📝 Detailed information
🏢 About the local organisation
Grabstejn is a former medieval castle which was later rebuilt as a Renaissance chateau. It was badly damaged during the communist regime, but has since been rebuilt. Now it is an example of care for historical heritage. It presents the life of high society through the centuries to the wide public. Visitors to the castle are offered classic guided tours, as well as different cultural and educational activities. The castle is state-owned and is run by the National Heritage Institute under the Ministry of Culture. The aim of the ESC project is to help local staff to maintain the castle park and its surroundings.
💼 What the programme involves
Volunteers will work mainly in the castle park: maintaining paths and roads, removing invasive plants, mowing, cutting woody plants, collecting garbage, removing wood/stones, gardening, helping in the castle area (basic renovation and maintenance). The work would be mainly outdoors in sloping and uneven terrain, therefore, bring adequate working clothes and shs.
🏠 Accommodation on site
You will sleep directly in the castle in one big room with 12 bunk beds. Bring your own sleeping bag. There is a toilet and a shower with hot water, a common room and a small kitchen. You will cook together as a group. There is also a fireplace outside in the backyard of the castle where you can have a barbecue.
📍 About the location
Location: Grabstejn castle is situated in the village of Chotyne in Northern Bohemia. The nearest bigger town is Hradek nad Nisou, connected to Chotyne by public transport. The castle is located in a beautiful mountainous countryside which offers a lot of hiking possibilities. Leisure: You can go hiking in the beautiful hilly countryside surrounding the castle and climb the famous mountain Jested (1012 m) with a unique mountain hotel on the top. The nearest city is Liberec (ZOO, botanical garden). In the recreational area HrEUdek nad Nisou, you can go swimming, tree climbing, boating, rent bikes or scooters. Feel free to bring board games and musical instruments.
ℹ️ Additional information
This project is especially suitable for volunteers who like gardening and want to explore the history of the castle. Smoking is limited to designated areas. Allergies notice: pollen, bees, and wasps. Study part: Learning more about the castle and its history (a guided tour around the castle - including places inaccessible to the public), a discussion about the renovation of the castle (in the early 90 s GrabUtejn was almost a ruin). There will be an opportunity to organize a community dinner with local tourist guides. Please bring recipes of your favorite dishes and pictures or music from your country/home area.