PROTECTED BATS

The mysterious nocturnal inhabitants of Kolštejn Castle and the Chateau Goldenstein Hotel: the kingdom of rare bats

Kolštejn Castle, located in the picturesque village of Branná, is not only a place with a rich history and unique atmosphere - it is also home to several protected species of bats. In the winter months, the underground spaces of the former Kolštejn Castle become a sanctuary for these silent nocturnal creatures. The rarest inhabitants of these corridors are the black bat (Barbastella barbastellus) and the lesser black bat (Rhinolophus hipposideros), which is listed as a critically endangered species in the Czech Republic.

Bats and the castle - a combination of history and nature

Bats have taken a liking to the underground and the soil of Kolštejn thanks to the ideal conditions - constant temperature, high humidity and tranquillity. Today, the castle serves not only as a romantic retreat for visitors, but also as an important natural habitat for rare fauna.

For hibernating species, the castle premises provide a safe environment where bats can hibernate undisturbed. Among them, the black bat, classified as a specially protected species, stands out, as well as the lesser spotted bat, whose occurrence here is one of the key sites of protection in the whole country.

Expert supervision and active protection

The bats at Chateau Goldenstein are expertly cared for. Every year, Mr Jiří Šafář from the Czech Society for the Protection of Bats comes here to inspect and count hibernating bats. This monitoring is essential for the conservation and long-term monitoring of the populations of these protected species.

The owners of the castle help nature

Nature conservation is an important value for Kolštejn and Chateau Goldenstein. The owners of the chateau are actively working with experts to modify and fund conditions that support the life of these rare bats. Thanks to their initiative, minor modifications and the provision of resting areas are being made to allow the bats to stay safely all year round.

A place where history comes alive...underground and in the attics

Kolštejn/Chateau Goldenstein thus combines the beauty of historical heritage with a responsible approach to nature. Visitors can not only admire the magnificent interiors and views of the Jeseníky Mountains, but with any luck they will also learn about these quiet but all the more valuable inhabitants of the castle.

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