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Lipnice Castle

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

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Lipnice Castle was founded around 1310 by Raimund of Lichtenburg on a prominent rocky ridge overlooking the Sázava River valley. This monumental Gothic fortress served as a strategic guardian over the surrounding trade routes in central Bohemia. During the Hussite Wars in the 15th century, it became a key stronghold for the insurgents and successfully withstood several major sieges. A catastrophic fire in 1869 destroyed significant portions of the castle, leading to a long period of decay until systematic restoration efforts began in the 20th century. The castle is also famous for its connection to the writer Jaroslav Hašek, who lived in the village below and completed his masterpiece "The Good Soldier Švejk" there. The massive defensive walls, high towers, and extensive cellar systems provide a detailed look into medieval military engineering.

Location: Czech Republic
Top sights: Muzeum Jaroslava Haška · kaple sv. Vavřince · Kostel sv. Vita
Nearby: Humpolec (9 km)

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	-3	-2	2	8	12	16	18	18	13	8	3	-2
Rain mm	48	38	47	40	80	86	87	85	65	49	44	45

📋 Practical info

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Visiting

Lipnice Castle is one of the largest Gothic castles in Bohemia and is open to visitors. The ruin is partly accessible, with guided tours through the preserved rooms and keep.

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Typical hours

The castle is typically open seasonally, usually from April to October. Exact hours may vary and should be checked on the castle's website in advance.

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Photography

Photography outdoors and in the castle courtyard is allowed at any time. Inside, photos are usually permitted without flash; drone use is not allowed.

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Time needed

A guided tour of the castle lasts about 45 minutes. If you also explore the surroundings and the castle hill, plan for one to one and a half hours in total.

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Combine with

Lipnice is in the Bohemian-Moravian Highlands; combine it with nearby Ledeč nad Sázavou Castle or the town of Havlíčkův Brod. The area is great for hiking.

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Getting there

The castle is accessible by car via a narrow access road; parking is at the foot of the castle hill. Buses from Havlíčkův Brod run to Lipnice.

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Insider tip

Climb the keep for a fantastic view over the highlands. Visit the castle during a less busy time, such as weekday mornings.

Geography

Coordinates

49.61420, 15.41940

Facts

The castle was established around 1310 by the Lords of Lichtenburg.
In 1436, the fortress served as a primary base for Hussite forces.
A devastating fire in 1869 destroyed most of the castle's wooden structures.
The castle chapel is among the largest Gothic religious spaces in Bohemia.
Author Jaroslav Hašek is buried in the cemetery just below the castle.
The multi-level cellar system was used for storage and as a prison.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Humpolec9 km · SWExplore →

Havlíčkův Brod12 km · EExplore →

Pelhřimov25 km · SWExplore →

Zruč nad Sázavou Castle27 km · NWExplore →

Bohemian-Moravian Highlands27 km · SEExplore →

Iron Mountains29 km · NEExplore →

Čáslav33 km · NExplore →

Pacov34 km · SWExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

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

Start Destination Via (optional)

Overnight stops

Vehicle

Only stops with (optional): 💧 Water ♻️ Disposal 🔌 Power 🚻 Toilets 🚿 Shower

Sights in the town Lipnice Castle (10)

Muzeum Jaroslava Haška🏛 museum

Museum of writer Jaroslav Hašek, author of the Good Soldier Švejk, in Lipnice.

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kaple sv. Vavřince

Chapel of St. Lawrence, a religious building near the castle.

Kostel sv. Vita

Church of St. Vitus in Lipnice nad Sázavou, Czech Republic, a place of worship.

Amfiteátr Lipnice n.Sáz.

Amphitheatre in Lipnice nad Sázavou, an open-air stage for events.

Zatopený lom Trojka

Flooded quarry Trojka, a former stone quarry now a lake.

transformátor

Ruins of a transformer, remains of a technical installation.

PP Rybníček u Dolního Dvora

Rybníček u Dolního Dvora natural monument, a protected area in the Czech Republic.

Holý vrch

Holý vrch viewpoint, a bare hill with views of the surroundings.

Antonín Knot

Monument to Antonín Knot, a memorial dedicated to a local figure.

PR Kamenná trouba

Kamenná trouba nature reserve, a protected area in the Czech Republic.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Which famous writer is associated with Lipnice Castle?

Jaroslav Hašek, the author of The Good Soldier Švejk, lived in the village and is buried below the castle.

Are there guided tours available in English?

Tours are mostly in Czech, but printed English guides are available for self-guided exploration.

Can the monumental castle cellars be visited?

Yes, the deep Gothic cellars are a highlight of the castle and are accessible to visitors.

When was Lipnice Castle founded?

The castle was founded at the beginning of the 14th century by the Lichtenburg family.

How is the access by car to the castle?

There is a parking lot directly in the village of Lipnice nad Sázavou, just a few minutes' walk away.

Lipnice Castle: where is it located?

Lipnice Castle is located in Czech Republic.

Lipnice Castle: what is there to see?

Highlights include Muzeum Jaroslava Haška, kaple sv. Vavřince, Kostel sv. Vita.

Lipnice Castle: when is the best time to visit?

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.

Lipnice Castle: why is it worth visiting?

Lipnice Castle was founded around 1310 by Raimund of Lichtenburg on a prominent rocky ridge overlooking the Sázava River valley.

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