Velhartice combines architectural and local history with trails through a protected woodland landscape. The castle’s stone bridge is a distinctive feature; the nature trail leads through the town, local woods and the Borek Nature Reserve. When planning a stay, you can make historic sites and nature separate focuses of your visit.

Velhartice Castle and Its History

The stone bridge at Velhartice Castle, unique in the world, connects the remains of the so-called Rajský Palace with the front tower. The castle was founded at the turn of the 13th and 14th centuries and was probably built as the ancestral seat of the Lords of Velhartice. The “Gothic Castle” tour covers its history and architectural development from the 13th to the 16th century. The episode involving the Crown Jewels also forms part of Bohemian royal history: they were once hidden at the castle to prevent Jiří of Poděbrady from being crowned king.

Churches, Cemetery and Museums

The cemetery church of St Mary Magdalene near Velhartice was founded in 1373. It is associated with the legend said to have inspired the subject of Karel Jaromír Erben’s ballad “The Wedding Shirts.” The Jewish Cemetery in Velhartice is protected as a cultural monument of the Czech Republic. Fewer than 60 gravestones remain there; the most recent dates from 1934. The grounds are locked, and the key can be borrowed at the castle. Check the access arrangements in advance.

The small private Muzeum minerálů Velhartice (Velhartice Mineral Museum) is dedicated to stones from the Šumava and Pošumaví regions, as well as minerals from Czechia and other parts of the world. It also shares stories about where the specimens were found and interesting facts for children and adults. The open-air museum of folk architecture is also located in the castle’s outer grounds. Its valuable buildings were relocated here from the Pošumaví foothills. The open-air museum is freely accessible regardless of the castle’s opening hours; check the current visitor information before your visit.

Nature Trail and the Borek Nature Reserve

The Borek u Velhartic Nature Reserve protects a relict pine forest in the Pošumaví region, a remnant of the pine’s natural range. Its woodland stands lie on the right bank of the Ostružná, on the northern and partly eastern slope of Bork, south of Velhartice. The protected area lies at an elevation of 587 to 800 metres; Borek reaches 859.1 metres. The Velhartice Nature Trail starts at the car park below the castle and leads through the town, then through the local woods and the nature reserve. This route connects the landscape around Velhartice with one of the town’s clearly defined themes: protecting the pine forest.

Getting There and Finding Your Way

Buses from Klatovy and Sušice run directly to Velhartice. The bus stop is about one kilometre from the castle gate. There is a free car park about 300 metres from the castle; the route to the castle is wheelchair accessible. Check the timetable and visitor information before travelling. The details about the bus, car park and route can help you plan your journey around a visit to the castle and other places in Velhartice.

Discover more destinations: Hamry Na Šumavě, Švihov U Klatov, Klatovy, Svata Katerina, Hrádek, Hartmanice, Nezdice Na Sumave, Chudenice.

View the broader travel overview: Okres Klatovy.