Branná (Kolštejn)

Branná, Czechia, Czech Republic (Czechia)

---

Branná (Kolštejn) Castle, also known as Goldenstein, is a historic castle and chateau complex situated on a rocky cliff above the Branná River in Czechia.

It was probably built between 1306 and 1310 by Jan of Wüstehube and first documented in 1313. Later, it was owned by King John of Luxembourg, who granted it to the Lords of Lipá, and over centuries it changed hands between noble families such as the House of Žerotín and the Liechtensteins. In the 15th century, the castle was fortified extensively, and in the 16th century, a Renaissance chateau was built, blending with the original Gothic fortress.

It played a strategic role during the Thirty Years' War, housing an imperial garrison and withstanding Swedish attacks. After subsequent fires and decline, the castle was repurposed over time to serve as a brewery and school. Now, the castle and chateau have been partially restored and adapted into the Chateau Goldenstein Hotel, offering visitors a glimpse into its layered history and architecture while preserving its cultural significance as a once formidable fortress and noble residence.