Kladruby U Stříbra draws attention to the Benedictine monastery, the history of fortifications and various routes near the monastery. To plan your visit, you can first decide whether a monastery tour, a museum topic or a route should shape your stay. The offerings focus on different subjects: from the life of the monks and the history of the region to geology, pilgrimage routes and cycling.
Monastery Tours and History
The Benedictine monastery of Kladruby u Stříbra was founded in 1115 by the Bohemian prince Vladislav I. The main tour introduces visitors to the life of the monks in the Baroque monastery: it covers accommodation and meals, as well as spiritual life, work and recreation. Restored areas of the new and old convents and the cloister courtyard are open to visitors. The tour therefore explores not only the monastery’s foundation, but also different aspects of everyday monastic life.
A second tour focuses on a different subject. It presents the history of the Windischgrätz family, Alfred I and his wife Eleonore, as well as the economic use of the former monastic estate. The tour also includes the original interior of the princely library from the first half of the 20th century. This offers two distinct perspectives: life in the monastic community and the history of the family, including the use of its former estate. Tour availability may change; check which dates are offered before your visit.
Museums and Fortifications
The Kladrubsko Regional Museum offers an exhibition on the 900-year history of Kladruby. Its timeframe extends from the founding of the monastery in 1115 to 1945. Another exhibition is dedicated to the fortification system in the Kladruby area. It displays exhibits about the construction of light fortifications, provides information about structures in the surrounding area and offers trip tips. As exhibition content may change, it is worth checking what is currently on display.
Distinct from this is the Museum of Czechoslovak Fortifications in Kladruby. It consists of two type vz. 37 light fortification structures, built in 1938 as the first line of defence against Nazi Germany. The two structures are located very close to the monastery. Those interested in fortifications can therefore visit both an exhibition with information about structures in the Kladruby area and the two named fortification structures near the monastery.
Circular Route, Pilgrimage and Cycling Routes
The Kladruby nature and history trail starts at the monastery. It covers the geology of the Úhlavka River, the mills on the Úhlavka and the subject of fishing. The trail thus combines natural and historical topics related to the river and its use. Different routes pass by the monastery: long-distance cycling route No. 37, international hiking route E6 and the Camino de Santiago. This gives visitors a choice of distinct options: a themed circular trail, a cycling route, an international hiking route and a pilgrimage route. Trail conditions and signage may change; check them before setting out.
Summer Programme and Getting There
Kladrubské hudební léto takes place every year in summer in the cathedral in Kladruby. Individual programme dates may vary. If you would like to plan your stay around a concert, check the relevant date rather than relying on the season alone.
As a guide for getting there, the “Kladruby, okres Tachov” bus stop is about 900 metres from the monastery grounds. Stříbro railway station is around 7 km from Kladruby Monastery on foot via the blue hiking trail. These are different measurements: the distance to the bus stop and the walking distance from the railway station. Check current timetables before travelling; for the walk, also take the trail conditions into account.
Discover more destinations: Hošťka, Staré Sedliště, Lom U Tachova, Milíře, Zhoř, Cernosin, Butov, Horní Kozolupy.
View the broader travel overview: Okres Tachov.
