Klatovy District: Bohemian Forest, Towns and Castles

Klatovy District is an extensive recreational area encompassing the Bohemian Forest and its foothills, as well as the towns of Sušice and Klatovy. Nature and urban experiences are distinct travel interests here. This gives your accommodation search a direction before you coordinate specific overnight stays with your excursions.

Castles and cultural destinations

The national cultural monuments in Klatovy District include Červené Poříčí Chateau, the ruins of Rabí Castle, Švihov Castle, Týnec Chateau, the ruins of Velhartice Castle, and the Vchynicko-Tetovský Canal, part of the Bohemian Forest's navigation canals. The selection therefore includes different types of cultural sites: alongside castles and castle ruins are chateaux and a canal. Those interested in the district's cultural heritage will find more than a single castle visit to focus on.

Rabí: History and palace tour

Rabí Castle was probably founded in the first half of the 14th century by the Lords of Rýzmberk. It became their family seat and was also intended to serve defensive purposes in the upper Otava region. The palace tour takes visitors through the surviving part of the medieval palace. Its stops and features include castle models, archaeological finds and an exhibition of stove tiles; an observation terrace and the descent into the cellars are also part of the tour. The visit thus combines the history of the building with various insights into the surviving palace.

Švihov: Moats and visiting options

Švihov Castle was built on an artificial island; its two defensive moats were fed by water from the Úhlava. Visitors can rent a boat and travel along the moat. The journey is against the current and includes eight stops about the castle's defences; it is weather-dependent. There is also a self-guided tour entitled “Za tajemstvím Popelčina střevíčku” (“In Search of the Secret of Cinderella’s Slipper”), as well as a boat ride. These visitor options may be adjusted seasonally.

The tower adds another distinctive feature: projections enhance the visit, and the top floor offers views of the town and the Úhlava valley. There are outdoor bicycle racks and basic bicycle repair equipment at the castle. The car park is approximately 100 m from the castle; the level walk takes about one to two minutes. This provides practical reference points for planning, whether you are interested in visiting on foot, by bicycle or taking one of the tours on offer.

The kind of visit you want also matters when choosing between Rabí and Švihov: at Rabí, the palace tour takes you through rooms and collections in the medieval palace. At Švihov, the moats, boat ride and tower projections offer a different experience of the castle. You can therefore focus on palace history and finds, or on the defensive complex and its connection with water.

Landscape, towns and getting there

For orientation in Klatovy District, consider both the Bohemian Forest and its foothills, as well as Sušice and Klatovy. When choosing where to stay, think about which of these parts of the district you want to shape your trip. The main Plzeň–Klatovy–Železná Ruda railway line runs through Klatovy District and can serve as a general guide for your journey. For specific planning, the connection to your destination remains the key consideration.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Hnacov, Nehodiv, Nýrsko, Zelezná Ruda, Besiny, Prasily, Lukoviste, Nezdice Na Sumave, Sveradice, Rabí, Kolinec, Susice, Dlouhá Ves U Susice, Lesisov, Bilenice, Branickov, Mysliv, Nezamyslice, Nemilkov, Chlistov, Srní, Kašperské Hory, Bolešiny, Plánice, Svata Katerina, Poleň, Rejštejn, Čachrov, Petrovice U Sušice, Frymburk U Sušice, Zavlekov, Žichovice, Žihobce, Bezděkov U Klatov, Chanovice, Chudenice, Dešenice, Dlažov, Dobršín, Dolany, Strážov, Čímice, Horažďovice, Velhartice, Hradešice, Janovice Nad Úhlavou, Strašín, Měčín, Mochtín, Nalžovské Hory, Předslav, Pačejov, Běhařov, Biřkov, Břežany, Bukovník, Černíkov, Červené Poříčí, Soběšice, Hartmanice, Domoraz, Dražovice, Modrava, Chudenín, Hamry Na Šumavě, Hejná, Malý Bor, Týnec, Horská Kvilda, Javor, Velký Bor, Švihov U Klatov, Křenice, Kejnice, Klenová, Lomec, Kochanov, Kovčín, Kvášňovice, Ostřetice, Vrhaveč, Maňovice, Mezihoří, Mlýnské Struhadlo, Mokrosuky, Myslovice, Obytce, Olšany, Rozparalka, Slatina, Tužice, Velké Hydčice, Vřeskovice, Zborovy, Ostruzno, Šimanov, Komušín, Bernartice, Annín, Klatovy, Horní Staňkov, Zelená Lhota, Hojsova Stráž, Ujčín, Hrádek, Kocourov.

For the broader travel overview: Pilsen.