Hrad Kost
In the heart of the picturesque Český ráj landscape, not far from the village of Libošovice in the Jičín district, stands hrad Kost. It is not situated on a high peak, but rather in a valley among forests and ponds. Nevertheless, due to its distinctive silhouette and typical square tower, it is unforgettable. This best-preserved Gothic gem in our country attracts visitors for several reasons, which we will discuss below. Although the castle is privately owned, it is publicly accessible, much like other monuments. Several hiking trails and a cycling route lead to the site, and there is also a bus stop and a car park for visitors arriving by car.
The outdoor spaces around the castle are a great excursion destination in their own right. In the nicely landscaped area below the castle, you will find a tilting yard, where a regular programme featuring knights' tournaments is held during the summer. Nearby is the Kostecký pivovar brewery with a restaurant, where beer is brewed according to an original recipe. Below the dam of the Bílý rybník pond, there are two mills: the Panský mlýn and the Bývalý roubený mlýn.
The history of the castle's founding dates back to the second half of the 14th century. Local guides will captivate you as they transport you back into the castle's past. There are four tour circuits of the interior spaces to choose from. The first circuit will take you into the castle palaces and the armoury. You will also see all the courtyards, the chapel, and the black kitchen. Incidentally, this black kitchen is one of the main highlights for visitors to the castle. The first circuit lasts about an hour and will also introduce you to all the castle's owners and prominent members of the Kinský family. Are you interested in what such a medieval torture chamber looks like? Then choose the second circuit. You will return hundreds of years into the past, where you can view, for example, a functional guillotine or a witch's cage. You will learn everything about the mysteries of Czech capital law. At the same time, you will also pass through all the courtyards, the chapel, and the black kitchen. You will not miss the ground floor of the Velká bílá věž tower, which features a model of the castle and a computer animation of its development.
The second circuit also takes about an hour. The third circuit includes a tour of the entire castle. In it, you will see virtually everything that the first and second circuits include combined, plus the kaple sv. Anny. It is up to your discretion whether to undertake this nearly two-hour circuit with small children, as the commentary is detailed and the route is long. Conversely, the last, fourth tour circuit of the castle is shortened and barrier-free. If you are only at Kost for a short visit, you may choose this tour, which lasts about forty minutes. You will get a glimpse into the ground floor of the Bílá věž tower, the kaple sv. Anny, and the castle courtyard. Whichever circuit you choose, please note that dogs are welcome at this castle. They are allowed in the courtyards, and it is also possible to take them on tours inside. It is only required that the dogs be kept on a leash. You may get refreshments at the U Draka restaurant, which also features an outdoor terrace. Hrad Kost also offers accommodation, the hosting of weddings, and the rental of interior and exterior spaces for various occasions.
A trip to hrad Kost will certainly not disappoint. The entire Český ráj region is rich in beautiful castles, and one sometimes hesitates about which one to visit first. Besides Kost, we can recommend Hrubá Skála, the ruins of hrad Trosky, or hrad Valdštejn. A visit to Český ráj is not a one-day affair. If you wish to enjoy the local rock towns, such as the Prachovské skály, please book accommodation in the vicinity of hrad Kost near Sobotka for at least a long weekend. Our selection of cottages, chalets, guesthouses, and apartments is extensive. Please turn to us for assistance with your selection; we are at your disposal.
