Near the bishop’s residence Leitmeritz/Litomerice lies the picturesque castle Schreckenstein on a steep cliff directly above the Elbe. It was constructed in the year 1316 by King Johann of Luxembourg for defence purposes and in order to collect the toll from the Elbe shipping.
Like many others this castle has a long, eventful and varied story to tell, shaped by its many owners and inhabitants.
The hardest times were those of the war of thirty years (the castle was looted and occupied by Swedish soldiers), such as the Prussian Wars in the 18th century.
The romantic castle was a magical attraction for the  intellectuals in the 19th century.
Alexander von Humboldt and later even Richard Wagner, who had the inspiration for his opera ’’Tannhäuser“ at the castle, dwelled here.
The most impressive still preserved parts of the castle are definitely the old castle palace and the round tower. Enjoy the beautiful view over the Elbe and the Bohemian Middle Mountains and to round everything of savour a tasty meal in the castle restaurant.