Kotviny (hrad) Ruin
The ruin of the castle Kleinštejn is located on the sharpside running from the side of the Lobby Hill in the Doupovska Mountains, approximately 1.5 kilometres southwest of Kotvin near the Monasterce nad Ohří. It is the remnants of a single chateau of the bergfrit type, whose beginnings remain unclear. The first written mention of it dates back to 1435, when the fortress belonged to Žiblad of Žďár. It was soon acquired by Vojtěch z Doupova, which then was raised by the centre by disputes with the neighbour Vend of Illburk, the owner of the nearby castle Egerberk.
Conflicts between these nobles culminated in 1437 when Vojtěch z Doupova brought a lawsuit against Venda of Illburk. According to his claim, this comrade sent his husband, John, to conquer and destroy the chateau of Kleinstejn. This is probably the end of the chateau function, although architecture shows the strategic importance of the site.
Building, Kleinstejn was included among the chateaux of the bergfrit type. Peculi's trapezoidal plan defined a wall of 180 centimetres wide. The dominant was the round tower of bergfrit with a diameter of ten metres with massive walls of a strong 3.7 metres, which survived to a height of just two metres and were apparently fitted with a razor, according to experts. In the middle of the south side, the gate to the courtyard was opening. On the north side there was a palace in the shape of the letter L, which was partially unfolded and divided by partitions. In the southwest of Nарoji there were terrain tracks of another building. The whole building was surrounded by a park wall 80 centimetres wide, which protected about five meters wide. The vulnerable south side was also guarded by a partially buried moat, before which perhaps there was a foothold.
Due to the location in the military training area, the remains of the chateau are not accessible to the public. The location of the chateau remains, however, a matter of expert discussion - written sources mention it only from the 15th century, while archaeological findings at the site come mainly from the thirteenth to fourteenth centuries.
Historical milestones
- 1435
- First mention of the chateau.
- 1437
- Chateau conquered and killed.
Architectural development
Kleinstejn was a one-piece chateau with a trapezoidal plan, bounded by a wall of 180 centimetres wide. There was a round bergfrit at the head, and on the north side of the courtyard was an L-shaped palace.
Historical events
- 1435
- First written mention of the chateau.
- 1437
- John conquered and killed Kleinstejn at the impulse of Vend of Illburk.
Owners
- 15 th century
- 1435
Points of interest
- The ruin of the castle Kleinštejn is located on a sharpness running from the side of the Lobby Hill in the Doupo Mountains, approximately 1.5 kilometers southwest of Kotvin near the Monasterce nad Ohří. - The first written mention of the chateau dates back to 1435, when it belonged to the Žilbard of Žďár. - In 1437 Vojtěch z Doupova filed a lawsuit against Vendu of Illburk for his husband John conquered and conquered the chateau of Kleinstein. - The chateau was a one-piece chateau of the bergfrit type with trapezoidal floor plan and round tower of the bergfrit with a diameter of ten meters. - The remains of the chateau are not accessible to the public because they are located in the military training area.
Guide
This guide is narrated by a synthetic voice generated by artificial intelligence.
Show guide text
This text was created by artificial intelligence and has not been editorially reviewed. It may contain inaccuracies.
On a promontory jutting out from the slopes of Humnický vrch in the Doupovské hory mountains lies the ruins of a castle, traditionally called Kleinštejn. The site is on the edge of the military training area Hradiště, about one and a half kilometers southwest of Kotvina u Klášterce nad Ohří.
The castle's origins are unclear. It is first mentioned in 1435, when it belonged to Žibřid ze Žďáru. Shortly after, it was acquired by Vojtěch z Doupova. He quarreled with Vend z Illburka, the lord of the neighboring castle Egerberka. From a lawsuit filed by Vojtěch in 1437, we learn that a certain Jan, at Vend's instigation, captured and destroyed Kleinštejn.
However, it is not entirely certain that the name Kleinštejn actually belongs to these ruins. Written sources mention the castle only in the fifteenth century. Most of the archaeological finds, meanwhile, are older, dating from the period between the middle of the thirteenth and the fourteenth century. Only a small portion comes from the fifteenth century. For this reason, Jiří Úlovec proposed connecting the reports about Kleinštejn with a fortified settlement near the disappeared village of Zakšov. However, its small dimensions argue against this. The ruins on Humnický vrch are supported by at least a smaller amount of pottery from the fifteenth century. Moreover, it is believed that a limited archaeological survey only captured a mound of collapsed masonry, not a layer from when the castle was inhabited. The historian August Sedláček also associated the site with the name Kleinštejn because the local forest was called Klingenstein.
The castle was single-part and had a trapezoidal ground plan. It was surrounded by a wall 180 centimeters thick. Its main defense was a round tower in the eastern corner, technically called a bergfrit. It had a diameter of about ten meters and walls 3.7 meters thick. Today, only about two meters of its height remain. The tower was most likely equipped with a batter, or an edge facing the attacker. Below it, approximately in the middle of the southern side, was the gate. On the northern side of the courtyard stood a partially vaulted palace in the shape of the letter L, divided by several partitions. Remains in the terrain indicate that another building stood in the southwestern corner.
The entire castle was enclosed by a palisade wall 80 centimeters thick. Between it and the main wall, a strip about five meters wide was created, called a palisade. The southern side, from where access to the castle was easiest, was protected by a ditch, now partially filled in. Before it, there may have been a forecastle.
