Zřícenina Hradu Nový Herštejn

Němčice, Czechia, Czech Republic (Czechia)

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Zřícenina Hradu Nový Herštejn is the ruin of a Gothic hilltop castle located near the village of Němčice in western Czechia.

The castle was built in the first half of the 14th century, likely by members of the powerful Velhartice noble family, and served as an important regional stronghold. The castle was heavily involved in conflicts along the Bohemian-Bavarian border. In 1475, Bavarian forces captured and severely damaged it during a siege, after which it gradually lost its military importance and was eventually abandoned.

Later owners and the town of Domažlice did not restore it, leading to its decline into ruins. Today, visitors can explore the remains of its massive residential tower, fortifications, and earthworks on a forested hill within the protected Herštýn Nature Reserve. The site is both a cultural monument and a scenic destination for hikers interested in medieval history.