Obří hrad – The Giant’s Castle
The highest-altitude Celtic hillfort in Bohemia.
Near the village of Nicov, above the valley of the Losenice stream on the forested ridge of Valy Hill (1010 m), lies a unique Celtic site – Obří hrad, or "The Giant’s Castle". From Popelná, visitors can reach the site via the 1.5 km educational trail "Celts in the Bohemian Forest" (3 km round trip), leading to the highest-altitude Celtic hillfort in Bohemia. This exceptional location lies near the settlement of Popelná, 5 km southeast of Kašperské Hory, within Zone I of the Šumava National Park.
To the untrained eye, it may be hard to tell that this place once hosted human settlement, but archaeologists have identified double stone ramparts and a central acropolis. In addition to historical significance, the Giant’s Castle also offers scenic views. Other nearby Celtic hillforts include Sedlo near Albrechtice, known for its lookout tower, and Věnec near Vimperk.
The site is shrouded in legend. One story tells of nine giants who once lived here. When a poor tailor came asking for help to feed his ten children, they refused and threw him off the cliff. One of the giants even hurled a rock after him. However, the tailor survived the fall and discovered a large piece of gold in the rock that changed his and his children's lives forever.
Access
From Popelná
Popelná – Celtic Hillfort (Obří hrad) – yellow trail, 0.7 km
From Nicov
Nicov – Pod Milovským vrchem – blue trail, 1.3 km
Pod Milovským vrchem – Popelná – Celtic Hillfort – yellow trail, 3.2 km
Total: 4.5 km
From Churáňov
Hotel Churáňov – U Lanovky – Na Rovinách – U Nového mostu – yellow trail, 2.1 km
U Nového mostu – Popelná – red trail, 2.8 km
Popelná – Celtic Hillfort – yellow trail, 0.7 km
Total: 5.6 km
From Kašperské Hory
Kašperské Hory – Zlatý potok – Karlina Pila – Popelná – red trail, 7.6 km
Popelná – Celtic Hillfort – yellow trail, 0.7 km
Total: 8.3 km
Published by: Šumava National Park Administration, 2016
Author: Mgr. Josef Štemberk
Photo: © Mgr. Josef Štemberk
Do you know that...
For centuries, locals could not explain the origins of the massive stone walls. Many believed the site was once inhabited by giants. One folk tale even tells of a bone found there, supposedly three meters long, which villagers from Popelná once used as a footbridge over the Losenice stream.
