Perched on Bradáčov hill in the Ore Mountains, Lichtenwald Castle - known locally simply as 'Zámeček' - is a small late-Baroque hunting lodge that surprises hikers deep in the forest. Once used for hunting deer and capercaillie, it now stands quiet and a little mysterious, reached by an old tree-lined avenue.

The buildings are arranged around an oval courtyard - the main house with its mansard roof, a forester's lodge, a gatekeeper's house, stables and carriage sheds form a picturesque, enclosed ensemble, with a stone pillar gate marking the entrance. In summer the surrounding forests are lush and green, in autumn the avenue glows with colour, and in winter the whole place is wrapped in mountain silence - a peaceful spot away from the crowds.

How to get there

• Český Jiřetín - about 3 km south, easy route, roughly 45-60 minutes on foot
• Klíny-Fláje road junction - from here the 1.5 km long Zámecká alej (Castle Avenue) leads directly to the lodge, easy walk

Practical information

• The castle is privately owned - the interior and courtyard are not open to the public
• It is protected as a cultural monument, but has never undergone a full restoration
• The nearby Fláje game reserve was once used for breeding deer for the hunts

The name Lichtenwald blends the names of two noble families, the Liechtensteins and the Wallensteins, commemorating a wedding gift from Count Wallenstein to his wife.