Grub's Castle Rock

90 km to the north-east of Prague , among the mountain range Grub Skala, stands the castle of the same name. Due to the fact that it is erected on a conical ledge, the Grub Skala castle seems much higher than it actually is. Today it is open to tourists; part of it is an excursion, part of it is reserved for a hotel . From the observation deck you can see the view of the surrounding area, which, thanks to its amazing beauty, is named the Czech Paradise .

A bit of history

The Castle of the Grub Skala was founded by a certain Ginek of Valdstejn. The exact date of its erection is unknown - a mention in written sources in 1353 suggests that it was built in the first half of the 14th century.

During its existence the castle changed owners many times, many of which rebuilt or completed it. In 1469 and in 1618, the castle was confiscated in favor of the crown, after which it was usually "donated" to new owners. In 1630 Albrecht von Waldstein became the owner of the castle, and until the nineteenth century, Grub Skala belonged to his descendants.

In 1710 and in 1804, the building was seriously damaged by fires, which resulted in the transformation from a Gothic castle into a Renaissance palace, and later again acquired gothic features.

Castle complex

You can get to the castle through a bridge - a ditch was dug around the complex, which in the old days was filled with water. The bridge itself was previously a drawbridge. Today it is stationary, it is decorated with sculptures of saints Wavrinets and Florian, as well as gates.

The castle itself has 3 wings, which form a courtyard of rectangular shape with one unclosed side. The oldest part of the building is the north-west, it has been preserved since the 16th century. There was also a tower that was destroyed, and the new Grand Tower, which can be seen today, was erected on the foundation of the old one in 1859.

On the territory of the castle are located:

Under the castle of Grub Skala there are cellars and a rebuilt brewery of the XVI century. In the big hall of the castle there is a fireplace of the 16th century, which is decorated with figures dressed in the style of the Roman Empire.

Hotel

In the castle hotel there are 57 rooms, and the most varied ones: there are also simple rooms, with a cost of 27 euros (during the promotion the price of this room may fall below 20 euros), and luxury apartments located in the castle towers, from 180 euros.

A restaurant

The hotel has a restaurant serving Czech and international cuisine, and the Hunting Lodge, where you can sample medieval and traditional Czech dishes . Places open at 11:00 and close between April and October at 23:00, and from November to March - at 22:00.

Breakfast for hotel guests and guests is served in the form of a buffet in the Valdstejnsky Hall; its cost for guests is 150 kroons (about 5.84 euros), and for the residents of the hotel the price of breakfast is included in the price.

How to get to the castle?

From Prague, by car to the Grub Skala castle, you can drive in less than 1 hour 10 minutes if you go first by E65, and after driving about 70 km, turn onto the E35 road towards Turnov . After passing Turnov and Radonovichi, motorists will see a signpost for the road leading to the castle.

In addition, from the main station of Prague 4 times a day trains go to Turnov , and from there (directly from the railway station) in the direction of the Coarse Rocks there are buses; the time of their departure is timed to the time of arrival of the train. Visit the castle with a tour can be from April to October (for hotel guests - all year round).