A short walk to the picturesque castle ruins of Starý Jičín – 2 km

Stand on the top of the hill amongst ruins of Starý Jičín castle and it is not hard to recognize why this castle was an important strategic site for centuries, possibly millennia. The fortress guards the trade routes passing through the ‘Moravian gateway’ into Poland and beyond, including a side branch of the ancient Amber Road, which ran from the Baltic area to the Adriatic sea and the Mediterranean civilizations in prehistoric times. The 360 degree views from the summit are commanding.
The castle of Starý Jičín was probably constructed at the end of the 12th century on the site of an older Slavic wooden fortress. The site had possibly been fortified in the later stages of the Bronze Age, around 1000BC, a time when the amber trade route from the Baltics started to gain real importance. The formidable castle on the steep sided hill controlled the surrounding territory, while the economic center of the Starý Jičín estate developed 5 km away at the junction of two small rivers and became known as Nový Jičín.
Today, Nový Jičín is a thriving town with one of the most beautiful squares in the country, lined with colorful Renaissance and Baroque buildings, while Starý Jičín is a quiet village nestled beneath the ruined walls of the medieval castle. The village has taken steps to preserve the picturesque ruins, including the reconstruction of a castle tower and hosts various events at the site. The reconstructed watchtower has a small exhibition about the castle.
The walk to the castle ruins from the village below is approximately 1 km. The route until the reconstructed watchtower is paved, so can be managed with a stroller (although there is 130m of height to ascend-descend). The final path up into the ruins on the hilltop is on a steep path with steps. In the main summer period, there are refreshments sold at the watchtower. For a longer refreshment stop, consider the highly regarded restaurant at the stylish Zámeček pod hradem hotel, located 300m from the village center.
Consider combining a walk around with a similarly short trip to the nearby Renaissance-Baroque Nový Jičín. The walk from Nový Jičín to Starý Jičín is around 5km, but as much of this is along a public road, taking a bus or car between the two locations might be preferable

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Directions

Start in the Starý Jičín village center. There are bus connections from the nearby town of Nový Jičín. There are parking spots in the center of the village
From the village fountain head up the side street towards the church and after 100m join the YELLOW marked hiking trail
Turn left onto the YELLOW trail passing the church and then turning sharply heading uphill on an asphalt track (prohibited for public vehicle access)
After 700m reach the reconstructed watchtower. Continue on the steep steps into the hilltop ruins for the best views
Return back the same route. If wanting to visit the Zámeček pod hradem, after passing the church continue on the YELLOW trail for a further 200m to reach the restaurant