Vlastislav: Skalka Castle, Exhibitions and Early History

Vlastislav lies on the Modla stream; above the village rises the tower of Skalka Castle, perched on a small basalt outcrop. The village, rock and tower give the destination a distinct historical focus. If you are looking for a hotel for a stay centred on culture and history, you can explore Vlastislav through several features from different periods: Skalka Castle, its exhibitions and the remains of early fortified settlements. These features do not belong to a single era. The gap between the medieval castle and the early medieval traces helps distinguish the different historical layers of the place.

Visiting Skalka

Skalka Castle can be visited via a separate entrance in the tower on the rock above the castle; the first and second floors are accessible. They house permanent exhibitions on the history of Vlastislav, beekeeping, historic prams and aircraft models. The visitor programme for 2026 also includes a fairy-tale exhibition. If you are interested in a particular subject, you can plan the exhibition visit as a separate part of your stay. Check the seasonal visiting arrangements before travelling; the separate entrance and accessible floors also provide practical guidance for visiting the castle.

The Castle and Early Fortifications

Skalka is a Gothic castle dating from the 14th century and was badly damaged during the Thirty Years’ War. The keep is the only surviving part of the castle and is protected as a cultural monument. The Vlastislav hillfort represents a much earlier historical layer. It was already inhabited in the second half of the 9th century; the fortified area was built in the following century. At Vlastislav – Na Šancích, a spur site contains remains of an early medieval hillfort from the 9th century. These early medieval fortifications predate the Gothic castle by several centuries. Visitors interested in archaeology can compare the different historical layers with the later castle complex.

Viewpoint and Route

From the viewpoint below the Skalka tower, you can see Košťálov, Oltářík, the surrounding hills of the Bohemian Central Highlands and Milešovka. Visibility depends on the weather, so you may need to plan a visit focused on the view differently from one focused on the exhibitions. The view adds a landscape perspective to the history of the village and castle. If the named peaks and the view are important to you, take the weather into account when planning your visit.

The international tourist route Zlatá stezka zemí hradů is another useful point of reference. It runs along the road between Vlastislav and Sutom; from there, a turn-off leads towards the castle and the ruins of Skalka Castle. Check the current signposting before relying on it for your plans.

Past Event Dates

Summer festivals were held on 30 August 2025 and 15 August 2026 in the courtyard of the municipal office. Events celebrating the burning of the witches were held in the courtyard of Zámek Skalka on 30 April 2024 and 30 April 2025. If you would like to plan a trip around an event, check the dates for your chosen period.

Discover more destinations: Vědomice, Čížkovice, Ploskovice, Píšťany, Mlékojedy, Přestavlky U Roudnice Nad Labem, Chotiměř, Úpohlavy

Go to the main travel overview: Litoměřice District.