grad FRIDRIHŠTAJN - Kočevje

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The Friedrichstein castle was built by the Counts of Celje between 1422 and 1425 in the midst of the Kočevje forests. Its origins lie within a tragic love story. Frederick II., the son of Count Herman II of Celje., build the castele for his mistress Veronika Deseniška. Veronika was a beautiful but a simple girl. After the death of his first wife Elizabeth Frankopan, Friederich married Veronika. Herman II. did not approve the marriage and he accused Veronika of witchcraft. The court in Celje, released her and all charges were dropped which didnt go well with Herman. Later he gave the order for Veronika to be drowned and his son jailed. The castle was demolished. After the death of his second son Herman III., Frederick was released. After the release Frederick rebuild the castle as real testimony of his true love. The castle was demoslihed again and today we can see the remaines of the castle which represents the tragic love story. There are many hiking trailes that leads to the castles. Trailers are from very step ones to easier ones, so pretty much everyone can go. If you are not a great hiker or you don`t like hiking very much, you can drive for the most part of the way. But i strongly recommened that you walk to the castle as you will see some amazing nature and maybe even wild animals on the way.