Situated in the Sokolov region, in West Bohemia, Castle Hartenberg dates back to the end of the 12th century. After WWII, it fell into decay and was further reduced to ruins by several fires, the last three of them occurring in the years 1985-1991. In 1997 the castle was purchased by a local private owner who, in collaboration with heritage authorities, the local community and also national and international volunteers, has sensitively started a step-by-step process of renovation and revitalisation of the ancient castle. In coordination with the local labour office, he established a social enterprise offering re-training and jobs to long-term unemployed and socially disadvantaged members of the local commnity to restore the castle. In 2016 the castle was the winner of the National Heritage Insitute award Patrimonium pro Futuro. Via the International Volunteer Academy of Hartenberg (IVAH) more than 1,000 volunteers from over 70 countries have been involved in restoration works and revitalisation activities.