Trip to the ruins of Okoř Castle

There is a road to Okor....

Starting point

The beginning of the dirt road near the Kováry railway station. The car can be left by the road.
 

Description of the hike

This route to the famous ruins of Okoř Castle is very simple and also very popular. Along the way we met many cyclists, runners and horse riders.

We followed the red hiking trail along a wide dirt road. It basically follows the Zákolanský brook. Thus, it is almost flat. The path leads first through a field, later the field alternated with forest passages. We passed by the Podholí solitude and continued to the railway viaduct at Nový Mlýn. The Nový mlýn solitude is beautifully renovated and there is an art gallery in its garden. Shortly at Nový mlýn we left the valley of the Zákolanský brook for a while and continued along the dirt road to Okoř Castle. In the cottage settlement Višňovka we joined the asphalt road. After that we reached the ruins of Okoř Castle. The castle was still closed, so we enjoyed at least beautiful views of it.

Afterwards we went to the Ella snack bar where we had a light meal and some soft drinks. After a rest we started our return journey. We chose the blue hiking trail. It leads along the road for a short distance at first, but we soon turned onto a dirt road. We continued along it towards the Kováry railway station. In the forest section we left the marker and continued straight ahead on a wide path. Soon we joined the green marker. Following it, we descended steeply into the stream valley and then comfortably returned to the starting point.
 

Difficulty

A very simple and short trip. Almost the whole time you walk on wide dirt roads. There is only one section that is slightly challenging and that is during the return from Okoř Castle. The descent down the green trail to the valley of the Zákolanský brook is very steep. Moreover, there is probably not much walking, as there is no trail or hiking path. Just a steep slope in the forest. Otherwise, the trail is ideal for families with children. The elevation gain on the trail is minimal. The hike is dog-friendly and even a stroller would have made it through if it weren't for the aforementioned forest section.
 

Water availability

Refreshments are available at the ruins of Okoř Castle. We visited the Ella refreshment. There should be some restaurants here, but we didn't try them. Thanks to this, you only need to take 0,5 liters of your own liquids.
 

Mountain peaks

The route does not go over any peaks. A view of the Bohemian Central Highlands is offered by a section of the trail along the dirt road from Okoř Castle.
 

Danger

The route is very simple. The only difficult passage is a steep descent through the forest. This can probably be avoided by another route, but it is a walk.
 

Food

The restaurant and refreshments are at the ruins of Okoř Castle. We used only the refreshments and it was enough for us.
 

Attractions

Okoř Castle is one of our most famous ruins. It stands on a rock in the valley of the Zákolanský brook on the outskirts of the village of Okoř. It was founded in the middle of the 13th century, probably by a high church dignitary. In the 14th century the castle was significantly rebuilt in the Gothic style. Over time, the Jesuits acquired the castle and used it as a summer residence. After the abolition of the Jesuit order, the castle was abandoned and gradually dismantled for building materials. Currently, the castle ruins are open to the public from April to November and there is a fee for admission.