On the right bank of the Otava, the so-called Sejpy in Katovice are reminders of the area’s former gold panning: they are the remains of this activity. Riverside paths, Kněží hora and the town’s history offer different focal points for a stay. When planning your visit, it is worth distinguishing the river paths from the town’s archaeological and architectural features.

The Otava and Kněží hora

Along the Otava, riverside paths for pedestrians connect Strakonice and Sušice. A north–south route for pedestrians and cyclists also runs through Katovice. It crosses the Otava via a new footbridge and connects to public service facilities. The information therefore describes two different routes: one along the river between the two towns, and one running north–south through Katovice.

At Kněží hora, nature and archaeology come together, while remaining clearly distinct topics. The nature reserve covers 13.51 hectares of thermophilous oak forest with preserved forest flora. In the 9th century, an elliptical Slavic hillfort covering a total area of about eight hectares stood on Kněží hora. Up to four ramparts of the hillfort are still visible in places; it is designated as a protected archaeological feature. The area figures therefore refer to different things: the nature reserve on the one hand, and the historic hillfort on the other.

The Kněží hora educational trail focuses on history and nature and has five information stations. A route description published in 2021 names Husovo náměstí in Katovice as the starting point. According to the description, it ends in Horní Poříčí, at the Březový potok trail junction at the foot of Katovická hora. Check the local signs before setting out.

Architectural history in the town centre

The Church of Saints Philip and James was originally an Early Gothic church dating from the 13th century. It was altered in the 14th century and again in 1580–1582; it was given a Baroque makeover in 1761. An Early Gothic portal survives on its south side. This sequence of dates makes the church a useful point of reference if you are interested in different periods of architecture.

The location of the stone pillory is also easy to pinpoint: it stands in the square between the church and the municipal office. Heritage protection applies exclusively to the pillory itself. According to the church service schedule available in August 2026, services are held at the church on Sundays at 8:30 a.m. and Tuesdays at 5:00 p.m. Check the times before your visit.

Memorial sites and events

The local heritage landscape also includes the Chapel of St. John of Nepomuk by the bridge, which is listed among Katovice’s immovable cultural monuments. The cemetery’s communal grave of the victims of a death march is part of the registered cultural heritage. The memorial stone has stood in the centre of Katovice since 1972. Each of these sites represents its own aspect of remembrance; no connection between them is implied.

Events are also part of the town’s history. At Katovické Vinohraní, visitors could sample wines from the Helena, Suský and Turek wineries in Velké Pavlovice. The festival held its tenth edition in 2025. Katovický Otesánek took place for the ninth time in 2023. These dated editions offer insight into the history of the events without indicating a current date.

One specific place to stay is Kemp Katovice – Otavský ráj campsite, located in Katovice beyond the first weir. As you plan the rest of your trip, you can decide whether to focus on the riverside paths, the nature and archaeology of Kněží hora, or the town’s architectural and local history.

Discover more destinations: Hlupín, Myštice, Bělčice, Budyně, Cejetice, Hajany, Krejnice, Horní Poříčí.

For the wider travel overview: Strakonice District.