Vlastislav brings together several layers of history, each closely connected to the landscape. The village lies by the Modla stream, with the tower of Skalka Castle rising above it on a small basalt outcrop. There are also exhibitions at Zámek Skalka, the remains of the medieval castle and the early medieval history of the hillfort. A visit here is therefore about more than a single building: its themes range from local history and collections to earlier settlement and views of the hills of the Bohemian Central Highlands.

Exhibitions and Planning Your Visit

The first and second floors of Zámek Skalka are open to visitors. They house permanent exhibitions on the history of Vlastislav, beekeeping, historic prams and aircraft models; a fairy-tale exhibition is also part of the visitor programme for 2026. The programme thus spans local history and a range of other themes and collection items. A separate entrance at the tower on the rock above the château leads to these floors. Check the seasonal visiting arrangements before your trip.

Summer celebrations in the courtyard of the municipal office took place on 30 August 2025 and 15 August 2026. If you would like to plan your trip around a celebration, check the dates for your travel period in advance.

The Castle and Early Medieval Traces

The Gothic Skalka Castle dates from the 14th century and was badly damaged during the Thirty Years’ War. The keep is the only surviving part of the castle and is protected as a cultural monument. Together with the exhibitions at Zámek Skalka, it offers two distinct perspectives: local history and other themes in the château, and the surviving fabric of the medieval castle here.

The Vlastislav hillfort takes you back to a much earlier period. It was already settled in the second half of the 9th century; the fortified area was built in the following century. The chronology therefore has two stages: the settlement phase was followed later by fortification. At Vlastislav–Na Šancích, a spur-site features the remains of an early medieval hillfort dating from the 9th century. Compared with the Gothic castle from the 14th century, this chronology brings the vast span of local history into view.

Views and Route

Below the Skalka tower is a viewpoint overlooking Košťálov, Oltářík, the surrounding hills of the Bohemian Central Highlands and Milešovka. How much you can see depends on the weather. The view adds a landscape perspective to the historic buildings: rather than focusing on individual traces of the past, it takes in several named hills and peaks.

Another useful point of reference for planning is the international hiking route Zlatá stezka zemí hradů, which runs along the road between Vlastislav and Sutom; a turn-off from there leads towards the château and the ruins of Skalka Castle. Check the current signposting before setting off.

Discover more travel destinations: Trnovany, Kresin, Roudnice Nad Labem, Mlékojedy, Hoštka, Michalovice U Velkých Žernosek, Horní Řepčice, Dobříň.

For the wider travel overview: Okres Litoměřice.