Perched at 750 metres above sea level on a rocky spur above the confluence of the Křesanovský stream and the Volyňka river, Vimperk Castle is one of southern Bohemia's most atmospheric historic landmarks. An early Gothic fortress that evolved through Renaissance and Neo-Renaissance transformations, it looms dramatically over the charming town of Vimperk on the edge of the Šumava highlands.

The castle's silhouette changes with the seasons — striking against autumn foliage, mysterious under winter snow, and refreshingly green in summer when the surrounding Šumava forests are at their lushest. Strolling through the complex, you'll discover three courtyard fountains, a chapel dedicated to St Joseph, and the remarkable Haselburg artillery bastion on the hill to the north — one of the best-preserved late-Gothic defensive structures in the entire Czech Republic.

• Town of Vimperk (town centre parking) — the castle is clearly visible from the main square and reachable on foot within a few minutes, easy walk
• Haselburg bastion — located on a hill just north of the castle, worth visiting as an add-on to your tour

• Managed by the National Heritage Institute (NPÚ) since 2015 and open to the public
• Listed as a National Cultural Monument of the Czech Republic since 2010
• Extensive restoration works are ongoing — check current opening hours and accessible areas before your visit
• Haselburg bastion is in private hands — access may be limited

The gate leading into the upper castle bears the year 1622, marking when the war-damaged fortress was rebuilt as a Renaissance residence — a small but telling detail that sums up this castle's remarkable ability to reinvent itself across the centuries.