Troskovice offers a range of interests for visitors: the history of Trosky Castle, the Doll and Teddy Bear Museum in the village, walking and cycling trails, and the Apolena nature area east of Troskovice. For planning, it helps to consider these destinations as separate parts of a trip. The routes to the castle, the seasonal bus and the collections address different questions: What would you like to see, and what mode of transport suits that focus?

Trosky Castle: history and views

Trosky Castle was founded by Čeněk z Vartenberka in the late 14th century, around 1380 to 1390. During the Hussite Wars, it was besieged in 1424 and 1428, including by Žižka’s troops.

The views can also be described more specifically: Baba Tower is reached by climbing over 138 steps and has a viewing walkway with sweeping views across the landscape. If this is a key part of your visit, check access conditions before setting out.

Museum and nature in Troskovice

The Muzeum panenek a medvídků pod Troskami is located in Troskovice and features historical and artistic dolls, teddy bears and toys. The collection comprises around 3,000 exhibits. Alongside the history of the castle, the village therefore offers a distinct cultural attraction.

Apolena lies 0.5 kilometres east of Troskovice. The area includes Sklepy, the largest rock fissure cave in the Bohemian Paradise; Apolena is also a traditional wintering site for bats. The cave and wintering site give this destination a distinct connection to nature, setting it apart from the castle’s historical focus.

Hiking, cycling and getting to the castle

Marked hiking trails lead to Trosky Castle from Sobotka, Hrubá Skála, Valdštejn, Borecké skály and Podtrosecké rybníky. This gives you several starting points for a walk to the castle. Check the trail markings and conditions locally.

For cyclists, the 39-kilometre Branžež–Kopicův statek cycling route passes through Troskovice. It is best suited to mountain bikes and gravel bikes. Check current route conditions before setting out.

The nearest railway stations to the castle are Borek pod Troskami and Ktová. Each station is about 3.5 kilometres from the castle, with marked trails leading there.

A tourist summer bus connects Jičín with Hrubá Skála via Prachovské skály, Jinolice and Troskovice. From the stop by the Svitačka campsite, it is 1.3 kilometres to the castle along marked green and blue hiking trails. Compared with the approximately 3.5-kilometre routes from either railway station, the section from the bus stop is shorter. The bus runs seasonally; check current service and timetables before travelling. You should also check train connections and trail conditions in advance.

Worksheets for children

The “Trosky dětem a školákům” project launched in June 2024. When it was introduced, children could buy matching worksheets for an additional fee with their admission ticket and complete entertaining and educational tasks during their visit to the castle. Check before your visit whether the worksheets are currently available.

Discover more destinations: Peřimov, Levínská Olešnice, Rakousy, Vítkovice V Krkonoších, Burany, Klokočí U Turnova, Bradlecka Lhota, Ktová

For the overview of the wider area: Okres Semily.