Branná

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Branná is a small municipality and village in the Šumperk District of the Olomouc Region in the Czech Republic. It’s about 21 kilometers north of Šumperk and 64 kilometers north of Olomouc, located in the northern part of the Hanušovice Highlands on a rocky cliff above the Branná River. The area covers 14.56 square kilometers, sits at about 633 meters above sea level, and has around 284 residents.

History in brief
Branná was founded around 1282 on an old trade route to Silesia. The nearby Kolštejn Castle is first mentioned in 1325 and was probably built between 1308 and 1310. After the Battle of White Mountain, the castle came under the House of Liechtenstein and gradually lost importance. In 1918 the municipality took over the castle. From 1938 to 1945 Branná was part of Nazi Germany. In 1949 the village name was changed from Kolštejn to Branná. The town lies on the Zábřeh–Jeseník railway line.

Sights and landmarks
- Kolštejn Castle and Kolštejn Chateau: the castle complex was expanded in the 15th century, and Renaissance château buildings and an entrance tower were added in the early 17th century. The castle is now a ruin open to the public, while the château operates as a hotel with a restaurant.
- The Advocatus’ seat: a Renaissance building from the turn of the 16th and 17th centuries, now unused.
- Church of Saint Michael the Archangel: built in 1612–1614 in late Renaissance style.
- Nearby: a Neoclassical rectory from 1784 and Baroque statues.
- The historic town centre is protected as an urban monument zone.

Other notes
The former German name for Branná was Goldenstein (Kolštejn). The postal code is 788 25, and the town has a website at branna.eu.