Top 15 Castles around Klatovy
Best castles around Klatovy are situated in the Klatovy district of the Czech Republic, a region characterized by its historical significance and varied natural landscape. This area features a mix of preserved structures and extensive ruins, often set amidst scenic river valleys and rocky outcrops. The castles here reflect centuries of Bohemian history, from medieval fortifications to later architectural additions. The region offers opportunities to explore historical sites within a diverse natural setting.
Best castles around Klatovy
- The most popular castles is Kašperk Castle, a castle that is considered one of the most beautiful castles in the Czech Republic. The castle is in a location suitable for inclusion in walking tours, with a comfortable walk from the parking lot.
- Another must-see spot is Velhartice Castle, a castle founded in the 14th century. Visitors can explore preserved Gothic ruins, a 17th-century Renaissance wing, and a castle brewery that operates as a restaurant.
- Visitors also love Klenová Castle and Chateau, a castle and chateau complex. This site functions as the Klatovy-Klenová Gallery, hosting various art exhibitions within its historical setting.
- Klatovy is known for its diverse range of castles, including medieval ruins, water castles, and chateaux. The region offers a variety of historical sites to see and explore, from the extensive Rabí Castle ruins to the unique water castle of Švihov.
- The castles around Klatovy are appreciated by the komoot community, with 84 upvotes and 124 photos shared across the various highlights.
Last updated: July 2, 2026
Kašperk Castle
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Velhartice Castle
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But let's start with the weather 🤗😍
I spent almost the whole day in the castle trying to catch the sun gleams, so that the castle appeared in a more interesting and beautiful perspective. I really hope that I succeeded.
Now a little about the castle.
The castle, founded in the 14th century, in the extended late Gothic style. During the Thirty Years War, it was acquired by Martin Huerta, for whom a late Renaissance wing with arcades was built. In short, it was an extremely cruel and bloody general. Here's what they write about him:
"A foreign adventurer, a former tailor, then a lackey and a spy, did his best to please the Emperor Ferdinand II., Bloody revenge on the Czech nation. With his ferocious soldier force, he rushed from town to town, burning, killing and torturing the hardened" heretics ". "
In general, as always, the legend is very bloody and fully corresponds to the black times of the Inquisition ..
Here is a short story about this beautiful but terrible, in the past, place today.
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Švihov Castle
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Klenová Castle and Chateau
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In 16 . century the castle fell into disrepair. A castle was built in the castle area around 1800
Admission to the gallery in the chateau and castle is 40 CZK.
A visit to this castle complex is recommended. The ascent by bike is not difficult.
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Rabí Castle Ruins
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The origins of Rabi Castle are still shrouded in mystery. It looks like the castle in the first half of the 14th. in the 17th century it was founded by the rulers of Ryzmberk. Rabi became their ancestral home and at the same time had to carry out various defensive tasks in the upper Pootavi region.
At the end of the 14th, or at the beginning of the 15th century, the rulers of Ryzmberk expanded the original fortress and strengthened the defenses of their settlement. Changing the territory of the castle turned out to be a very far-sighted act. After the outbreak of an armed conflict between supporters and opponents of the teachings of Huss, the lords of Ryzmberk sided with King Zikmund of Luxembourg and actively opposed the Hussite movement. It is not surprising that the troops under the leadership of Jan ižka from Trocnov twice besieged and captured the castle, namely in 1420 and 1421. However, the Hussite hetman paid a high price for the second success, as he lost his right eye in front of the walls of Rabi. During the conquest, the Hussites severely damaged the rabbis, but the then owners received financial compensation for their loyalty to the "red king", and so they were able to restore the castle.
Then, for a long time, the castle passed from hand to hand and slowly fell into decay due to the difficult fate of their owners.
In the first half of the 19th century, the castle burned down and the fire stripped of its roofs and wooden parts. And after that, the unguarded territory of the castle became a source of building material for the inhabitants of Podhradie and the surrounding area.
The first attempts to preserve and at the same time make the castle complex accessible appeared already in the middle of the 19th century. century. The then owner of the estate, Prince Gustav Jachim Lamberg, closed the entrance gate, built the first observation deck at the top of the keep and repaired part of the masonry. Despite all efforts, the repairs affected a smaller part of the area - most of the masonry was not fixed to the displeasure of the inhabitants of Podhradie, so falling stones constantly threatened their houses.
In 1954, the rabbi took over the government, and in 1978 the castle was declared a national cultural monument. Currently, the Rabi State Castle is under the management of the National Institute of Monuments, the Territorial Administration of Monuments in Ceske Budievice.
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Bezděkov Castle
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The Neo-Gothic building was constructed in 1855 on the site of a 14th-century fortress.
The now-renovated castle is privately owned and not open to the public.
Plans are in place to partially open the park and castle to the public in the future.
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Veselí Castle Ruins
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Teinitz Baroque Palace (Zámek Týnec)
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Welhartitz Castle
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Interesting castle and castle complex with an interesting history.
More information: de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Burg_Velhartice
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Bistritz an der Angel Castle
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The tower gate from 1853 is worth seeing.
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Tips from the Community
Unfortunately, it's closed on Mondays. Nevertheless, it was very nice to look at, at least from the outside.
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Beautiful place, unfortunately closed on Mondays. Still worth a visit 😍.
