The chateau in Bělá pod Bezdězem is a baroque residence perched on a rocky spur, carrying centuries of history from a medieval stronghold to a noble seat. It is a place where Renaissance arcades meet baroque grandeur, and a walk through its rooms takes you back to the era of the Waldstein family and Czech nobility.

The chateau rises above the southeastern part of the old town of Bělá, on the site of a fortress dating back to the 14th century. The surrounding countryside is a quiet corner of Central Bohemia, with views over the town rooftops and surrounding fields. In summer the courtyard comes alive with guided tours, while in winter the building stands stark and dignified against the snowy landscape. It makes for a pleasant outing combining history with minimal physical effort, and also serves as a good starting point for visiting nearby Bezděz.

How to get there

• Bělá pod Bezdězem town centre — short walk, a few minutes, easy difficulty
• The chateau stands directly in town, also reachable by car or bus

Practical information

• An information centre with guided tours operates on the ground floor of the chateau
• The tour includes the Waldstein Hall with Renaissance wall paintings, a robbers' exhibition, a puppet exhibition, late Gothic cellars and the Chapel of St Joseph
• A museum has been housed in the chateau since 1939

Interesting fact: one of the chateau's owners, Aleš Berka of Dubá, lost his mind after his wife's death in 1599 and took his own life with a sword - a story still recounted by local guides today.