Accommodation in Giant Mountains, Jizera Mountains, Bohemian Paradise, cheap accommodation in Liberec, Czech Switzerland, Macha Area, Frydlant Region,

At that time the design of the castle perfectly fitted the requirements for defence as the group of sandstone formations falling down the valley of the Jizera River from all sides nearly vertically was incorporated. Judging by the scratches and furrows in the rock walls, the domestic buildings within the premises of the Vranov were mostly wooden; therefore only the cellars carved in the rocks are preserved. The access to the castle used to be in two steps, through two fortified gates. There was a wooden tower on the highest rock block that dominated the whole premises.

Vranov experienced periods of great development and severe decay. In 1802 the domain of Malá Skála, including Vranov, was bought by František Zachariáš Rtimisch, an entrepreneur, who had the access to the castle adjusted and built a lookout platform high above the Jizera. Inside the castle and in the near vicinity, he ordered the installation of various tombstones, inscriptions, signs, stone urns and dates in memory of legendary and historic personalities and events, writers, artists and poets. There are the names and events from the period of the Napoleonic wars in one room and the names of ancient legendary heroes connected with Czech history in another room. In addition, Shakespeare, Goethe, Cervantes and many others are celebrated there as well. The newly adjusted premises of Vranov Castle were named the Pantheon.

However, Rtimisch's successors did not pay so much attention and care to Vranov so a big part of the Pantheon riches was damaged. What is still there is the superb view of Malá Skála and the running Jizera River.

Locality: above Malá Skála, 8 km from Turnov, 4 km to the west from Železný Brod.

Access: on foot from Malá Skála, red trail (1.5 km). Park the car in Malá Skála and continue on foot. It is rather difficult to get there on the bike (not recommended). The castle is open from May to September.