In southwestern Czechia, in the foothills of the Šumava Mountains, Soběšice lies at an elevation of 652 metres. The surrounding area combines gentle hills and deep forests with a local nature trail and a longer circular route through Pošumaví. For planning your trip, the contrast in scale is particularly interesting: a forest nature trail just under three kilometres long versus a route of almost 50 kilometres.

Forests, Hills and Local History

In summer and autumn, the forests yield mushrooms, blueberries, blackberries and other wild berries. The now-forested Hořice Hill rises above Soběšice. Its afforestation began around 1890 under the guidance of teacher Šafařík and was continued by subsequent generations. Here, the forest is also part of a long-standing local history.

A quarry and a makeshift kiln once stood on the northern edge of Hořice. Local limestone was burned there to produce lime. This historic use adds to the picture of a landscape now dominated by forest.

The Nasse Nature Trail through Soběšický háj

The Vycházka hajného Nasse Soběšickým hájem nature trail is just under three kilometres long and runs through the forest of Soběšický háj. Four information panels explain the lives of forestry workers, local stoneworking and granite quarrying. The Emil-Anton-Lamberk memorial is also part of the trail.

The Nasse nature trail is considered easy and is also suitable for families with children. Trail conditions may change; check them before setting out. The information on the panels may also be updated or replaced.

Cycling Routes and Getting to the Nature Trail

Cycle Route 121, along the Žichovice–Soběšice–Volyně corridor, runs directly through Soběšice. The Lamberská stezka offers a different scale: its Czech section in Pošumaví is a circular route of almost 50 kilometres, which can be completed in stages or just in part. About one kilometre before Soběšice, it leads to the Nasse nature trail, which is just under three kilometres long and runs through the forest. This gives you two distinct options: a longer circular route and a short, themed forest trail.

The start of the Nasse nature trail is about 300 metres from the Strašín, Lhota, rozc. 1.0 bus stop, served by route 977. Check the timetable before travelling. If driving from the direction of Strašín, turn towards Parýzek about one kilometre before Soběšice; after roughly 100 metres, turn right onto a meadow where you can park. Road and parking conditions may change.

A Regional Highlight: Rabí Castle

Rabí Castle, 14 kilometres away, is located near Soběšice. It is considered the most extensive castle ruin in Czechia and offers a distinct historical highlight alongside Soběšice’s forest trails and local history.

Discover more destinations: Měčín, Nezdice Na Sumave, Červené Poříčí, Sveradice, Chanovice, Zborovy, Bukovník, Horní Staňkov.

For the broader travel overview: Okres Klatovy.