Trosky Castle: the iconic Bohemian Paradise ruin with Baba and Panna towers

Trosky is a castle you recognise from far away. Two dark towers on basalt rocks, ruined walls between them and the landscape of the Bohemian Paradise all around. If the Bohemian Paradise had a logo cut into the skyline, it would probably look like this. Trosky is not the biggest castle, not the most comfortable castle and not an interior-heavy monument. But it is one of the strongest images of Czech landscape.

The castle stands above Troskovice, between Turnov, Jičín, Rovensko pod Troskami and Sobotka. Its two towers are called Baba and Panna. The names alone carry more atmosphere than many tourist slogans. Trosky feels mysterious, romantic and rough at the same time. It is not a fairytale stage like Bouzov and not a closed fortress like Pernštejn. It is a ruin that became the symbol of an entire region.

Why visit

Trosky is ideal for anyone who wants views, an iconic silhouette and a shorter castle visit without a long guided tour. The castle is visited independently, without a guide, so you choose your own pace. That is excellent for photographers, families with older children, couples and hikers who want to combine the castle with a longer walk through the Bohemian Paradise.

The greatest strength of Trosky is not the number of rooms, but its position. The castle rises directly from basalt rocks and the views remind you why the Bohemian Paradise is so popular. You look towards Hruboskalsko, the Podtrosecká valleys, the Jičín area, Kozákov and, in clear weather, far beyond.

What you will see

The standard route is called Whole Castle – self-guided. The castle is not divided into several normal visitor circuits. After paying admission, you enter the accessible castle area. The visit takes about 40 minutes, although in reality it depends on how often you stop for a photo, view or breath.

From the first gate, you reach the courtyard with refreshments. From the second courtyard, the main viewpoint parts begin. Baba tower has 138 steps and a viewing gallery. Panna tower is closed to the public, but the area below it and Aehrenthálská viewpoint are among the most attractive parts of the castle.

Time needed

Allow 1.5 to 2.5 hours for the castle itself: parking, uphill walk, entrance, visit, viewpoint, photos and return. If you like photography, add more time. Trosky looks good from almost every side.

If you want to combine it with a longer walk, plan half a day to a full day. The official nearby loop through the Podtrosecká valleys is about 16 km long and leads through ponds, rocks, meadows and forests. That is already a proper Bohemian Paradise day out.

Tickets

The standard self-guided whole-castle admission costs CZK 180 for adults. Seniors, youth aged 18–24 and disability-card holders pay CZK 140. Children aged 6–17 pay CZK 50 and children under 5 enter free. Reservation is not required for the usual self-guided visit.

Kindergarten groups have a special CZK 40 admission. Children’s worksheets called Trosky for Children are sold at the ticket office for CZK 30 and include a pencil; the version for younger children also includes stickers.

The car park below the castle is privately operated. Listed all-day parking is CZK 70 for a car, CZK 150 for a bus, minibus or truck, CZK 100 for a caravan or trailer and CZK 50 for a motorcycle.

Opening hours

In 2026 the castle is open from 2 April to 1 November. In April and October, it opens mainly on weekends, holidays and public holidays. In May, June and September it opens daily except Monday. In July and August it opens daily.

In the main summer season, opening hours are usually 9:00–17:30, while September and October are shorter. Always check the exact date, because events can change the normal operation and some event days may have special rules, including dog restrictions.

Transport and parking

By car, the route is straightforward. A paid car park lies below the castle. From there, a paved path through woodland climbs about 500 metres to the castle. It is short, but uphill.

By train, the nearest stops are Borek pod Troskami and Ktová, both about 3.5 km from the castle on marked trails. By bus, Hrubá Skála, Borek is a practical stop, also about 3.5 km away. In summer, tourist buses may get you closer to Svitačka, about 1.3 km from the castle.

Cyclists can reach the area, but bikes are not allowed inside the castle. Cycling on the approach path from the car park is also prohibited, so you must dismount and push. Racks are available before the castle gate.

Accessibility

Trosky is not barrier-free. The castle terrain is steep, uneven and rocky, with many stairs. The path from the car park is very steep and unsuitable for wheelchairs. After prior arrangement, disability-card holders may be allowed to drive closer to the castle gate, but the castle itself remains difficult.

A stroller can reportedly reach the second courtyard, but beyond that there are stairs and more demanding terrain. With small children, a carrier is usually more practical.

Dogs and children

Dogs and other animals may enter the castle area on a leash, but they are not allowed on Aehrenthálská viewpoint, Baba tower or the stairs leading to viewpoints. A lockable kennel with water is available before the castle. On selected event days, stricter rules may apply.

Trosky works well for children who enjoy ruins, stairs and views. It is not a classic fairytale tour, but more of an adventurous walk through a castle ruin. The children’s worksheets are useful because they give young visitors tasks during the self-guided visit.

Views and surroundings

The views are the main reward. From Trosky, you see much of the Bohemian Paradise: ponds, valleys, woods, rocks and villages. In clear weather, the castle feels like a viewpoint with a medieval bonus.

Nearby options are excellent: the Podtrosecká valleys, Vidlák, Věžák, Nebák, Hruboskalsko, Kost Castle, Prachov Rocks, Turnov and Jičín. The only danger is overloading the day. In the Bohemian Paradise, everything looks close, and suddenly you have planned five beautiful places and no time to enjoy any of them.

Who it suits

Trosky suits lovers of views, ruins, iconic landscapes, photographers, families with older children, hikers and cyclists who do not mind pushing the bike near the castle. The best months are May, June, September and early October. Summer has the longest opening hours, but also more people.

It is less suitable for visitors who need barrier-free access, dislike stairs or want rich interiors. Trosky is simple, exposed and physical in places, but the reward is one of the most famous views in Czechia.

Practical tip

For a first visit, arrive in the morning or later afternoon, especially in summer and on weekends. Visit the castle independently, climb Baba, enjoy the viewpoint below Panna and leave time for exterior photos. With half a day, add the Podtrosecká valleys. With a full day, make Trosky the anchor of a longer Bohemian Paradise hike.