A trip to Chudenice can be planned around cultural history and nature. Starý zámek, the Americká zahrada Arboretum and the Žďár educational trail offer different highlights. When planning, it is also important to consider access to Zámek Lázeň and its park separately.

History, Architecture and Literature

Starý zámek is the oldest historic monument in Chudenice. It is also considered the birthplace of the old noble Czernin family of Chudenice. During a visit to Starý zámek, you can see the oldest parts of the original fortress.

These include the surviving defensive bastion with an exhibition, the castle lord’s living quarters and the kitchen. Remains of an original spiral staircase can be found in the food store. The original gate with remnants of the drawbridge mechanism and surviving Gothic arrow slits are also among the parts open to visitors. The architectural evidence therefore ranges from living and service rooms to elements of the fortifications.

The exhibition at Starý zámek features authentic historic furniture, objects and pictures of the Czernin family of Chudenice, originally from Zámek Lázeň. These historic objects complement the architectural traces with a glimpse of the family’s furnishings.

The Kvapilova jezírka offer another cultural connection. The writer Jaroslav Kvapil enjoyed spending time there during his studies and had the place in mind as a setting while writing the libretto for Dvořák’s opera Rusalka. The landscape is thus linked to a specific literary memory.

Americká zahrada Arboretum

Americká zahrada was established in autumn 1828 as a nursery and plant reserve for the Lázeň spa. The arboretum focuses on collections of woody plants, trees and shrubs. Its origins thus point to its original purpose of growing and preserving plants.

In 1969, the Ministry of Culture of the ČSR designated Americká zahrada a state-protected park and a rare scientific, natural and cultural monument. Its establishment and later designation mark two distinct stages: its original function as a nursery and plant reserve, on the one hand, and its protected status as a monument, on the other.

Žďár Educational Trail: Forest and Information Stops

The Žďár educational trail is 5 km long and runs through the forest along well-maintained paths; the terrain is mostly easy. At its 15 stops, visitors can learn about local flora and fauna and other features of the area. The route combines a walk in the forest with information about nature and the surroundings.

Two starting points are listed: Zámek Lázeň and the Chapel of St. Anna. When planning your visit, you can first decide which of the two starting points suits you better. The information at the stops and the route length also give a clear idea of what to expect from the trail.

Access to Zámek Lázeň

Zámek Lázeň and its park are accessible only during cultural or social events, or by prior arrangement with the castle administration. Check access arrangements again before travelling so that you can plan your visit accordingly.

Chudenice in its Regional Context

Beyond the town itself, Chudenicko provides an important regional context: it has been a landscape conservation area since 1996. The area’s features include viewpoints, small bodies of water, Lázeň Park, the Americká zahrada Arboretum and the Bolfánek lookout tower. This regional perspective complements the town’s history with its wider landscape setting.

Discover more destinations: Týnec, Zelená Lhota, Kejnice, Hrádek, Mlýnské Struhadlo, Pačejov, Besiny, Tužice.

For the regional travel overview: Okres Klatovy.