Kaltenštejn, Castle ruin in Černá Voda, Czech Republic

Kaltenštejn is a Gothic castle ruin near Černá Voda, consisting mainly of a round defensive tower and fragments of stone walls and fortification elements. The remains sit within the surrounding landscape and display the typical layout of a medieval defensive stronghold.

The fortress was built in the late 13th century and soon after came under the control of the Bishop of Wroclaw. It was destroyed in the early 16th century, leaving only partial remains standing.

The castle's name, Kaltenštejn or Kaltenstein, gave rise to the nearby settlements Nové Podhradí and Staré Podhradí, whose names mean New and Old Kaltenstein. The hill itself was formerly called Bischofmütze, Bishop's Mitre. The outer bailey housed stables, a windmill and a brewery mentioned in the written sources.

The ruins sit in a forested area and can be reached by following marked hiking paths that begin from nearby towns. Visitors should wear sturdy shoes and allow time for walking, as the trails pass through natural terrain with some elevation change.

The fortress originally served the Silesian Piast rulers and demonstrates their military architectural style in the region. Today it stands as evidence of their power, even though only fragments of the original structure have survived the centuries.