Falkenberk, also known as Old Falkenburk, is the ruin of a small castle hidden on Sokol Hill in the Lusatian Mountains. This is a spot for those who enjoy uncovering forgotten pieces of history away from the crowds - only modest wall remnants and earthen fortifications survive, but the atmosphere and Hussite-era legends make the visit worthwhile.

The forested hill offers a sense of seclusion and mystery, especially in autumn when mist drifts between the trees, and in winter when the outlines of the moat and rampart are easiest to spot beneath a thin blanket of snow. The terrain is rocky and steep in places, so sturdy footwear is recommended. The oval castle layout, surrounded by a moat partly cut into the rock, still lets you imagine what life was like here during the turbulent Hussite raids.

How to get there

• From Jablonné v Podještědí or Heřmanice - the trail leads through forest, moderate difficulty
• The access path cuts through the rampart and follows the moat floor, circling the whole hill from the northeast, where it reaches the castle core

Practical information

• The ruins are protected as a cultural monument
• Only fragments of the perimeter wall and a depression from a former cistern remain

The castle was founded in the early 15th century, likely by the Berka of Dubá family, and had already fallen into ruin before the century's midpoint - it burned down twice during the Hussite wars, and its history is full of disputes, Hussite raids, and mysterious owners.