Castle Helfenburk
Ruins of a 14th-century Gothic castle, hidden in the forests between Bavorov and Volyně.
In 1355, Emperor Charles IV granted permission to four brothers of the Rosenberg family to build a fortress on Malošín Hill as a reward for their help in suppressing the rebellion in Pisa, Italy. The brothers wasted no time, and by 1357, the first castellan of Helfenburk, Jaroslav Měřička of Vitějovice, was appointed. Fourteen years after the foundation charter was issued, another castellan, Buzek of Lhota, informed the ruler in Krumlov that the castle palace was fully completed.
Construction, however, did not end in the second half of the 14th century but continued into the 15th and, according to recent research, even into the first half of the 16th century.
By 1580, the castle was no longer used for its original purpose but remained inhabited by lower officials as the administrative center of the estate. In 1593, the last of the Rosenbergs, Peter Wok, sold the castle along with the entire estate to the town of Prachatice.
After the Battle of White Mountain, the property was confiscated from the town by Emperor Ferdinand II for its involvement in the Bohemian Revolt and was gifted to his favorite, Johann Ulrich von Eggenberg. After the Eggenberg family died out in 1717, the castle and estate passed into the ownership of the Schwarzenbergs, from whom it was confiscated in 1922 as part of land reforms. The property was then transferred to the State Forests and Estates of Třeboň, which leased the ruins to the Czech Tourist Club, who made it accessible to the public from the 1920s.
After 1945, Helfenburk was classified as one of the state castles and châteaux of the Czechoslovak Republic.
In the 1990s, following the Municipalities Act, ownership of the castle was transferred to the town of Bavorov, which still owns it today and continues its restoration for future generations of visitors.
Opening Hours
- January + February: closed
- March + April: open on weekends and public holidays from 10:00 – 16:00
- May to September: open daily (except Mondays) from 10:00 – 17:00
- October: open on weekends and public holidays from 10:00 – 16:00
- November + December: closed
- Exceptions: open on 31.12.2020 and 1.1.2021
Entrance Fees
- Adults: 45 CZK
- Discounted Entry (children, students, seniors, disabled visitors): 35 CZK
- Prices may vary for special events.
Wedding ceremonies can be arranged at the castle. Reservations can be made via the Bavorov Town Hall at +420 383 390 202.
Parking & Access
The parking area is located on a meadow below the castle, less than 1 km away, and is free of charge. The castle is accessible via a well-maintained asphalt forest road.
Visitors with reduced mobility can drive directly to the castle, but please note that movement within the ruins is challenging and assistance is required.
Interesting Fact!
By prior arrangement, visitors can camp overnight in the castle courtyard under their own shelter, following specified rules.
More information: www.helfenburk.com
