Castle Vikštejn

Radkov, Czechia, Czech Republic (Czechia)

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Castle Vikštejn, located near Radkov in Czechia, was founded in the mid-13th century by Vítek of Kravaře, with its first written mention dating to 1377.

The castle originally stood on a rocky promontory above the Moravice River and was considered one of the most invincible fortresses in the Opava region. It changed owners multiple times, including members of the Opava princes and the Bírks of Násile. The castle was conquered and destroyed in 1474 by King Matthias Corvinus and suffered further damage during the Thirty Years’ War when it was occupied by Swedish and Danish forces. To prevent its reuse by enemies, imperial troops later demolished it.

Today, only ruins such as walls, stone arches, a moat, and a well carved into the rock remain, with some Renaissance-era reconstruction elements visible. The castle area is part of a protected natural reserve and features an archaeological trail with information panels about its history and structures.