Petrovice U Sušice lies on the edge of the Přírodní park Kochánov. Circular trails lead through different chapters of the area’s history, from medieval gold mining to the wolf traps of Vlčí jámy. Other highlights include traces of folk architecture, a church with a Romanesque tower and a seasonal natural swimming pool.

Hiking trails with different themes

The “Po stopách středověkého dolování zlata” educational trail is a marked, 17-kilometre circular route that starts and ends in Petrovice. Five information panels explore the history of gold mining in the area. Those interested in the history of mining will find a longer circular route here with a clear historical focus.

The two circular trails described as easy are shorter and start at the village square. The Vlčí jámy educational trail is 3.5 kilometres long, passes through Vojetice and returns to Petrovice. The 7-kilometre “Rýžování zlata a putování po Petrovicku a Regenu” educational trail passes through Chamutice, Kojšice and Jiřičná before returning to Petrovice. It also explains the importance gold panning had for the area.

The Farmářská stezka takes a different approach: much of the route runs through the landscape of Přírodní park Kochánov, with views of the surrounding Šumava hills. Along the way are well-preserved and maintained examples of folk and farm architecture. No distance or difficulty rating is given for this trail; its special appeal lies in the combination of landscape and building traditions.

Gold-mining history, wolf traps and architecture

The Vlčí jámy educational trail features various wooden sculptures, created during Petrovice’s traditional annual chainsaw carving event. The Vlčí jámy themselves are wolf traps about four metres deep, built from dry-stacked forest stone in the 18th and 19th centuries. The sculptures and historic structures thus represent different aspects of the trail: a local tradition that continues today and older traces of how the landscape was used.

The Kostel sv. Petra a Pavla church is also a prominent landmark. Dating from the 13th century, it has a Romanesque tower with a crenellated crown and a perimeter wall. The small Tamíř watermill, also known as Damarsch, lies on the eastern edge of Petrovice U Sušice; its gable is Baroque. The central mound, ramparts and ditches of Hrad pod Hrnčířem castle have survived. The castle is considered a transitional type and was built without mortar.

Koupák Petrovice for a seasonal swimming break

Koupák Petrovice offers a natural swimming area with a grassy bank and a concrete bottom. The facilities include a large pool and a children’s paddling pool. Other amenities include refreshments, a covered garden area, a football pitch, a fire pit and swings. As the facility is seasonal and offerings may change from season to season, check its opening status before visiting. Entry to the grounds, moving around the grounds and swimming are at your own risk; follow the information provided on site.

Trail distances offer a simple way to choose a walk: the two easy circular routes are 3.5 and 7 kilometres long, while the marked gold-mining educational trail is 17 kilometres long. The trails have different focuses, from a shorter loop exploring local and landscape history to a longer circular route with five information panels.

Discover more destinations: Švihov U Klatov, Nezamyslice, Týnec, Rozparalka, Javor, Křenice, Horažďovice, Janovice Nad Úhlavou.

For the broader travel overview: Okres Klatovy.