Střelské Hoštice offers several distinct interests for visitors: architectural history at St Martin’s Church, a seasonally accessible museum about the Otava and timber rafting, and nature and archaeology at Kněží hora. A multi-purpose sports court adds specific ball sports to these cultural and outdoor activities. When planning your visit, it is worth deciding first on your preferred focus and then on the right time to travel.

Arriving by train

Střelské Hoštice railway station is on line 191, on the Plzeň–Strakonice–České Budějovice route. It is also part of an integrated transport system. The line information provides clear guidance for travelling by train; please check train connections, timetables and transport services before your trip, as they may change.

St Martin’s Church: architectural form and history

St Martin’s Church stands on the southern edge of the village. It is a single-nave church oriented east, with a tower on the west façade. Its floor plan and orientation clearly distinguish the nave from the western tower. The present church was built in 1822 in the Neoclassical style, after the previous Gothic church burned down in 1819. The village’s history includes two distinct building phases: the fire that destroyed the Gothic predecessor and the construction of the Neoclassical church three years later. The valuable interior includes vaults, the roof structure, the gallery and pillars. St Martin’s Church can therefore be appreciated for its exterior form, its history and its interior layout.

Museum of the Otava and timber rafting

The Museum of the Otava River and Timber Rafting, along with a gallery, is located on the ground floor of the south wing of the château in Střelské Hoštice. The museum is open from 3 June to 30 September, according to the current opening hours. Check the hours before your trip; a visit is therefore a cultural activity that needs to be planned for the season. While St Martin’s Church focuses primarily on architecture and church history, the museum looks at the Otava River and timber rafting.

Kněží hora: educational trail and archaeological significance

Near Střelské Hoštice lies Kněží hora, a nature reserve containing the remains of a Slavic hillfort, designated an archaeological monument. The Kněží hora educational trail is about 4 km long and runs in the direction of Katovice–Kněží hora (Střelské Hoštice). It is intended for pedestrians and cyclists; five stops with information panels mark the route. Check the signs and trail conditions on site. Kněží hora thus offers a different focus from the church and museum: the natural setting and archaeological significance take centre stage.

A sporting alternative

The multi-purpose sports court, with a synthetic surface, offers tennis, volleyball, nohejbal and basketball. This specific choice of ball sports complements the village’s cultural and natural attractions. If you would like to use the court, check the reservation arrangements in advance, as they may change.

Choosing when to visit

Two practical conditions are especially important when choosing when to visit: the museum is seasonal and subject to current opening hours, and train connections and integrated transport services may also change. So check the current information for your planned museum visit first, and then for your journey. You can choose among architectural history, the river and timber rafting, nature and archaeology, or sport, and plan your stay around these interests.

Discover more destinations: Mačkov, Dřešín, Svinetice, Škvořetice, Vodňanské Svobodné Hory, Droužetice, Radčice, Sloucín.

For the wider travel overview: Okres Strakonice.