Hidden in the forests of the Drahany Highlands, the modest remains of the medieval Stagnov Castle - also known as Hrádek or Nový Hrad - offer a quiet, atmospheric detour for history-minded hikers. This was once a strategic stronghold controlling the surrounding land and trade routes, held in turn by the powerful Šternberk, Kravař, and Boskovice families.

The castle stood on a narrow promontory above the Rakovec stream, naturally protected on two sides by steep slopes, with a system of ditches and ramparts guarding the more exposed eastern and southeastern approaches. Today the site is fully overgrown with forest, so there's no view from the ruins themselves - but the layered earthworks, faint traces of moats, and scattered wall fragments create a quietly evocative atmosphere, especially in autumn or early spring when undergrowth is thinner.

How to get there

• Rychtářov — red trail, approx. 1.5 km, easy difficulty
• Ruprechtov — connected via the same red-marked trail

Practical information

• The turnoff to the ruins from the red trail is not clearly marked - watch carefully in the saddle below the castle so you don't miss the path
• Protected as a cultural monument since 1970
• Only minor wall remnants and earthworks (ditches, ramparts) survive

Fun fact: the castle's name likely derives from the Stange family, German vassals of the Bishop of Olomouc who settled here in the 13th century to help colonize the then-wild Drahany Highlands.