Zubštejn Castle: A Mysterious Ruin on a Rocky Outcrop

 The ruins of Zubštejn Castle are among the most romantic and striking landmarks in the Vysočina region. They are located on a prominent hill above the village of Pivonice, near Bystřice nad Pernštejnem. The castle has a rich and interesting history that dates back to the 13th century. Today, only extensive ruins remain, offering stunning views of the surroundings and a glimpse into medieval architecture and life.

History of Zubštejn Castle

Zubštejn Castle was probably founded in the 13th century by the lords of Pernštejn as the seat of a separate branch of the family. Originally, it was called Kámen (Stone), in Latin Lapis, later Zubří kámen, and finally Zubštejn. The first written mention of the castle is from 1344. The castle guarded an important trade route along the Svratka River and also served as a center for silver ore mining in the area.

In 1358, the castle came into the possession of Margrave John Henry of Luxembourg, who granted it as a fief to various nobles or mortgaged it. At that time, the castle was expanded and rebuilt in the Gothic style. A second palace with vaulted floors, which is now the most prominent remnant of the castle, was built. A stone bridge and forebridge were also constructed for better defense of the castle core.

In 1446, the castle returned to the hands of the Pernštejn family, who continued to use it as their residence. William II of Pernštejn, in particular, contributed to its furnishing and fortification. He transferred half of the artillery from Pernštejn to Zubštejn and adorned it with marble elements. However, William II later moved his residence to Pardubice, and Zubštejn began to decline. The remote, uncomfortable, and high-situated castle no longer met the needs of representation and modernization. In 1547, it was first recorded as deserted and was definitively abandoned in 1596.

Current State of Zubštejn Castle

Only the ruins of Zubštejn Castle have survived, which are protected as a cultural monument of the Czech Republic. The ruins are the most massive in the wider area (the length of the complex is 275 meters, and the area is 1.7 hectares). From the castle core, a massive entrance tower, which acted as a shield against enemies, and two palaces with vaulted rooms have been preserved. Remains of walls and moats have survived from the outer bailey. Various archaeological finds, such as coins, shards, tiles, stove tiles, and marble lintels, have also been discovered at the castle.

The ruins of Zubštejn Castle are open to the public and can be visited year-round. Admission is voluntary. Various events, such as historical festivals, theater performances, and concerts, are held at the castle. There are also functional siege machines on display, vividly demonstrating medieval warfare techniques.

How to Get to the Castle

Zubštejn Castle can be visited on foot, by bike, or by car. Hikers can use marked tourist trails from Bystřice nad Pernštejnem (10 km), from Kobylnice (4 km), or from Pivonice (2 km). Cyclists can take the bike path from Bystřice nad Pernštejnem or the bike path from Kobylnice. If you come by car, you can park at the parking lot by the road between Pivonice and Kobylnice and walk about 1 km to the castle from there.

Other Points of Interest in the Area

The area around Zubštejn Castle has many other interesting sites and landmarks worth visiting, such as:

• Pernštejn Castle: One of the most beautiful and best-preserved castles in the Czech Republic, built in the 13th century and rebuilt in Gothic and Renaissance styles. It offers tours of its interiors and exteriors, exhibitions of history and art, knightly tournaments, and other events.
• Museum of the Vysočina Region in Bystřice nad Pernštejnem: A museum with exhibitions on the history, nature, and folk culture of the region. It is located in the building of a former Minorite monastery from the 17th century.
• Ruins of Pyšolec Castle: Located between the villages of Vír and Dvořiště (now part of Bystřice nad Pernštejnem). The castle was founded in the second half of the 13th century by the Pernštejns, and the first written mention of it dates back to 1325. The castle was abandoned in the first half of the 15th century, and today only remnants of walls and a tower remain.
• Ruins of Auršperk Castle: Situated above the Bystřice River, which surrounds it on three sides. The castle was also founded in the second half of the 13th century by the Pernštejns, and the first written mention of it dates back to 1325. The castle was abandoned at the beginning of the 15th century, and today only the moat and the remains of a cylindrical tower are preserved.
• Svojanov Castle: A picturesque castle built around 1262 by King Přemysl Otakar II as part of the defense of the Trstenice trade route. Originally called Fürstenberg, it was repeatedly rebuilt and expanded over the centuries.