In Rabí, castle history meets trails through the hilly Otava Valley. The castle grew from a watchtower built in the mid-14th century into a large castle complex. Until the end of the 17th century, it served as a residence for the Lords of Rýzmberk. This means you can plan your stay around both the castle’s architectural history and the surrounding landscape and designated hiking destinations.
The Castle as a Historic Focal Point
From the mighty residential tower, the donjon of Rabí Castle, you can see across the entire Prácheň region. The history of the site spans a long period: a watchtower grew into a large complex that was used as a residence for centuries. Today, the castle offers guided tours with commentary and various cultural events. Event dates vary, so check the programme for your travel dates in advance.
The Church of the Holy Trinity at the castle has also largely retained its Late Gothic appearance, although later centuries brought changes to the building. The church is currently not open to the public. In the summer months, however, its lower level is opened as an exhibition space. Check the current summer opening arrangements before your visit.
Crafts in the Region
The Muzeum řemesel Rabí offers insights into the traditional crafts that shaped Šumava and Pošumaví at the turn of the 20th century, through the private collection of collector Petr Balcar. It highlights the craft traditions of both regions and a different side of cultural history from that represented by the castle. Part of the exhibition was changed for the 2026 season.
Hiking Trails with a Variety of Destinations
Walks from Rabí lead to a range of historic destinations. One trail climbs Mount Líšná to the remains of the Chapel of All Saints. The yellow-marked hiking trail from Rabí to Budětice leads to the ruins of Džbán. A walk up Čepičná is also one of Rabí’s tourist routes; Čepičná is a designated protected natural site.
Another hiking route leads from Rabí via Žichovice and then continues along the green-marked section of the Vintířova stezka. The 8 km route to the historic ruins of Prácheň Castle near Horažďovice also runs via Žichovice and this green-marked section. The trail therefore connects several named points; the distance given refers to this route.
Landscape and Nature along the Otava
The hilly Otava Valley near Rabí offers scenic views and pastures, as well as opportunities for easy hikes and cycling trips. The route of the Otava Cycle Path is also relevant to cyclists: it passes through Žichovice, Čepice, Chmelná, and Sušice. This sequence of places describes the cycle path’s route, while the hiking trails mentioned each have their own destinations and routes.
Čepičná is home to a protected natural area with calcareous bedrock, particularly around outcrops of crystalline limestone. Several protected, rare, calcicole and thermophilous plant species grow there. If you choose excursions by their main focus, you can find both trails to the remains of chapels and ruins, and a nature destination. The castle church and cultural events depend on the season or event dates; the trails through the valley and to the destinations mentioned offer a different perspective on Rabí and its surroundings.
Discover more destinations: Lomec, Nýrsko, Kovčín, Komušín, Lesisov, Čímice, Kocourov, Modrava
For the broader travel overview: Klatovy District.
