Velichov Castle sits quietly in the middle of its namesake village, a building whose roots stretch back to a Gothic water fortress from the early sixteenth century. Though closed to visitors inside, it remains a rewarding stop for anyone drawn to layered history and quiet countryside charm.

The castle's current pseudo-classical look is the result of extensive nineteenth-century renovations, but traces of its older baroque and Renaissance past linger in its structure. The main wing features rounded corner projections, while the garden-facing facade boasts an entrance topped with a balcony resting on six columns and a bold triangular gable. Set along the gentle Ohře river valley, the surroundings feel especially atmospheric in spring and autumn, when the countryside around the village takes on a calm, timeless quality perfect for a relaxed walk.

How to get there

• A red-marked hiking trail runs through the Ohře river valley directly through the village of Velichov - easy walk, suitable for all
• Cycling routes No. 6 (Ohře valley) and No. 2198 (connecting Velichov with Ostrov) cross right by the castle

Practical information

• The castle interior is closed to the public - it can only be admired from outside
• It is protected as a cultural heritage monument

Between 1935 and 1938 the castle housed a forestry and gardening boarding school, and after the war it served as a children's home, at one point sheltering Greek refugee children.