The castle hill is a protected natural monument due to its rare volcanic rock formations.
The name 'Hazmburk' is derived from the German 'Hasenburg', meaning 'Hare's Castle'.
The Zajíc of Valdek family, who owned the castle, featured a hare in their coat of arms.
Geological activity in the area has caused several significant landslides on the slopes over the centuries.
The Black Tower stands approximately 25 meters tall and was constructed using dark basalt blocks.
The White Tower, while smaller, is built from lighter sandstone and limestone blocks.
The castle survived the Hussite Wars due to its formidable natural defenses and steep slopes.
The fortress became a romantic inspiration for 19th-century Czech poets, including Karel Hynek Mácha.
Hazmburk Castle is a prominent 13th-century Gothic ruin situated atop a phonolite hill in the Central Bohemian Uplands. The site is defined by two distinct towers: the white 'White Tower' (Bílá věž) and the taller, square 'Black Tower' (Černá věž), which remains standing as a landmark of the region. Originally known as Klapý, the fortress transitioned from a royal castle to a private estate for the Zajíc of Valdek family. The ruins were abandoned in the 16th century after the castle was deemed uninhabitable. The site is noted for its geology, as the hill is a volcanic remnant composed of columnar phonolite. Excavations and partial reconstruction efforts have secured the remaining masonry for public access. Visitors can climb the stairs of the Black Tower to view the surrounding landscape, including the Ohře River valley. The castle footprint reveals foundations of the original palace and defensive curtain walls.
The base of the Black Tower looking back toward the White Tower during golden hour.
Wear sturdy hiking boots as the path to the summit is steep, unpaved, and uneven.
Carry plenty of water, as there are no refreshment stalls at the top of the hill.
Bring binoculars to identify distant landmarks in the Bohemian Central Highlands.
Attempting to drive your car up the hill; vehicles must be left in the village parking areas.
Open seasonally from spring through autumn; typically closed during winter months.
Stay on marked trails to avoid potential rockfall and protect the rare local flora.
