Giant Castle (Obří hrad)
The highest-altitude Celtic oppidum (fortified settlement) in Bohemia.
Near Nicov, above the valley of the Losenice stream on the forested ridge of Valy Mountain (1010 m), lies a unique Celtic site – the Giant Castle (Obří hrad). From the hamlet of Popelná, you can hike along the 1.5 km (3 km round trip) long educational trail "Celts in the Šumava" to reach the highest-located Celtic oppidum in Bohemia. This site, the highest in the Czech Republic, is found near the settlement of Popelná by Nicov, 5 km southeast of Kašperské Hory, in Zone I of the Šumava National Park.
To the untrained eye, it may not be obvious that a human settlement once stood here over two and a half thousand years ago, but archaeologists have discovered double stone walls with a central acropolis. In addition to its historic significance, the Giant Castle offers scenic views. Another nearby Celtic site is Sedlo near Albrechtice, which is better known for its lookout tower. Near Vimperk lies another site – the oppidum Věnec.
The location is steeped in legends. One such tale tells of nine great giants who once inhabited the Giant Castle. One day, a poor tailor came to them begging for help as he could no longer feed his ten children. Instead of helping, the giants threw him off the cliff, and one even hurled a rock at him. However, the tailor survived the fall, and in the rock thrown at him, he found a large chunk of gold. Thanks to it, he and his children lived comfortably for the rest of their lives.
Access Routes
From Popelná:
- Popelná – Celtic oppidum (Giant Castle) – yellow trail – 0.7 km
From Nicov:
- Nicov – Pod Milovským vrchem – blue trail – 1.3 km
- Pod Milovským vrchem – Popelná – Celtic oppidum (Giant Castle) – yellow trail – 3.2 km
- Total distance: 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 oppidum (Giant Castle) – yellow trail – 0.7 km
- Total distance: 5.6 km
From Kašperské Hory:
- Kašperské Hory – Zlatý potok – Karlina Pila – Popelná – red trail – 7.6 km
- Popelná – Celtic oppidum (Giant Castle) – yellow trail – 0.7 km
- Total distance: 8.3 km
Text published by: Šumava National Park Administration, 2016
Author: Mgr. Josef Štemberk
Photo: © Mgr. Josef Štemberk
