Kumburk, Castle ruin in Syřenov, Czech Republic

Kumburk is a Gothic castle ruin on a steep hill at 639 m above sea level, about 6 km west of Nová Paka near Syřenov. Its parts were built spirally one above the other; the lower part of the palace and remains of towers and walls survive, more than at nearby Bradlec.

The Vartemberk noble family founded the castle in the early 14th century, initially calling it Goldenberk. Over the following centuries, ownership changed several times and the structure was repeatedly modified to adapt to new needs.

The ruin is protected as a cultural monument of the Czech Republic. The Sdružení pro záchranu hradu Kumburku built a lookout tower and holds charity events there, using the proceeds to fund further reconstruction. A plaque in the upper tower commemorates poet Karel Hynek Mácha, who visited because of local legends.

A yellow-marked trail leads from the Syřenov railway stop to the ruin in 3 km; a red-marked route crosses it 0.5 km below the castle, linking Klepanda, Skalka and Nová Paka. The site is freely accessible, and a small tavern is usually open at weekends.

The upper tower carries a memorial plaque to poet Karel Hynek Mácha, who visited the ruins because of local legends. The site is maintained by the Association for the Rescue of Kumburk Castle, which built the lookout tower and holds charity events to fund repairs.