Klenčí pod Čerchovem combines the town’s architectural and cultural history with nature education in Český les. Stará pošta, the preserved houses leading up to the church, and Choden culture offer several historical perspectives on the town center; the Dům přírody Českého lesa adds the history of the landscape and settlement. This gives you a choice when planning your visit: architecture, regional cultural heritage, or nature topics, depending on what you would like to focus on.
A heritage-protected town center
Since 1995, the center of Klenčí pod Čerchovem has been designated a village conservation area for folk architecture. Original houses have been preserved on both sides of the streets, from Stará pošta up to the church. Stará pošta is a historic post building from the 18th century; the complex has been protected as an immovable cultural monument since 1958. St. Martin’s Church, up to which the original houses have been preserved, is a Baroque church dating from 1737 to 1745. The sacred heritage also includes the Lomikarova boží muka: these protected Baroque wayside shrines date from the second half of the 17th century and are considered the oldest sacred monument in Klenčí pod Čerchovem. Thus, alongside the post building and the church, the wayside shrines stand out as a distinct form of sacred architecture.
Postal history and Choden culture
The history of Stará pošta also extends beyond the townscape. It is associated with a trade route that ran from Prague through Plzeň and Klenčí onward to Waldmünchen, Řezno, and Regensburg. The post building therefore represents not only local architectural history but also a historic connection spanning several places. Choden heritage includes the Baarovo muzeum, established in accordance with the last will of Jindřich Šimon Baar and also known as Baarův památník. Its collection documents the life of the old Chod people, their folk art, and Baar’s literary legacy. These themes offer insight into different aspects of regional cultural history: ways of life, art, and literature are presented side by side.
Folklore at a historic site
The annual Výhledy folklore festival takes place on the grounds of Stará pošta. If you would like to plan your travel dates around it, check the latest event dates before you travel.
Nature education in Český les
Dům přírody Českého lesa is a visitor center for the Český les Protected Landscape Area. The tour covers an old-growth beech forest, the area’s first settlement in the 12th century, and rural settlements from the period when glassmaking developed. The outdoor area includes newly reconstructed water features and interactive learning stations about the water cycle in nature. This outdoor educational offering may be expanded over time.
A signposted long-distance cycling route
For cycling trips, the signposted Magistrála Český Les long-distance cycling route, which passes through Klenčí pod Čerchovem, is relevant. As its status may change, check the current route before setting out.
Discover more destinations: Mrákov, Luženičky, Otov, Hostouň, Pařezov, Capartice, Chocomyšl, Blížejov
For the broader travel overview: Domažlice District.
