Shorter walks around Kostomlaty castle ruins at the edge of České středohoří: 4 km to 14 km

• The České středohoří region (Central Bohemian uplands) is famous for its volcanic landscape, made up of dozens of conical basalt hills. On many of these hills, stone fortresses were constructed during the Middle Ages. The area is sometimes called, for good reason, the ‘Land of Castles’.
• Many of the castles today are little more than a crumbling wall or two. One notable exception is the ruins of Kostomlaty castle, situated at the northwestern edge of the Protected Landscape zone, not far from the highest peak in the range, Milešovka. The castle, constructed in the early 14th century, features a classic ‘bergfrit’ tower – a slender lookout tower significantly higher than the remaining fortifications.
• Unusually, the tower has been repaired and is usually open at weekends/public holidays from April to October. It is well worth the climb up steep staircase from the panoramic view from the top (note there is not much space if it is a busy day!)
• For those just wanting a short walk up to the castle and back, there is a car park below the ruin, just 700m from the gates. The path can be managed with a stroller. For those travelling by public transport, or who want a slightly longer walk, a start from the nearby village of Kostomlaty pod Milešovkou is a good option. The village has bus connections with the larger towns of Teplice and Lovosice. It is about a 4 km round trip to the castle from there (the route can also be managed with a stroller).
• There are a number of marked trails that traverse the hills to the south of the castle, including some with nature trail information boards (in Czech only). Various circular routes can be created of up to 14 km in length. The one shown in the map below is a good option at 11 km long, with 330m of height to ascend/descend. None of the paths are difficult or steep. The section heading south towards the village of Lukov is in an attractive mixed forest.
• For refreshments, there is a snack bar inside the castle ruins (usually open at the same time as the tower). At the edge of the village, the pub Hospůdka U Kamila (map point 9) has a popular outdoor grill, usually open during summer weekends, usually from mid-May onwards.

Directions

• If starting from the bus stop, join the GREEN hiking trail with follows the main road for 350m towards the Baroque chateau (not accessible as it is today an educational institution). There is a large free parking area next to the chateau
• From the chateau continue on the GREEN trail uphill for 900m to reach the castle (note that if walking with a stroller, there is a side path marked as accessible for ‘kočarek’ which leads indirectly to the castle via the closer car park – this avoids the steep section at the summit of the hill – this route is the one shown in the map below)
• From the castle, take the GREEN trail down the east flank of the hill reach a tourist shelter after 200m. Here, leave the GREEN trail, turning right onto the forest track (occasionally marked with green-white diagonal nature trail markers)
• After 800m, join the BLUE hiking trail (map point 5) and continue uphill to reach the U Velké Jedle junction after 500m
• Continue on the BLUE trail for 2.2 km to reach the village of Lukov
• On reaching the public road in Lukov, turn right onto the RED trail and walk along the road for 1.2 km to reach the Štěpánov trail junction
• At the junction, turn right onto the YELLOW trail which leads back to Kostomlaty village after 4 km