Castle Střekov and Větruše chateau from Ústí nad Labem – 7 km to 11 km

Ústí nad Labem is situated in a strategic position at the confluence of the Bílina and Labe rivers in northwest Bohemia. The town was probably founded in the 11th century, but suffered badly during the Hussite Wars and the Thirty Years war in the 17th century, being sacked on several occasions. It only regained prominence, as an industrial center, in the 19th century.
The approach to Ústí along the Labe from the south was guarded by the formidable castle of Střekov (also known as Schreckenstein), constructed in the early 14th century. Although abandoned in the 17th century, its romantic Gothic ruins have attracted poets and artists since the early 19th century, including Goethe, who described the vistas as some of the best in Central Bohemia. The castle was acquired by the Lobkowitz family in the 16th century and remains in that family’s ownership to this day. The castle is usually open from mid March to October.
If Střekov represents one of the best known relics of Gothic Bohemia, the chateau of Větruše must be regarded as a highlight of late 19th century historicist architecture. Built on a promontory overlooking the town, on the foundations of an older castle, Větruše is a popular excursion destination. The terrace and viewing tower have commanding views and there is a natural and mirror maze for younger visitors. Starting at Větruše there is an interesting 4 km nature trail (with multilingual information boards) running along the terrace above the Labe. The chateau is connected by cable car with the center of Ústí for those not wishing to climb the short distance from the river below.
A circular 10 – 11 km trip can be created from Ústí center to Větruše, then along the nature trail and across the Labe via the impressive Střekov lock system allows access to the medieval castle, before returning back to Ústí on the eastern side of the river. The tour includes 320m of height to climb/descend, none of which is particularly steep, but the nature trail along the terrace is quite narrow and can be muddy or slippery at times.
If preferring a shorter walk, then consider driving to Větruše (or taking the cable car from the town center) and walk the nature trail as far as the Vaňovský waterfall (3. 5 km from the chateau car park), which cascades down an impressive basalt cliff face. Then return back along the same path. For refreshments on the route, there is a stylish restaurant in Větruše chateau and also a restaurant (with a super view from the terrace) inside the castle walls at Střekov.

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

If starting at Ústí nad Labem main train station (direct trains from Prague), follow the YELLOW hiking trail as it winds up the hillside to reach Větruše chateau in 1 km. Alternatively, catch the cable car which runs from the main shopping center in Ústí up to the chateau
From Větruše, follow the nature trail markings (green/white diagonal stripes) in the direction of Vrkoč (the nature trail also follows the RED hiking trail for 1 km and then the GREEN hiking trail)
At the waterfall (3.5 km from the chateau) there is an optional marked diversion to a fine viewpoint – this is found 200m along a side path
Descend on the scenic path down to the river, still following the nature trail marks – the trail finishes at the impressive Vrkoč basalt rock face with its characteristic fan shapes (see picture below)
At the end of the nature trail, turn LEFT to follow the side road back towards the dam-lock system (do NOT follow the GREEN hiking trail to the right)
After 400m meet the YELLOW hiking trail and continue for a further 400m to reach the lock. Cross the river at the lock
After crossing the river, turn right beside the river following the YELLOW trail which circles up to reach the entrance of Střekov castle after 1 km
From the castle, follow the RED trail in the direction of Střekov railway station (which is reached after 1.4 km). From there, follow the YELLOW trail back to the Ústí main train station, which is reached after 1.7 km