Ruins of castle in Tetín, Medieval castle ruins in Tetín, Czech Republic

The castle ruins consist of stone walls perched on a limestone ridge above the Berounka River valley, with a square tower and surviving sections of palace structures as main features. The remains are positioned tightly on the height, surrounded by three nearby churches that frame the site from different angles.

Archaeology dates the castle's construction to the mid-13th century, probably built by King Přemysl Otakar II. It is first mentioned in writing in 1288, when Hynek of Lichtenburk was its burgrave. Wenceslas II rebuilt it for Přemyslid illegitimate sons; Charles IV later bought it and attached the Tetín estate to Karlštejn. It disappeared in the second half of the 14th century.

The castle's name comes from the older Tetín hillfort on whose site it was built. In 1288 it is documented as the seat of a royal huntsman, an office King Wenceslas II gave to the Chotěšov monastery, whose revenues were to support the Tetín churches while locals could cut building timber in the forest.

Access is by marked hiking trails starting from the town of Beroun to the northwest, which serves as a natural base for visiting. The approach involves climbing, and the exposed hilltop can be windy and sunny, so bring water and protection from the elements.

The castle was probably built for King Ottokar II in the mid-13th century, and in 1288 its burgrave Hynek of Lichtenburk was recorded plundering church estates with Dětřich Švihovský. Archaeology has uncovered evidence that the castle was stormed, which may be linked to that raid.