Kolštejn Castle, Castle ruin and chateau in Branná, Czech Republic

Kolštejn is a castle complex in Branná that brings together structures from multiple historical periods. The site contains medieval remains with a cylindrical tower alongside a Renaissance chateau building, with a northern section featuring decorative arcades connecting the different parts.

Built probably between 1306 and 1310, Kolštejn was first held by Jan of Wüstehube, named in 1313; a 1325 deed issued at the castle records his gift of land to monks from Kamieniec Ząbkowicki. John of Luxembourg granted it as a fief to the lords of Lipá, confirmed by Margrave Charles in 1340. Hynek of Valdštejn held it during the Hussite wars until his death in 1427.

The village coat of arms derives from the Waldstein family, who held Kolštejn from the late 14th century. In the 19th century a school operated in part of the complex, and some halls were rented for theatre performances and housing. Since 1929 a cinema ran in the buildings.

The complex stands on a rocky cliff about 630 m above sea level in the south-eastern part of Branná, reachable on foot from the village. The Black Tower was demolished in 1965 because it threatened to collapse, so it no longer serves as an entrance. The ruin and chateau are open to visitors in summer, when performances and art exhibitions are held there.

The cylindrical tower, 8.8 m across, was converted into a viewing point in the 19th century. The Black Tower, a separate structure that threatened to collapse, was demolished in 1965. The castle core wall facing the outer bailey is 3.3 m thick.