Vítkův Kámen, Mountain summit with castle ruins in South Bohemia, Czech Republic

Wittigstein is a 1036-metre summit above the Lipno reservoir, about 5 km from Přední Výtoň. Its top holds the ruins of Vítkův kámen castle, the highest castle ruin in the Czech Republic, with a tower renovated in 2005 that contains a 61-step wooden staircase to an observation platform.

The fortress was built around 1220 and later served as a prison, notably housing King Wenceslaus during a conflict with Bohemian nobles in 1394. Two centuries later the installation was transferred to the emperor and subsequently lost its importance as a residence and stronghold.

The site bears the name of the Witigo family who held power here, and the ruins still show medieval construction with stone and masonry work. You can see how the stronghold was positioned strategically on the summit to watch over the surrounding lands.

The wooden staircase inside the tower, built during the 2005 renovation, has 61 steps leading to a viewing platform. A marked side trail branches off the red hiking route from Svatý Tomáš, about 600 metres south of the summit. The platform gives a circular view of the Bohemian Forest ridges, Lipno reservoir, the Novohradské hory and Austrian hills.

The fortress once managed about fifteen surrounding villages and operated a glassworks on its lands. After transfer to Emperor Rudolf II, these operations were gradually abandoned and the site lost its economic power.