Vodní hrad Lipý

About the museum

The castle was founded at the end of the 13th century by the lords of Lipé, members of the Ronovec family, in the valley of the River Ploučnice, where the river split into meanders and dead arms. The first written mention dates from 1277. The fate of the castle was linked from the beginning with the town that grew up under its protection. In 1319 the Berka family of Dubá bought the estate, and they held it until the Hussite Wars. In 1426 the castle and town were captured by the troops of Jan Roháč of Dubá, and the castle became the Hussites’ northern base for raids into Lusatia.

In the 16th century the castle was rebuilt as a Renaissance château. After the Battle of White Mountain it was acquired by Albrecht of Wallenstein, who moved the administration of the estate to Nový Zámek in nearby Zahrádky. The castle ceased to be a noble seat and gradually decayed. After a fire destroyed much of the town in 1820, the complex was leased and later converted into a sugar factory. In February 1957 the main château building was blown up on the order of the local national committee, and the complex then lay neglected for a long time.

In 1992 a large archaeological survey began, which brought new findings about the beginnings of settlement in Česká Lípa and about the building development of the seigniorial residence. The complex was restored at the same time. Since June 2003 the castle has been open to the public. Its dominant features are the massive curtain wall with a Renaissance window and two gate towers; Gothic cellars from the second half of the 14th century survive from the main building. In the only surviving structure, the eastern gate tower, an exhibition shows life in the castle at the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries.

Highlights

• Gothic cellars from the second half of the 14th century, with a display of archaeological finds
• Eastern gate tower with an exhibition on life at the castle around 1900
• Courtyard with the foundations of a keep and the remains of castle architecture
• Holiday tours with the White Lady and a Hussite
• Combined ticket with the Textile Printing Centre

Permanent exhibitions

• Život na hradě na přelomu 19. a 20. století – The exhibition in the eastern gate tower, the only surviving building of the castle, recalls everyday life at the castle around 1900.
• Gotická hradní sklepení – Cellar from the second half of the 14th century, part of the original main castle building, with a small display of archaeological finds from the survey of the complex.

Founded

2003

Operated by

Kultura Česká Lípa, příspěvková organizace

Admission & discounts

Prices apply to the guided tour. Tickets are sold at the ticket office of the Textile Printing Centre, and in July and August also at the castle ticket office; they can also be bought online (online tickets are not intended for groups). The holiday tours with the White Lady and a Hussite cost CZK 150 for adults and CZK 70 for children. Card payment is possible at the ticket offices.

Accessibility

• Partially wheelchair accessible
• 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

Step-free access is available only in the castle courtyard. Dogs are not allowed in the interiors or the cellars; in the outdoor area dogs are allowed only on a lead and muzzled.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops

During the holidays, fun tours with the White Lady and a Hussite take place for children and adults, starting at 11:00 and 15:00. A family ticket is available, and the creative workshop “How to Build a Castle” is also open to the public.

Getting there & parking

The castle stands in the historic centre of Česká Lípa by the River Ploučnice. Tickets for tours are bought at the neighbouring Textile Printing Centre (U Vodního hradu 61/32).

Amenities & dining

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Weddings / ceremonies

Up to 600 guests.

The castle courtyard is rented out for cultural and social events (up to 600 standing or 450 seated). Wedding ceremonies take place in the courtyard (up to 40 seats) or in the Gothic cellar (18 seats).

Plan your visit