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Tip: You can find travel guides (free shipping) for the Czech Republic at: https://www.reise-karhu.de/reisebuecher.html
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The castle was founded in 1356 by Charles IV. (after him it was also named - Karlsberg). There were three reasons for establishing this guard castle. The primary necessity was the need to secure the land border with neighboring Bavaria. The second reason was the monarch's effort to protect the gold-bearing area of the Kašperské Hory. Last but not least, Charles IV. he considered it necessary to ensure security on the newly established commercial road called the Golden Path. It connected Bohemia with Bavaria and then with the developed regions of Western Europe. One of its branches led through the Kašperské Hory. Kašperk quickly became an important support of royal power in southern Bohemia. Although Kašperk was a royal castle, it often served as a pawn, and therefore was ruled by pawnbrokers; the second archbishop of Prague, Jan Očko from Vlašimi, is among the well-known. In the second half of the 15th century, the Kašperk castle passed into the possession of the important Šternberk family from Šternberk. As the end of the 16th century approached, the castle gradually lost its original significance, funds were no longer available for its regular maintenance, and the castle fell into disrepair. The Royal Chamber began to sell off the Kasper estate. Finally, in 1616, the already derelict Kašperk Castle was bought by the nearby City of Kašperské Hory, which is still the owner and operator of Kašperk Castle today. The yield of Ferdinand III. fortunately, the demolition of the castles in 1655 was not carried out by the Kašperskohorský, who used the ruins as a source of building material. In the 20th century, it underwent extensive reconstruction that had already begun before the Second World War.
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The well-preserved ruins of the Gothic Kašperka castle stand on a rocky promontory on the upper reaches of the Otava River in the Svatoborská vrchovina, 3 km north of the Kašperské Hory. At 887 m above sea level, it is the highest royal castle in Bohemia. The castle thus offers a beautiful view of the nearby Šumava panorama.
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It's worth taking note of the opening times. We stood in front of closed doors in February. The castle is closed from November to March. April and October open Saturday, Sunday and public holidays (9:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.). On all other months only Mondays are closed (9:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. or 6:00 p.m.). From the outside, the castle is very impressive with its strong walls.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Are there family-friendly castles to visit around Klatovy?
Yes, several castles in the region are great for families. Švihov Castle, a stunning water castle, is famous as a filming location for a beloved Czech fairy tale and offers tours and a tower ascent. Rabí Castle Ruins, as the largest castle ruin in Bohemia, provides ample space for exploration and imagination.
Which castles around Klatovy offer unique architectural features?
The Klatovy region boasts castles with distinct architectural elements. Velhartice Castle is notable for its unique stone bridge connecting the palace to the defensive Putna tower. Švihov Castle is an impressive water castle with an ingenious defense system, while Rabí Castle Ruins features a massive habitable tower, or donjon, offering expansive views.
What is the best time of year to visit the castles in the Klatovy region?
The best time to visit the castles around Klatovy is generally from spring through autumn. During these seasons, the weather is more favorable for exploring, and most castles operate with extended opening hours and offer full tour schedules. Winter visits might be limited due to reduced opening times or closures, especially for outdoor ruins.
Are there hiking trails near the castles around Klatovy?
Yes, many castles are situated in scenic areas with nearby hiking opportunities. For instance, Kašperk Castle is in a great location for walking tours, with a comfortable walk from the parking lot. You can find various hiking routes in the region, including easy hikes, by exploring the Easy hikes around Klatovy guide.
Can I find cafes or accommodation near the castles?
Yes, many of the more popular castles have amenities nearby. For example, Velhartice Castle has a castle brewery that now operates as a restaurant serving traditional Šumava cuisine. For other castles, you'll often find cafes or pubs in the nearest villages, and accommodation options are available in the wider Klatovy region.
Which castles offer art exhibitions or cultural experiences?
Klenová Castle and Chateau stands out as a cultural hub. It functions as the Klatovy-Klenová Gallery, hosting various art exhibitions, including collections of Czech modern art and historical furnishings. The complex combines historical ruins with a vibrant art scene.
Are there any castles that are mostly ruins versus well-preserved structures?
The Klatovy region offers both. Rabí Castle Ruins is the largest castle ruin in Bohemia, providing a dramatic glimpse into medieval fortifications. In contrast, Švihov Castle is a well-preserved water castle, and Velhartice Castle features both preserved Gothic ruins and a 17th-century Renaissance wing.
What historical events are associated with the castles in this region?
The castles around Klatovy have rich histories. Velhartice Castle secretly safeguarded the Czech coronation jewels in the 15th century. Rabí Castle Ruins witnessed significant events during the Hussite wars, where the military leader Jan Žižka famously lost an eye during a siege.
Are there cycling routes that pass by or near these castles?
Yes, the Klatovy region offers various cycling opportunities. You can find cycling routes, including touring and road cycling, that may take you near some of the castles. Explore the Cycling around Klatovy guide or the Road Cycling Routes around Klatovy guide for detailed routes.
Which castle is considered one of the most romantic in Bohemia?
Velhartice Castle is often described as one of the most romantic castles in Bohemia. Its setting on a rocky outcrop above the Ostružná River and its distinctive stone bridge contribute to its captivating atmosphere.
What are some notable natural features or viewpoints near the castles?
Many castles are set amidst beautiful natural landscapes. Velhartice Castle is situated above the Ostružná River. From the massive donjon of Rabí Castle Ruins, you can enjoy expansive views of the surrounding southwestern Bohemia. The region's varied natural landscape, including river valleys and rocky outcrops, often complements the historical sites.
Are there any castles that are privately owned and not accessible to the public?
Yes, some castles in the region are privately owned and may not be fully accessible. For example, Bezděkov Castle is privately owned and not currently open to the public, though there are plans to partially open its park and castle in the future. Similarly, Veselí Castle Ruins are privately owned, and access is not possible.
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