Lesní hrádek Aichelburg
The Romantic Memorial Above the Úpa River in the Krkonoše Mountains with a View of the Rýchorský hřeben Ridge.
Lesní hrádek Aichelburg is a romantic neo-Gothic structure that towers high above the Úpa River on the wooded slope of Světlá hora, near the village of Temný Důl in the Krkonoše Mountains. It is not a medieval seat, but rather a unique memorial commissioned by the forestry staff of the Maršov estate in memory of Count Berthold Aichelburg, a renowned manager and patron of the eastern Krkonoše Mountains. Although it originally fell into disrepair, it was reconstructed by a civic association.
Today, a restored castle tower and a wooden guardhouse stand upon the rock. The small castle offers a beautiful view of the Rýchorský hřeben ridge and parts of the eastern Krkonoše Mountains, although it is partially obscured by the surrounding forests. The site is managed by the Veselý výlet information centre in Horní Maršov, where visitors can borrow a key to tour the interior of the tower.
Access
Visitors arriving by car will reach the village of Horní Maršov (approximately 15 km from Trutnov), where parking is available in designated car parks. Bus transport provides direct access to Horní Maršov. By train, the nearest station is Svoboda nad Úpou, from which it is approximately 7 km to Horní Maršov. A marked tourist trail leads from Horní Maršov to the small castle, extending about 3 km uphill. The starting point can be the Veselý výlet information centre in Horní Maršov.
What Is Worth Discovering
The surrounding area is rich in hiking opportunities in the Krkonoše Mountains. A marked trail named Aichelburg leads from Lesní hrádek all the way to Pec pod Sněžkou, spanning about 8 km, with informational stops detailing local landmarks. From nearby Horní Maršov, visitors can set out towards the Rýchorský prales primeval forest or onto the ridges of the Krkonoše Mountains. Located not far away is the popular mountain resort of Pec pod Sněžkou, from which a cable car takes visitors up to the summit of Sněžka.
