Nalžov Castle and Prašivice Forest Park offer two distinct experiences in Nalžovské Hory: architecture shaped by several building phases, and a walk among striking rock sculptures. There is also a church in a clearly defined location, marked hiking trails, a cycling route and a seasonal open-air cinema. Visitors who choose Nalžovské Hory as a destination can focus on cultural history and time outdoors; the activities vary according to interests and preferred ways of getting around.
Nalžov Castle and its building history
Nalžov Castle is a four-winged building with an enclosed courtyard. It was originally a late Renaissance building, probably built in the 1620s. In the 1740s, the castle was remodelled in the Late Baroque style; after 1840, it acquired its present late Empire style. This sequence distinguishes the original building from two later transformations. Those interested in architectural history can therefore understand the castle as a structure that developed in stages, rather than assigning it a single style. The enclosed courtyard and four wings are as much a part of the building’s character as the different phases of its design.
St. Catherine’s Church in Nalžov
The Baroque Church of St. Catherine was built in 1721–1723 and stands in Nalžovy, a district of Nalžovské Hory. It is located approximately in the middle of Nalžovské Hory, on elevated ground above a stream along the old road. It can be reached from both the old road and the area in front of the rectory. While the castle’s history unfolds over several phases of renovation, St. Catherine’s is a clearly dated building from the early 18th century. The two distinct building histories thus stand side by side: a castle with late Renaissance origins and subsequent alterations, and a Baroque church with a precisely stated construction period.
A walk in Prašivice Forest Park
Prašivice Forest Park lies on Mount Prašivice, northeast of and above Nalžovské Hory. A marked hiking trail leads directly from Nalžov Castle into the park. The sights there can be visited along a marked path on an easy walk. One of the features along the route through the park is a dragon painted on a partially worked natural boulder. A turtle has been carved out of another boulder; there is also another dragon. The contrast between the painted image and the figure carved from the stone gives each stop its own character. When planning your visit, both the marked trail from the castle to the park and the easy access to the sights are relevant. As trail conditions can change, it is advisable to check them before setting out.
Hiking, cycling and summer cinema
The blue-marked hiking trail TT 1421 passes through Prašivice and Nalžovské Hory. Cycling route CT 2080 runs from Klatovy via Nalžovské Hory to Čejkovy. This provides route information for two different ways of getting around: a marked hiking trail and a cycling route that passes through Nalžovské Hory between the places named. Nalžovské Hory’s summer cinema screens films outdoors, with evening scenery and at sunset. Its programme is seasonal, so it is worth checking the dates before your trip. For more than ten years, people have gathered there for summer evenings under the stars. This leaves a clear distinction for trip planning: the architectural and park features are the local cultural and natural attractions, while the cinema’s season determines when to visit.
Discover more destinations: Týnec, Frymburk U Sušice, Komušín, Lesisov, Ujčín, Rabí, Sveradice, Plánice.
For the broader travel overview: Okres Klatovy.
