Šaunštejn Rock Castle

The rock castle of Šaunštejn probably dates back to the end of the 14th century. Its main purpose was to protect the so-called Bohemian Trail, an important trade route connecting Bohemia and Saxony. Initially, the castle belonged to the rich Berk family from Dubá, but later it passed into the hands of another important family of the Bohemian Kingdom - the Wartenbergs. However, Šaunštejn was conquered in 1444 and has been increasingly deserted since then. The rock castle eventually became a hideout for various robber bands and deserters. It became known as the Robber Castle.

A red marked trail will lead you to Šaunštejn. You can take it for example from Mezní Louka or Vysoké Lípa, from where you will initially follow the yellow marked trail. However, the ascent to the castle itself is complicated. To get to the top, you have to climb ladders and steep steps set into a narrow gap in the rock. The tops of the rocks are then connected by footbridges. The reward for the challenging hike are magical views of the surrounding landscape that you won't see anywhere else. From its top you can see the picturesque surroundings of Vysoké Lípa and a large part of Bohemian Switzerland. The Růžovský vrch basalt massif stands out in the landscape.

As far as the castle itself is concerned, only its remains are preserved today. On the northern part of the castle, you can see the rock outcropping where the main tower used to stand. Today, it is only a small room with a jug-shaped seat, which was probably a cistern or a prison, or was used as a storehouse. On the other hand, a little lower down, in the side parts of the rock wall, there is a rock cave, which was probably a stable or a gatehouse.

In 2021, Šaunštejn underwent a reconstruction that dealt with the unstable rock blocks above the entrance to the castle, and also modified and made more secure the viewing platforms. Still, in bad weather, moving around the rocks requires extra caution.

Pravčická's little sister

If you go to Šaunštejn along the trail from Mezní Louka, you will come across an interesting sandstone massif in the shape of an arch. It is called Small Pravčická Gate and is a smaller version of the natural landmark of Bohemian Switzerland. Unlike the Pravčická Gate, you can walk above its arch, where a metal lookout is built.