Over nine centuries old, the permanent settlement had not been recorded in writing until 1361. Surviving witnesses of those times are several medieval houses in the square, large parts of the town walls with the Pikartská Brána gate and the castle. The old Gothic church was replaced with the late-baroque St Peter and Paul's Church. There is nothing like spending hot summer days relaxing at the Chmelař pond, doing nothing in particular. The largely forestclad, articulated countryside with many sandstone rocks scattered around offers numerous routes for walks and biking tours. E.g. the Helfenburk ruin is a very romantic destination. The Racek Motel and several private guest-houses offer accommodation to groups and individuals.

Úštěk - the bird's hoses

Aerial view of the town and the adjacent Chmelař lake