Pustý zámek is a modest but striking hill (405 m) in the Lužické hory (Lusatian Mountains), crowned with the ruins of the medieval castle Fredevald. It's a great short trip for anyone who enjoys combining a bit of history with a nature walk.

The hill is formed of phonolite rock, and its protected rock walls feature vertical columns up to 25 metres long, a striking geological feature. The surrounding forest of spruce, pine, beech, oak, and maple gives the place a quiet, almost forgotten atmosphere, especially beautiful in autumn when the colours highlight the rocky cliffs. The Kamenice stream flows below the hill, and the area belongs to one of the calmer corners of the Lusatian Mountains, away from the busier tourist trails.

How to get there

• From Česká Kamenice - along the road and the parallel Děčín–Rumburk railway line towards Kytlice, easy to moderate route, about 1 hour
• The hill lies in the cadastral area of Dolní Prysk; the Okolím Studence nature trail passes nearby

Good to know

• Protected natural area of 1.99 hectares, under protection since 1956
• Damaging the rock formations or vegetation is prohibited - it lies within the Lužické hory Protected Landscape Area

The name Pustý zámek ('Deserted Castle') refers to the abandoned ruins of Fredevald, now overgrown by forest, lending the site a mysterious, forgotten-castle feel.