Bezděz Castle combines a tour of historic interiors with a history dating back to the 13th century. The Velký a Malý Bezděz National Nature Reserve and church art also shape what you can discover here. This gives your stay several possible focuses: the castle and its history, the landscape and its trails, or sacred art.
Bezděz Castle: Tour and History
King Přemysl Otakar II founded the castle in 1264. In January 1279, Václav and Queen Kunhuta were brought to the castle as prisoners. These two dates mark different stages in its history; the tour adds a closer look at the castle complex.
The basic self-guided tour includes the castle chapel, the Royal Palace, the Burgrave’s Palace, and the fief courtyard in the second castle courtyard. The tour is seasonal, so check before your trip whether it is available during your visit.
Church Art in Bezděz
In the Church of St. Giles, the main altar is designed as a Rococo altar structure. It features an image of St. Giles, along with rich sculptural and figurative decoration. The altar is considered a valuable example of craftsmanship from the third quarter of the 18th century. The focus here is on the altar’s design and decoration—a different way to explore cultural history than by touring the castle.
The parish church in Bezděz also houses a copy of the Black Madonna of Montserrat. It adds a specific image to the picture of local expressions of faith.
Volcanic Peaks, Habitats, and Trails
The Velký a Malý Bezděz National Nature Reserve is a geomorphologically unique complex of two volcanic peaks made of sodalite phonolite. Its natural features include native forest stands and rocky steppe communities. These provide habitats for numerous rare and endangered plant and animal species, including the Rosalia longicorn (Rosalia alpina). Geology and nature conservation describe two distinct aspects of the same reserve: its geological formation and the diversity of its habitats.
The stony, rocky path to the castle leads through the nature reserve; cycling is prohibited there. For a hike to the castle, a classic red trail runs 13 kilometers from Bělá pod Bezdězem. From the junction by the castle, the Máchova stezka runs 10 kilometers in the direction of Houska Castle. The route distances refer to different directions and starting points: the red trail leads to the castle, while the Máchova stezka runs from the junction there toward Houska. Trail conditions and signage may change; check the latest information before your hike.
For cyclists, the main cycle route 0060 provides a separate point of reference. It is listed as 19 kilometers long and runs via Bělá pod Bezdězem, Plužná, Březinka, and Valdštejnsko to Bezděz. This route is distinct from the stony approach to the castle, where cycling is prohibited. Nearby, a picturesque path about 200 meters long also leads to a nearby gorge with sandstone formations.
Practical Information
A tourist information center has been operating in Bezděz since 2007. It provides visitors to the town and castle with maps, promotional materials, and other information. Check current services before your trip. If you are arriving by car, you can park right in Bezděz; there are two parking lots in the town. Check the parking information again before setting off.
To choose the focus of your stay, consider the differences: a castle visit combines interiors with medieval history, the reserve highlights geology and habitats, and the trails vary by starting point, direction, and length. This lets you plan around the themes that interest you most.
Discover more destinations: Krompach V Cechách, Arnultovice, Luka, Okna, Tuhan, Volfartice, Okrouhlá U Nového Boru, Beškov.
View the regional travel overview: Okres Česká Lípa.
