Perched on a rocky spur above the Račí stream valley in the Rychleby Mountains, the ruined castle of Rychleby — also known by its German name Reichenštejn — is a wonderfully mysterious place: nobody knows who built it, who owned it, or even what its original name was. That sense of mystery, combined with wild forested surroundings, makes it a rewarding destination for curious hikers.

Sitting at around 425 metres above sea level, the ruin occupies a narrow rocky outcrop that drops steeply down to the stream below. The remains include traces of a massive round tower (bergfried) over 10 metres in diameter, oval walls, and the foundations of a palace. The setting is lush and green in summer, blazing with colour in autumn, and refreshingly quiet in winter — a hidden corner of Silesia that sees few tourists.

• Javorník — start from the town and follow the Račí stream valley uphill; moderate difficulty

• Elevation: approximately 425 m above sea level
• Listed as a cultural monument since 1964
• A viewing platform was built here in 1910 during early conservation works
• Across the stream you can spot the earthwork remains of the so-called 'Pustý zámek' (Desolate Castle) — its connection to Rychleby is still unknown

The castle likely met a violent end in a single catastrophic fire — possibly in spring 1428 when Hussite forces swept through the region targeting the Bishop of Wrocław. The burned arrowheads and weapon fragments found by archaeologists still tell that dramatic story.