Úštěk – historic town, lake and special excursions

Historic Úštěk with a castle, towers and unique museums

Úštěk combines a protected historic townscape with unusual excursion destinations and a varied surrounding area. The historic town centre was declared an urban heritage reserve in 1980. Úštěk Castle was built at the beginning of the 15th century within the already existing town and preserves Gothic and Renaissance architectural details, including cellars carved into the sandstone bedrock. A café with seating has been established in the castle courtyard.

The town’s history also includes the Church of St Peter and Paul, built between 1764 and 1772 in the Late Baroque style, as well as the Pikartská Tower. It is the only surviving one of five prismatic watchtowers that formed part of Úštěk’s fortifications. The Muzeum čertů is located in this tower and the adjoining Gothic cellar. A movable devil-themed world called “Peklém” makes a visit to the museum a unique discovery within the historic structure.

Culture for different interests

Úštěk Synagogue also offers a glimpse into the town’s past: the Neoclassical building from the late 18th century formed the centre of the former Jewish quarter. Today, the synagogue houses a permanent exhibition and hosts exhibitions and concerts. Galerie Úštěk displays collections of paintings and graphic art and organises regular exhibitions. Vodní svět Úštěk features a year-round exhibition about freshwater fish; the site also includes a small museum dedicated to Jan Wassermann.

For an engaging encounter with traditional crafts, Tkalcovna Anima offers guided tours of the weaving workshop. Visitors can try traditional crafts, and simple workshops are available on request. Individual weaving sessions for individuals and small groups can be arranged. Concerts and religious services take place in the Church of St Peter and Paul. Recurring events also include the Úštěcký historický jarmark, featuring a historical procession, a contemporary market, exhibitions, guided tours, children’s workshops and a programme on several stages.

Chmelař and the surrounding landscape

Those who would like to include water and time outdoors in their trip to Úštěk can visit Chmelař, a 67-hectare recreational lake with two beaches. The recreational area has been equipped with a sandy beach, playgrounds, sports facilities, accommodation, sanitary facilities and a restaurant. The area around Chmelař lies within the České středohoří Protected Landscape Area. The annual “Piráti dobývají jezero Chmelař” event takes place there in July.

For walks and hikes in the surrounding area, the Opičí hlava sandstone formation in Havraní důl is a good choice. It lies approximately 2 kilometres east of Úštěk in the Úštěcké Švýcarsko area. A yellow-marked hiking trail leads to the rock formation from the turn-off near Lukovsko or from Ostré; a tourist shelter offers a viewpoint overlooking Opičí hlava. Helfenburk Castle ruins are also located near Úštěk. Its surviving 30-metre-high tower serves as a lookout tower at weekends and daily during the summer months.

Trip planning can therefore include different focuses: historic architecture in the town, exhibitions and events, swimming at Chmelař, or trails to sandstone formations and castle ruins. For further research into travel destinations, you can also view Chotěšov U Vrbičan, Polepy, Lazne Msene, Hoštka, Levín, Dolánky Nad Ohří, Vlastislav and Záluží U Roudnice Nad Labem.

For the higher-level travel overview: Litoměřice District.