Kost is the most dramatic and impressive of the Český ráj gothic castles, initially constructed in the second half of the 14th century on top of a quartz sandstone outcrop by the Markvartice-Vartenberg family. This family owned most of the territory encompassing the Český ráj region in the 13th and 14th centuries.

From the 15th century onwards the castle changed ownership many times, with new owners adding sections to the castle, but preserving its high gothic appearance. The castle had impressively strong fortifications including an unusual trapezoid ground plan for the main tower, which made it difficult to attack during a siege. Even the great Hussite leader, Jan Žižka, failed to take the castle during the Hussite wars of the early 15th century.

Kost was acquired in the early 17th century, together with most of the other territory in Český ráj, by the famous Bohemian and Imperial generalissimo, Albrecht of Valdštejn. Albrecht’s plans to convert Kost into a country home were curtailed by his assassination in 1634.

Kost was one of the few strong fortresses not to be torn down after the end of the 17th century Thirty Years War. It survived the succeeding centuries, with minor modifications, passing through the hands of many aristocratic families, and finally to the Kinský family, which owns and manages the property today. A tour of the castle is recommended.

For more information on the castle: https://kinskycastles.cz/hradkost-en.html. Refreshment options include the restaurace Kost, located just behind the castle.