Perched on a dramatic spur of Černý vrch at 548 metres above sea level, Egerberk is one of the most atmospheric castle ruins on the edge of the Doupov Mountains. Towering above the tiny village of Lestkov near Klášterec nad Ohří, it rewards visitors with a genuine sense of medieval history and lovely views over the surrounding hills.

The ruins are surprisingly substantial — the main palace survives almost to its full original height, and you can still make out the outline of a ribbed-vault chapel that once jutted from its eastern wall. The stonework tells layers of history: the castle was extensively rebuilt in the late 14th century to serve as a prestigious noble residence, and later reinforced against cannon fire by massively thickening the walls of its round tower. In spring and autumn, mist drifts through the trees and gives the place an almost eerie, forgotten quality; in summer the rocky promontory opens up fine views across the Doupov highlands.

• Village of Lestkov (roadside parking) — short walk up to the ruins, approximately 10–15 minutes, difficulty: easy

• Egerberk is a listed cultural monument of the Czech Republic.
• The site is freely accessible, but visit at your own risk — some walls are unstable.
• No facilities on site; bring your own food and water.

History note: the castle takes its name from the German word for the River Ohře ('Eger'), and its most ambitious makeover was commissioned by Jindřich Škopek of Dubá, a trusted adviser to King Wenceslaus IV — which explains why even in ruin it still looks like a place built to impress.