Lichnice castle from Třemošnice and the Lovětínská gorge- 8 km

• The romantic ruins of Lichnice castle are visible from afar on the ridgeline above the town of Třemošnice and mark the beginning of the Železné hory range of hills (the Iron mountains). The castle was originally constructed in the 13th century and was embroiled in both 15th century Hussite Wars and the 17th century 30 Years War, before finally being abandoned in the mid 17th century. The large and once powerful castle has a number of interesting local legends associated with it. During the main season the castle has a small museum in a restored castle room.
• Although there is a small parking area just below the castle in the village of Podhradí, a more varied trip starts in the valley below, from the town of Třemošnice. Třemošnice has bus and train connections with Časlav (which is on a mainline train route).
• The suggested route climbs through the natural beech forests of the Lichnice nature reserve to reach Podhradí and the castle ruins. Just behind the castle is a well known viewpoint – the Dívčí kámen, which is worth the short detour.
• The return to Třemošnice passes along the scenic and steep-sided rocky gorge of Lovětín, which is also a part of the 30km long limestone history trail that runs through the western section of the Železné hory. At the end of the trail, just before reaching Třemošnice, there is a museum in an old limestone factory which explores the history of lime production in the area.
• The route is mostly on relatively easy forest paths or tracks with two sections beside the public road. The path down through the gorge can be quite muddy. The total route of 7.5 km involves just over 200m of height to climb – descend. There are refreshment options in Třemošnice and a popular small café in Podhradí just next to the castle car park (but is only open seasonally).

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Directions

• Starting at Třemošnice train/bus station, follow the GREEN hiking trail into Třemošnice main square and through the town to reach the Třemošnice – východ trail junction after 800m
• At the junction, turn onto the RED trail in the direction of Podhradí. Climb up the ridge to reach the village of Podhradí in 1.4km. The castle ruin is a 200m walk up from the car park in the village
• After visiting the ruin, return back to Podhradí village and continue along the public road, following the RED trail for 150m. On the left is a short diversion to the Dívčí kámen viewpoint, which is 70m from the road
• Continue along the road for following the RED trail for a further 800m to the Nad Lovětínskou roklí junction
• Continue for the further 200m on the RED trail (which has been joined by the YELLOW trail) and then turn sharply left following the YELLOW trail down through the Lovětínská gorge
• After 1.4 km reach the Lovětínská rokle trail junction and here turn onto the GREEN trail which returns backs to Třemošnice train/bus station in 2.3 km, passing the limestone museum on the way