Hrad Roštejn
Gothic-Renaissance hunting castle near Telč, managed by the Vysočina Museum in Jihlava; it offers a guided tour, a nature trail and an observation tower.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
Roštejn Castle stands on a rocky hill in the Javořice Hills, about 10 km north of Telč. The lords of Hradec began building it during the 14th and 15th centuries, probably from the start as a hunting seat and possibly also as a watch post. The first written mention dates from 1353, in the land tables of Brno. Its German name, Rosenstein, comes from the coat of arms of the founders, with a golden five-petalled rose in a blue field.
In 1569–1584 the castle was substantially rebuilt in the Renaissance style under Zachariáš of Hradec. It later passed to the Slavata family, from 1691 to the Lichtenstein-Kastelkorn family and from 1796 to the Podstatský z Lichtenštejna family. After 1945 the property was confiscated by the state, and the castle was first managed by the State Forests in Telč and then by a district commission in Třešť. In 1915 a fire broke out after lightning struck the tower, and only provisional repairs followed; almost nothing of the original furnishings survived.
In 1964 the Vysočina Museum Jihlava took over the castle; in 1969 part of the building was opened to the public, and from 1982 all interiors have been accessible. In 2017–2020, an extensive renovation linked to new exhibitions was carried out with support from the IROP programme. Today the castle is owned by the Vysočina Region and operated by the Muzeum Vysočiny Jihlava. The interiors are furnished with objects from the Jihlava museum and its branches.
Highlights
- Guided tour route A: Lovecké sídlo v proměnách dějin (The Hunting Seat Through the Ages)
- Route B: Příroda, lovectví a myslivost (Nature, Hunting and Forestry), with the play room U zvídavé lišky
- The original black kitchen (černá kuchyně) from 2009
- Tower with a view over the surroundings, in good visibility even as far as the Alpine peaks
- Children’s games Ukradený poklad veverky Terky and Případ zmizelého klíče
Permanent exhibitions
- Lovecké sídlo v proměnách dějin (trasa A) – Guided tour showing life at the hunting seat in different periods of history, with objects from the Muzeum Vysočiny Jihlava and its branches.
- Příroda, lovectví a myslivost (trasa B) – Self-guided tour of the castle corridors, the chapel and the botanical hall with natural history exhibitions and the play room U zvídavé lišky.
- Původní černá kuchyně – Exhibition of the original black kitchen from 2009, linked to the ticket office.
- Operated by
- Muzeum Vysočiny Jihlava, příspěvková organizace (majitel Kraj Vysočina)
Admission & discounts
| Adults | 150 Kč |
|---|---|
| Reduced | 100 Kčseniors, children aged 6–15, students up to 26, holders of a ZTP card |
| Children & teens | 100 Kčfree up to age 5 · children aged 6–15 (route A); under 6 free of charge; organised groups from nursery schools pay CZK 50 per child |
| Seniors | 100 Kč |
| Visitors with disabilities | 100 Kčcompanion free · holders of a ZTP card pay the reduced price; holders of ZTP/P cards get one ticket at the reduced price and one free of charge |
| Students & apprentices | 100 Kčup to 26 |
| Groups | –educational programmes for pre-booked organised groups CZK 130 per person |
| Families | 400 Kč2 adults and 1 to 4 children (route A) |
| Route B – basic | 100 KčNature, Hunting and Forestry |
| Route B – reduced | 80 Kč |
| Route B – family | 300 Kč |
| Castle tower | 50 Kčsingle price |
The prices stated apply to route A, The Hunting Seat Through the Ages. Free admission on presentation of proof is granted to holders of AMG, NPÚ and Slovak museum association cards and to journalists on duty; holders of the ČMMJ card receive route B free of charge. Payment is possible by card or in cash; small souvenirs and refreshments are cash only. Foreign-language tours are only for pre-booked groups; individual visitors can borrow an audio guide in English or German.
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible: no information
- Elevator: no information
- Accessible restroom: no information
- Accessible parking: no information
- Service dogs welcome: no information
- Tactile models & exhibits: no information
- Sign language tours: no information
- Easy-to-read materials: no information
- Audio description: no information
The website does not give details on accessibility; information can be obtained from the castle at rostejn@mvji.cz.
Kids & families
Great for kids & families
| Kids’ admission | free up to age 5 |
|---|---|
| Family ticket | 400 Kč · 2 adults and 1 to 4 children (route A) |
- Family tours & workshops
- Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide
- Playground / play area
Route B is intended especially for families with children and ends in the play room U zvídavé lišky. Games for children include Ukradený poklad veverky Terky (courtyard and route B) and Případ zmizelého klíče (tower; a tower ticket is required). Educational programmes are available for schools and groups.
Getting there & parking
By public transit
Doupě / Růžená · 2 km
The nearest train or bus connections are to Hodice (5 km), Třešť (9 km) and Telč (10 km); a bus also runs to Růžená and Doupě (each 2 km from the castle).
By car
Parking available
The car park is directly in front of the castle, except on days of cultural events and in emergencies. Overnight stays of motorhomes in the castle car park must be announced in advance. Coaches are recommended to take the route via Doupě, with passengers alighting at the junction in front of the castle.
The castle stands at the end of a fifth-class road between Doupě and Růžená, about 10 km north of Telč. Access via Růžená was closed because of sewer construction; the detour runs via Třeštice, and the restriction applies until the end of the 2026 season.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
- Museum shop
Small souvenirs and refreshments in cash only. There is no restaurant near the castle; the nearest dining and accommodation is in Telč.
Events & venue rental
- Spaces for rent
- Weddings / ceremonies
The castle offers wedding ceremonies and hire of spaces; details are on the page Svatby a pronájem (Weddings and Hire).
Inquiries & detailsPlan your visit
| Guided tours | yes · approx. 60 min |
|---|---|
| Audio guide | yes (EN, DE) |
| School programs | yes |
| Good to know | Route A (The Hunting Seat Through the Ages) is conducted with a guide and takes about 50–60 minutes; tours usually start every full hour. Route B (Nature, Hunting and Forestry, 30–40 minutes) is independent and leads through the castle corridors, the chapel and the botanical hall. The tower is accessible for a separate ticket throughout the opening hours. |
