Nový Hrad is a castle turned chateau standing on a hill above the village of Jimlín, its tall tower dominating the surrounding landscape for miles around. With three courtyards and a sprawling complex of residential and farm buildings, it is one of the more impressive fortified sites in the Louny district, blending Gothic origins with Renaissance and Baroque makeovers.

Perched on raised ground in northwestern Bohemia, the site offers pleasant views over the gently rolling countryside near Louny. The atmosphere shifts with the seasons - lively during summer weddings and cultural events held in the courtyards, quieter and more atmospheric in autumn and winter when the thick walls and tower stand starkly against the sky. It's a rewarding stop for history lovers and casual walkers alike.

How to get there

• Jimlín village center - short walk uphill to the castle, a few minutes, easy
• Louny area - accessible by car or bike, followed by a brief approach on foot

Practical information

• Managed by the Ústí Region and open to the public since 2012
• Two tour circuits are available; all three courtyards and the tower viewpoint can be visited without a guide
• A guesthouse operates on the grounds, and the courtyards host civil and church weddings
• Protected as a cultural monument since 1964

Nový Hrad is one of the few Czech castles with a precisely documented founding date - King George of Poděbrady granted permission to build it in 1465. Medieval wall paintings depicting a tournament and fencers survive in the ground floor of the east wing.