Tips for visitors
The best time to visit is in the summer months, especially in August to October, when the conditions for walking are favourable and the landscape is surrounded by golden colour of leafy trees. This time is also ideal due to mild temperatures that allow long walks.
For those travelling by public transport, it is appropriate to verify the current connections using the route search engine.
What to take with you: We recommend you bring comfortable shoes for walking on irregular terrain, protective sunglasses and plenty of drinking water. Do not forget also on the tab with the map area or GPS device for orientation between ruins.
Photography: The best places for photography are approaches to ruins, especially in the early morning or evening when light is softer and shadow play on ruins is best visible. Special views also offer horizons from surrounding heights, which can be achieved after short walks.
What to visit in the surroundings: In the vicinity of the ruins of Kleinstejn there are Doupov Mountains with their natural beauties which offer the possibility for various activities such as camping or mountain bike trips. In the village Okounov you can find out more about the history and traditions of the region.
Frequently asked questions
Can the monument be visited?
This is a ruin. Such sites are often freely accessible, but some can only be visited with a guide or are closed for safety reasons. We have not verified the current situation – take care and respect any restrictions.
Where is the monument?
Location: Okounov, Karlovarský kraj. The map on this page shows the exact spot.
For kids
Imagine going back to a time when chateaux were strong and kings ruled over the land. Now you're on the side of the Lobby Hill in the Doup Mountains, where you'll find the ruins of castle Kleinstejn.
How did it look here? Who lived here? What happened here? It was like in a game when heroes fought for the kingdom. At this place stood the chateau of Kleinstejn, which was the seat of nobles and warriors. Local people lived near the chateau and fed on agriculture and pasture.
Businesses nearby
Do you run a restaurant, accommodation, shop, museum, rental, wellness or other visitor service near this monument? Show yourself directly to the people heading to it — this is how they will see you in the app and on the web:
Nearby
Doup Mountains
Accommodation nearby
Trips and activities nearby
Guided tours, tickets and activities nearby from GetYourGuide
Affiliate link: if you buy from the partner, we may receive a commission. The price for you does not change.
Search tours and activities →Themed route
Thematic cruise route - Kotviny (hrad) and surroundings
1. Anchors (ruin) * Type: * Historical ruins * Why is it worth visiting: * Anchors are a fascinating reminder of the past which offer a unique view of the history of the region. The ruin will lead you into an era of chateaux and their strategic importance to the region of Karlovy Vary.
2. Anchors (park) * Type: * Park * Why is it worth a visit: * Park around the ruins of Kotvin is an ideal place to relax and walk in nature. Its quiet corners and a beautiful view of the surrounding landscape make it the perfect place to relax after exploring the historical monuments.
3. Okounov (municipality) * Type: * Municipal centre * Why is it worth visiting: * Visit the village Okounov offers the opportunity to explore local culture and traditions. It is a great way to learn more about life in this part of the Karlovy Vary region and enjoy the authentic atmosphere of a small town.
This route offers a combination of history, nature and culture, making it ideal for a day trip to the Okounova area.
Seasonal recommendations
Spring: In the spring season Kotviny (hrad) in Okounov is special because of the reviving nature that surrounds ruins. The leafy trees are starting to frown and the landscape is gaining lively colors, creating a romantic atmosphere to visit. Sun days are common, but evening cold can be surprising, so it is advisable to equip yourself with clothes according to temperature. This time of year tends to be slightly visited, which allows a peaceful tour without large crowds. The best is to come in the early afternoon when the sun lights the chateau walls into the sweet shadows.
Summer: Summer in Kotviny offers long days and warm sun rays, creating ideal conditions for visiting. The atmosphere is full of life; nature is in bloom and the room around the ruins becomes a mild refuge from summer heat. This time of year is most popular, so it is advisable to come early in the morning or later in the evening to avoid complaints from crowds. Do not forget the protective sun cream and sufficient water because the sun can be very strong.
Autumn: In autumn, Kotviny (hrad) is transformed into a melancholy place with a colourful leafy landscape. The lighting is finer and the sunlight creates beautiful shadows between the ruins, giving a visit a romantic and quiet character. This time of year is usually less visited than in summer, so you have a chance to see the memory without limitation. It is advisable to equip yourself with warmer clothes and perhaps even with an umbrella, because autumn weather can be relentless.
Winter: Winter visit to Kotvin (chateau) offers a unique atmosphere covered with snow and ice views that add mystical character to the ruins. Sun rays reflecting on ice can create unforgettable images. This time of year is the least visited, which allows a quiet tour. It is important to come well dressed with warm scarves and umbrella for snow conditions.
Visualizations and artistic views
The visualisations are generated by artificial intelligence and serve as inspiration.
Atmosphere of the place
This atmospheric visualisation of the place and period was generated by artificial intelligence. It is not real footage of the location.
Tips from visitors
No tips yet. Be the first!
Log in and add your tip.
Sources and literature
Faktickým podkladem tohoto textu byl článek na Wikipedii, jehož autory jsou přispěvatelé Wikipedie. Článek je dostupný pod licencí CC BY-SA 4.0.
Location on the map
Příběhy a pověsti
Legendy, pověsti a příběhy spjaté s touto památkou
Fotografie návštěvníků
Zatím žádné fotografie. Buďte první, kdo přidá fotografii z návštěvy!
Log in a přidejte svou fotografii nebo hodnoťte.
Za ověřenou návštěvu v aplikaci získáte víc bodů — poznáme podle GPS, že jste na místě.
Reviews and comments