In Klatovy District, castles and châteaux tell different sides of history: Rabí represents medieval defensive functions, Švihov a castle complex with moats, and Velhartice a striking combination of bridge and tower. These places offer a practical starting point for choosing the region’s cultural highlights. Travel arrangements and options at the destinations can also be factored into your plans.

Cultural Monuments and Castle Visits

The national cultural monuments in Klatovy District include Červené Poříčí Château, the castles of Rabí, Švihov and Velhartice, Týnec Château, and the Vchynicko-Tetovský Canal. The selection therefore ranges from fortifications and châteaux to a canal. If you are particularly interested in castle architecture, you can consider Rabí, Švihov and Velhartice as distinct examples rather than treating them as similar complexes.

Rabí was founded in the first half of the 14th century by the Lords of Rýzmberk and served defensive purposes in the Upper Otava region. On a tour of the palace, you will encounter preserved medieval rooms, castle models, archaeological finds and an exhibition of stove tiles. There is also a viewing terrace and the cellars. The combination of historic interiors, finds and architectural remains offers insight into the history of the castle complex, not just its exterior.

Švihov was built on an artificial island, with two defensive moats fed by the Úhlava River. Here, you can see how water management was an integral part of the castle’s design. A visit to the tower combines projections with views over the town and the Úhlava Valley. A boat trip through the moat is weather-dependent; eight stops explain the defensive system. There is also a self-guided tour focusing on Cinderella’s slipper. This visitor offering may be adjusted seasonally.

Velhartice: Bridge, Tours and Folk Architecture

In Velhartice, a large stone bridge connects the core of the castle with an outlying residential and defensive tower. The town’s history also has a special connection to the Bohemian Crown: in the 15th century, the Bohemian Crown Jewels were secretly kept there. The castle tour includes the cistern, cellars, former interiors of the Rajský Palace, a view from the large stone bridge, and the Putna defensive tower. Tour content may be adjusted seasonally.

Another, self-guided tour includes an interactive exhibition in the former castle brewery and a viewpoint overlooking the Ostružná Valley. These visitor experiences may also be adjusted seasonally. In addition to the castle, Velhartice has an open-air museum of folk architecture, which has been open to visitors since 2009. The folk architecture complex includes valuable buildings relocated here from the Šumava foothills. Castle architecture and rural building traditions thus offer two different ways to explore the town’s history.

Getting There and Getting Around

The Plzeň–Klatovy–Železná Ruda railway line runs through Klatovy District. There are direct bus connections to Velhartice from Klatovy and Sušice. The bus stop is about one kilometre from the castle entrance; check connections and timetables before travelling. Blue and red hiking trails and several cycling routes also run through Velhartice. As routes may change, it is worth checking the latest information before choosing your route.

Švihov also offers practical facilities for a visit by bicycle: there are outdoor bike racks and basic bicycle repair equipment. The operator may adjust these facilities. The car park is about 100 metres from the castle; the flat walk takes approximately one to two minutes.

Combining Landscape and History

For a contrast with the built heritage, consider how Prášilské jezero was formed: the lake was created by a glacier around 10,000 years ago. This approximate date shows how far the landscape’s history extends beyond the medieval construction phases of the castles. Cultural monuments, trails and this glacial history each offer a different perspective. Which ones shape your trip depends on whether you want to focus on castles, architecture and exhibitions, or the landscape.

Discover More Destinations

Annín, Hnacov, Nehodiv, Nýrsko, Zelezná Ruda, Dlouhá Ves U Susice, Lukoviste, Nezdice Na Sumave, Besiny, Ostruzno, Prasily, Sveradice, Rabí, Kolinec, Susice, Lesisov, Bilenice, Branickov, Mysliv, Nezamyslice, Nemilkov, Chlistov, Srní, Kašperské Hory, Bolešiny, Plánice, Svata Katerina, Poleň, Rejštejn, Čachrov, 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, Šimanov, Komušín, Bernartice, Klatovy, Zelená Lhota, Horní Staňkov, Ujčín, Hrádek, Kocourov, Petrovice U Sušice and Hojsova Stráž.

For the broader travel overview: Pilsen.