Chudý hrádek is a romantic 14th-century castle ruin perched on a sandstone rock above the picturesque Dolský Valley, six kilometres northwest of Dubé. It is a place for those who enjoy quiet forest trails and a touch of forgotten history away from the crowds.

The castle sits on a striking sandstone outcrop encircled by a moat, reached through the lovely wooded Dolské údolí where the Dolský stream flows. The landscape shifts with the seasons - lush green in spring and summer, fiery colours in autumn, and a stark, snowy hush in winter. From the ruined palace walls and the rock formations, views open over the surrounding valley, and the abandoned atmosphere makes it a rewarding spot for photography and quiet exploration.

How to get there

• Holany — green-marked trail towards Dřevčice, about 1-1.5 hours, easy to moderate difficulty, with a signposted turn-off leading to the ruin
• Dřevčice — same green trail approached from the opposite direction

Practical information

• The ruin is protected as a cultural monument
• The Dolský mill stands in the valley below the castle
• The road between Holany and Dřevčice runs parallel to the valley, one kilometre west of the marked trail

Over the centuries the castle collected several nicknames - Pustý hrádek, Poustka, Wüste Schloss - all reflecting its long-abandoned, solitary character.