Discover Štěkeň: Castle, Educational Trail and Cycling Routes

Štěkeň combines history, culture and active excursions. An early Baroque castle, the educational trail on Šibeniční vrch, an easy bike ride along the Otava Cycling Route (OCC) and the Klostermannova educational trail showcase different aspects of the town. A varied day programme emerges from guided tours, exercise, viewpoints, cycling and a connection with the water. This allows you to combine cultural impressions with an activity for children and adults without limiting your stay to just one activity.

Castle and Cultural Traces

The Losiové z Losimthalu acquired Štěkeň in 1648 and built an early Baroque castle on the site of an older residence. Guided tours with commentary are available at the castle. A visit therefore combines the town’s historic architecture with a closer exploration of its history.

A special historical connection leads to Karel Klostermann: he died at 1 p.m. shortly after 13:00 on 16 July 1923 at Štěkeň Castle. This specific moment is part of the castle’s history and gives the cultural exploration a personal connection.

The Church of St Nicholas in Štěkeň also forms part of the cultural orientation. It is part of an immovable cultural monument and complements a visit to the castle with another heritage-related aspect of exploring the town.

Educational Trail on Šibeniční vrch

On Šibeniční vrch, the educational trail maintained by the municipality of Štěkeň combines educational and sporting elements for children and adults. Information boards, numerous natural exercise features, a pavilion, a small observation tower and benches are part of its layout.

This creates a rhythm of explanations, exercise and short breaks at a viewpoint. Children and adults can therefore experience the educational trail according to different interests: while the boards provide the informative section, the natural exercise features offer a more active part. The pavilion, observation tower and benches add places to pause along the route.

Cycling, a Circular Route and Water

For active excursions, an easy bike ride and a circular route complement each other. The bike ride along the Otava Cycling Route (OCC) leads to Štěkeň. The Klostermannova educational trail around Štěkeň, by contrast, is an approximately 7.5 km circular route with seven stops. It starts in Štěkeň near the castle at House No. 75.

The two routes have different focuses: the bike ride is suitable as an approach to Štěkeň, while the circular route connects several stops and, thanks to its approximate length, can easily be planned as a standalone activity. This makes it possible to alternate between cycling and an educational walk when planning your day.

At Štěkeňský jez, attention turns to the water: the weir is used for recreational boating. This complements the land-based activities with a clearly described connection to water sports and expands the possible impressions during a stay.

When choosing your accommodation, you can therefore first decide on your preferred focus: the castle and church represent culture, the educational trail and cycling routes offer active hours, and Štěkeňský jez provides an additional connection with the water.

More Destinations for Planning Your Trip

If you would like to consider destinations in addition to Štěkeň, you can also include Bělčice, Blatná, Starov, Kváskovice, Zahorčice, Pole, Milonovice and Štěchovice in your research.

For the broader travel overview: Strakonice District.