Rejštejn lies in the Otava Valley, where the Losenice joins the river. Its gold-mining history, Art Nouveau glass and buildings offer a variety of cultural connections; named hiking and cycling routes also pass through the town. When planning, it is worth checking exactly what the route descriptions mean: at Maierova Skála, for example, the two-kilometre distance refers to the round trip, while another trail reaches a former rafters’ inn after two kilometres. The Otava paddling section also has explicit requirements for experience and equipment.

Gold-Mining History, Glass Art and Buildings

Rejštejn’s history dates back to gold panning and gold mining. In 1584, it was granted the status of a royal mining town. Another landmark is the Baroque Church of St. Bartholomew: first built by miners in 1579, it features a carved acanthus altar. It also has a Gothic bell dating from the late 14th century.

Iridescent Art Nouveau glass, which became world-famous, was made at the glassworks in Klášterský Mlýn. Iridescent describes a shimmering play of colours and is a distinctive feature of this glass. The Spaun family villa in Rejštejn dates from 1904 and was designed by Leopold Bauer; it can only be viewed from a distance.

A statue of Saint John of Nepomuk dating from 1883 stands on the road to Kvilda. Literature is also part of the town’s cultural heritage: several of Karel Klostermann’s novels and stories are connected with Rejštejn. For literature enthusiasts, this is a distinct point of interest alongside the buildings. The dates span the late 14th-century bell, the church’s initial construction in 1579 and the 1904 villa.

Hiking Trails, Cycling Route and Paddling

Both hiking options are described as two kilometres, but the distance means different things in each case: the ascent to Maierova Skála starts in the centre of Rejštejn and is about two kilometres for the round trip, with an elevation gain of approximately 160 metres; the red-marked hiking trail reaches the former rafters’ inn K Myším Domkům after two kilometres and continues towards Čeňkova Pila. Check trail conditions before setting out, as they can change.

Cycling route No. 331 between Sušice and Kvilda passes through Rejštejn. On the Otava, the Čeňkova Pila–Rejštejn paddling section is suitable only for experienced paddlers with appropriate equipment and gear. This explicit requirement sets the paddling route apart from the hiking and cycling routes mentioned above.

Getting There and Planning Your Visit

Rejštejn has bus connections to Sušice, Srní and Modrava. As timetables can change, check the connection for your travel date.

The Čeňkova Pila National Technical Monument is also located near Rejštejn. Its preserved interior is accessible on a guided tour. If you plan to visit, check the latest tour availability in advance.

Discover more destinations: Nemilkov, Horní Staňkov, Domoraz, Chudenín, Červené Poříčí, Kvášňovice, Žichovice, Kejnice.

For the broader travel overview: Klatovy District.