The history of the castle grounds and the choice of route on the nature trail give Ptenín two clear highlights: for culture enthusiasts, it is the progression from fortress to Baroque castle; for walkers, the choice is between a route to Újezdec and a loop that returns to the starting point. The castle garden adds a seasonal highlight in spring. Before your trip, you can decide whether the historical development, a particular type of route or the spring blossoms will be the deciding factor for you.

Castle history across several building phases

A wooden fortress is mentioned on the site of today’s castle in Ptenín as early as 1228. A Gothic fortress is recorded there in 1535. It was rebuilt during the Renaissance, followed by its transformation into a Baroque castle in the first half of the 18th century. These dates therefore mark different building phases: from the early wooden fortress through the Gothic structure and Renaissance reconstruction to the Baroque castle.

Another detail concerns the south wing façade. Painted sundials were installed there during the 2020 restoration. Findings, archive photographs and eyewitness accounts confirmed that sundials had historically been present in this location. The restoration thus connects a specific façade detail with the castle’s earlier history.

Nature trail: route or loop

The Naučná stezka Ptenín–Újezdec starts in front of the castle and ends in nearby Újezdec. The nature trail is 2.5 km long and runs in one direction. Its endpoint is therefore not at the starting point. A marked 5 km loop around Ptenínská hora leads back to the starting point by the castle as an extension of the trail.

This gives you two different route options: a 2.5 km route ending in Újezdec or a 5 km loop returning to the castle. The second option is described as an extension of the nature trail. Before setting out, check the local markings rather than relying on the route of either option.

The difference between a route with an endpoint and a circular walk is a practical starting point for planning. If you prefer a route with a fixed destination, the shorter option leads to Újezdec. If it is important to you to return to the starting point by the castle, the longer option is described as a loop.

Spring blossoms and the Merklínka

Every spring, carpets of anemones, buttercups, lesser celandines and lilies of the valley cover the garden of Ptenín Castle. If you want to make the blossoms the focus of your trip, spring is the season to consider. The variety of plants adds a seasonal highlight alongside the castle’s history and the different route options.

One stop on the nature trail explores the original course of the Merklínka River, characterized by meanders and pools. The trail therefore covers not only the connection between Ptenín and Újezdec, but also the area’s former river landscape. Together with the spring blossoms, this offers a nature-focused experience, while the castle history provides a distinct cultural perspective.

Discover more destinations: Životice, Nebílovy, Louňová, Otěšice, Ždírec, Čížkov U Blovic, Únětice U Blovic, Netunice

For the overview of the wider area: Plzeň-Jih.