A valley basin surrounded by hills like a ring defines Kout na Šumavě. Its historic buildings include the former fortress, St. George’s Church, the Chapel of the Holy Trinity, and the open Gloriet Klobouk. Other features include the annual pilgrimage for St. George’s Day, a viewpoint south of the town centre, and routes for cyclists. Landscape, architectural history, and routes thus offer different perspectives on the town.
A Hill-Ringed Valley and St. George’s Day
The surrounding hills form a striking landscape frame: Kout na Šumavě lies in a valley basin that they encircle like a ring. A recurring tradition is also part of the town’s history. The pilgrimage for St. George’s Day takes place every year on the first Sunday after 24 April—a clear date for travellers who would like to time their visit to coincide with the occasion.
Architectural History in the Town
The former fortress is the oldest building in Kout na Šumavě. In 1589, Jiří hrabě z Guttensteina bought the Kout estate and had it built. The fortress was originally a Renaissance manor house; it is also historically connected to nearby Rýzmberk Castle.
In the centre of Kout na Šumavě, south of the former fortress at a crossroads, stands the Chapel of the Holy Trinity. It was built in 1827. Its distinctive pyramidal roof is topped by an octagonal lantern and a small onion dome. This roof shape creates a different architectural accent from St. George’s Church, whose structure comprises a nave, presbytery, sacristy, and tower.
The oldest part of St. George’s Church is a chapel built in 1704. The church comprises a rectangular nave, a narrower polygonal presbytery, a sacristy, and a tower. A statue of St. John of Nepomuk also stands by the church; it has been there since the second half of the 17th century.
The open Gloriet Klobouk is recognisable by its hat-shaped roof, which is supported by four stone pillars. During repairs, the year 1723 was found on a beam in 1973. The history of brewing also has a specific historical connection: Pivovar Kout na Šumavě brewery was established in 1736 under the administration of the Stadion family.
Views and Routes
About one kilometre south of the town centre, the U tří křížů Chapel stands beside a green-marked hiking route. From there, the view takes in Kout na Šumavě, Kdyně, Rýzmberk, Koráb, and the surrounding area. Check the route markings before your trip.
Cycling Route 2014 runs from Mrákov, past the Tisová quarry, to Kout na Šumavě. For planning, it is worth checking the current route, as specific route conditions may change.
Check Connections Before Your Trip
The Domažlice–Horažďovice railway line passes through Kout na Šumavě. The Domažlice–Klatovy bus route also serves the town and is part of the Integrated Transport System of the Plzeňský kraj Region (IDPK). As transport information can change, check the latest timetables and the connection that suits your travel date before departure.
Discover more destinations: Paryzek, Poděvousy, Všepadly, Stankov, Chrastavice, Kolovec, Karlova Hut, Vidice
For the broader travel overview: Okres Domažlice.
