*An exceptionally varied route visiting Potštejn and Litice castles, on the edge of Orlické hory: 15 km*

• A number of impressive fortresses were constructed in the 13th century as part of the colonization of the remote but lovely Divoká Orlice river valley in the far east of Bohemia, near the Polish border. Litice and Potštejn castles are two of the most interesting, not just in the valley but in the whole of east Bohemia. This fine circular walk connects the two castles along some attractive footpaths and also visits two super refreshment spots.
• Litice is one of the best preserved late medieval castles in the country. The castle was built on a rocky promontory overlooking a horseshoe bend in the river Divoká Orlice. It owes a large part of its current design to work undertaken by Jiří of Poděbrady, who ruled the Czech lands between 1458 and 1471. Litice was apparently one of his favorite castles, which he inherited as the lord of Kunštát. The castle is usually open for tours between April and October. Litice also has some attractive folk architecture, including a rare 18th century wooden bell tower (pictured below).
• The magnificent ruins of Potštejn castle are one of the most popular sites in the Orlické hory region. Occupying a steep-sided conical hill overlooking the river, the Gothic fortress has impressive defenses. These were added to over several centuries, by a series of illustrious royal and noble owners including Charles IV, Jiří of Poděbrady and the Pernštejn family. The mix of different architectural styles makes this a fascinating place to visit.
• Potštejn is probably most famous, however, as the site of a (not yet discovered) medieval treasure. The castle’s 14th century owner, Mikuláš of Potštejn, was an opponent of the Luxemburg regime and came into conflict with the future Charles IV, who besieged the castle. Before the castle fell, Mikuláš, is thought to have hidden a huge treasure in an underground tunnel. Mikuláš died in the siege and the treasure was never found by Charles’ troops.
• A mysterious Latin inscription on a Gothic cornerstone (which can still be seen and deciphered today) fueled the search for a the missing treasure in subsequent centuries. It was a quest that inspired the famous 19th century Czech writer and historian, Alois Jirásek, to write the novel The Treasure. Visitors to Potštejn today (the castle is open April to October) are free to continue the search, preferably without the heavy excavation equipment employed in the 18th century that undermined the castle walls.
• Count Jan Ludvík Harbuval Chamaré was the 18th century owner of the castle who so enthusiastically hunted for the lost treasure. Despite his lack of success, the Count still managed to fund an impressive new Baroque chateau and English style park beside the river. At the time of writing (early 2026) it is unclear when the chateau and park will be open to the public.
• One of the additional attractions of Potštejn is a visit to the well known ‘Clock’ brewery restaurant – a Hejlík recommendation (map point 8). Litice has its own exceptional refreshment spot. Just below the castle, check out Restaurace Zátiší (map point 5). It is well worth a visit. In the summer months they also have a very popular homemade ice cream stand.
• The circular route is just over 15 km long, with 440m of height to ascend-descend, mostly on easy country lanes and forest footpaths. Both Litice and Potštejn have regional train stations with connections through to Hradec Králové. The walk can therefore started from either location. The choice is mostly about which restaurant to choose for the end of walk refreshments!

Note: click ‘Show on Mapy.com’  to go to a full screen version of the route directly on the mapy.com site. This can be used for on line navigation, saved or exported as a GPX file.

Directions

• Starting from the Potštejn station, follow the BLUE trail directly to Potštejn hrad (castle), reached after 1.3 km
• Return back down the BLUE trail as far as the Potštejn – Na Městečku junction, and there join the RED trail heading towards Litice
• After 5.2 km reach the Litice n. O. – hrad junction (also the location of the Zátiší restaurant). There follow the red diversion marker up to Litice castle
• Return back down to the Litice n. O. – hrad junction and continue on the RED trail as far as the Litice n. O. – most junction
• At the Litice n. O. – most, join the GREEN trail heading towards Liščí doly, which is reached after 2 km
• At the Liščí doly junction, join the RED trail which leads into the center of Potštejn village after 3 km
• From the village center, take the GREEN trail back to the station, reached after 700m