Nový Hrádek, Castle ruin in Lukov, Czech Republic

Nový Hrádek is a castle ruin located in Lukov in southern Moravia, comprising an upper fortress and lower castle structures positioned on a cliff above the Thaya River valley. The buildings span multiple levels and display characteristic features of medieval fortification design.

Margrave John Henry of Luxembourg, brother of Emperor Charles IV, founded the castle in 1358, and the lower castle was built above the Thaya. In the 15th century the complex was extended with the so-called upper castle, and in 1645 Swedish troops under General Torstenson took and destroyed it. The upper castle was later restored as a hunting lodge, while the lower castle remained a ruin.

The castle's name, Nový Hrádek (New Little Castle), distinguishes it from the older Lukov castle nearby. Visitors can look for the wooden walkway on the crown of the front wall, built in 1995, which offers views over the Dyje valley below the ruin.

The site sits on a cliff with steep slopes and requires steady footing while exploring. Wearing sturdy shoes is advisable, and allow time to move between the different levels.

In the castle cellar more than ten bat species hibernate, including the greater mouse-eared bat, the black bat and the lesser horseshoe bat. The largest Czech snake, the Aesculapian snake, also lives here, and the purple carpenter bee flies into the courtyard in summer.