours
The castle is typically open from April to October, often with a lunch break. Exact hours are season-dependent.
📷
Photography
Photography inside is allowed without flash. The distinctive white tower is a popular photo subject from outside.
⏱️
Time needed
Allow about an hour for the tour and walk around the castle. Those climbing the tower need a bit more time.
➕
Combine with
The nearby town of Sobotka invites a stroll. The area gives hiking trails and other castles such as Hrubá Skála.
🧭
Getting there
Kost Castle is reachable by car via country roads. Bus connections are available from Jičín.
💡
Insider tip
Climb the white tower - the view over the valley is fantastic. Combine your visit with a rest at the castle inn.

Geography

Coordinates
50.49030, 15.13510

Facts

  • The castle was founded around the year 1349.
  • The White Tower features a unique trapezoidal ground plan.
  • It is located on a sandstone outcrop within a valley.
  • Kost survived the Hussite Wars without significant damage.
  • The Kinsky family first acquired the castle in 1634.
  • The name 'Kost' translates to 'bone' in the Czech language.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

SobotkaSobotka3 km · EExplore →
Bohemian ParadiseBohemian Paradise4 km · NEExplore →
Český rájČeský ráj5 km · NEExplore →
Trosky Castle RuinsTrosky Castle Ruins7 km · NEExplore →
TurnovTurnov11 km · NExplore →
Prachov RocksPrachov Rocks11 km · EExplore →
Sychrov CastleSychrov Castle15 km · NExplore →
JičínJičín16 km · EExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Kost Castle (7)

psí hřbitov

Dog cemetery near Kost Castle. Resting place for hunting and companion dogs of the castle lords.

přírodní rezervace Údolí Plakánek

Protected area in Czech Republic. Valley with rock formations, forests and rare plant species.

Poráň

Archaeological site near Kost Castle. Traces of early settlement.

OÚ Dobšín

Village in Mladá Boleslav District, Central Bohemia. Municipal office with typical Czech architecture.

sv. Prokop

Church building in Libošovice, Czech Republic. Gothic church with Baroque elements.

Chrby

Hill in Czech Republic. Wooded elevation in the vicinity of Kost Castle.

Nalezení svatého Kříže

Church building in Nepřívěc, Czech Republic. Baroque church with a cross altar.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Why is the castle called 'Kost'?
Kost means 'bone', referring to the legend that the castle was as hard as a bone to conquer.
Where can I park at the castle?
There is a large parking lot in the valley directly below the castle, about a 5-minute walk away.
Are there guided tours in German?
Yes, foreign language tours are offered, and printed texts are often available.
What can I do in the surroundings?
Bohemian Paradise provides great hiking trails, like the Plakánek valley right next to the castle.
Is the castle open in winter?
In the low season (winter), the castle is usually open only on weekends or for pre-booked groups.
Kost Castle: where is it located?
Kost Castle is located in Czech Republic.
Kost Castle: what is there to see?
Highlights include psí hřbitov, přírodní rezervace Údolí Plakánek, Poráň.
Kost Castle: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Kost Castle: why is it worth visiting?
Kost Castle is one of the best-preserved Gothic castles in the Czech Republic, situated in the heart of the Bohemian Paradise region.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
Europe
Explore with Plizio Discover more places in Europe
More places in Czech Republic →

Nearby cities

Prague — Kost Castle (Czech Republic)
Prague
Prague is the capital and largest city of the Czech Republic, situated on the Vltava River and famous for its historic center and Charles…
Prague — Kost Castle (Czech Republic)
Prague
The Golden City on the Vltava River, famous for its historic Charles Bridge and the massive Prague Castle complex.
Liberec — Kost Castle (Czech Republic)
Liberec
Liberec is located at the foot of the Jizera Mountains in northern Bohemia, known for its textile tradition and the iconic TV tower on Je…
Hradec Králové — Kost Castle (Czech Republic)
Hradec Králové
Hradec Králové is a city in eastern Bohemia at the confluence of the Elbe and Orlice rivers, known for its modern urban planning from the…
Pardubice — Kost Castle (Czech Republic)
Pardubice
Pardubice is a major industrial and transport hub in eastern Bohemia, widely known for its traditional gingerbread and horse racing.
Kladno — Kost Castle (Czech Republic)
Kladno
Kladno is the largest city in the Central Bohemian Region and historically a major center of coal mining and heavy industry.
Most — Kost Castle (Czech Republic)
Most
Most is a North Bohemian city whose historic center was demolished in the 1970s to make way for lignite mining and subsequently rebuilt.
Lužiny Housing Estate — Kost Castle (Czech Republic)
Lužiny Housing Estate
Lužiny is a large housing estate in the southwest of Prague, known for its modernist architecture and excellent connections to the city c…
Teplice — Kost Castle (Czech Republic)
Teplice
Teplice is a spa city in northern Bohemia at the foot of the Ore Mountains, considered one of the oldest spas in Central Europe.
Děčín — Kost Castle (Czech Republic)
Děčín
Děčín is located in the deep valley of the Elbe in northern Bohemia, serving as a major river port and the gateway to Bohemian Switzerland.
Jablonec nad Nisou — Kost Castle (Czech Republic)
Jablonec nad Nisou
Jablonec nad Nisou is world-famous for its glass and jewelry industry, situated picturesquely in the foothills of the Jizera Mountains.
Mladá Boleslav — Kost Castle (Czech Republic)
Mladá Boleslav
Mladá Boleslav is a major industrial city in Central Bohemia and the heart of Czech automobile production.
Česká Lípa — Kost Castle (Czech Republic)
Česká Lípa
Česká Lípa is located in northern Bohemia on the Ploučnice River and grew rapidly in the 20th century due to uranium mining in the area.
Kolín — Kost Castle (Czech Republic)
Kolín
Kolín is a city on the Elbe River in Central Bohemia, known for its significant historical heritage and as a major industrial and chemica…
Trutnov — Kost Castle (Czech Republic)
Trutnov
Trutnov is located in the Úpa valley in the Giant Mountains foothills, serving as a major industrial hub and a gateway for mountain tourism.