The three bells of the Domažlická věž once announced the time of day, church services, deaths, fires and other events; they are still used today. In Domažlice, Chodské history can be encountered in various ways: in exhibitions, at historic buildings and through an annual festival tradition. This lets you tailor your stay to your interests without having to focus on just one subject.
Chodské History and Architecture
The Muzeum Chodska is housed in Chodský hrad. Its exhibitions explore the history of Domažlice, the Chodské region and the wider surrounding area. The Muzeum J. Jindřicha has a different focus: it displays numerous folk artefacts collected in the Chodské region, as well as an extensive collection of images painted on glass. Together, the two collections offer different ways to explore regional history and folk culture.
The town’s architectural history can also be traced at several sites. Gothic and Renaissance houses with arcades line Domažlické náměstí. They include vaulted entrance halls known as Mázhaus; later Baroque and Rococo gables complete the scene. The layers of history at Klášterní kostel Nanebevzetí Panny Marie are different: the Gothic structure was built in the 14th century, the church was partly destroyed during the Hussite Wars, and between 1746 and 1752 it was remodelled into its present Baroque form.
The exhibition “Pozor hranice! Historie hrou” offers another historical perspective. It explores how Czechs and Germans lived together in the border region of Český les. The Kulturní centrum – Pivovar Domažlice, meanwhile, is housed in a reconstructed historic malt house dating from the late 19th century. Here, different themes come together: regional history, architecture and culture.
Festival Tradition and Local Brewing Culture
The Chodské slavnosti are held every year in August in Domažlice and are linked to a traditional pilgrimage to nearby Vavřinec. They are among the oldest and largest ethnographic festivals in the Czech Republic. If you would like to plan your trip around the event, check the dates in advance. This will help you decide whether the festival period fits your travel plans.
Beer is another local experience on offer: visitors can sample beer at Městský pivovar. Brewing in Domažlice resumed after almost 25 years. It offers a way to experience the town beyond its museums, architectural history and festival culture; you can choose what to focus on.
Routes and Outdoor Sculptures
There are descriptions of several routes for outdoor activities. The M 2 (1411) tourist route starts at Domažlice’s main square, passes through Nevolice and Mrákov, continues to Všeruby and connects there with the German hiking trail marker. Check current trail conditions before setting out. The Sochařská stezka starts at Chodský hrad and leads to the Baldov ridge, where it forms an outdoor sculpture gallery. Individual works may change.
Another option lies near Domažlice: in Přírodní park Zelenov, a seven-kilometre wheelchair route starts at a car park, goes around the medieval pond system of the zelenovské rybníky to the shelter at Strakovský rybník, and then returns. In May 2025, the route was described as fully accessible. Check current surface conditions before your visit. The routes therefore have clearly distinct focuses: one passes through several places and connects to a hiking trail marker, another links the starting point at Chodský hrad with a sculpture gallery, and the Zelenov route circles a pond system.
Discover more destinations: Újezd Svatého Kríze, Tlumačov, Mezholezy, Milavče, Loučim, Všeruby U Kdyně, Pasečnice, Poděvousy.
For the wider travel overview: Okres Domažlice.
