Freudenstein, Gothic castle ruin on a hilltop near Jáchymov, Czech Republic.
Freudenstein is a castle ruin on a hilltop near Jáchymov that preserves two distinctive towers. The Schlick tower and the cylindrical Prachárna tower still rise prominently, giving a sense of the medieval structure and its original scale.
The castle was founded between 1516 and 1517 by Stephan Schlick to control the mining region. A Swedish attack in 1634 caused severe damage, and the castle was never rebuilt after that.
The name Freudenstein comes from the Schlick family who ruled here in the 16th century and shaped the region. Visitors can still see how the castle's position overlooking the town allowed control over the important mining areas below.
The site is located at elevated position and requires a climb, but the paths are generally walkable. Visitors should wear sturdy shoes and be aware that some areas may have limited access due to the condition of the ruins.
The castle cellars became the birthplace of Jáchymov thalers in 1519, coins that later gained global fame. This early minting operation made the fortress a major economic hub before its eventual destruction.
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