Planning Your Švihov Water Castle Tour

Švihov is a rare example of a late Gothic water fortress. It was built to protect the valley from invaders. Today, it serves as a peaceful destination for history lovers. The castle is famous for its clever defense system. You can see how the moat once surrounded the entire structure. This makes it a perfect spot for photography and exploration.

Before you go, check the official Visit Plzeň website for event updates. The castle often hosts medieval festivals and markets. These events can make the site very busy. It is best to visit on a weekday if you want to avoid crowds. The atmosphere is much more relaxing during the morning hours.

Most visitors spend about three to four hours at the castle. This gives you enough time for a guided tour and a boat ride. You can also explore the surrounding park and town. The area is very flat and easy to walk. This makes it a great choice for families with young children or seniors.

Švihov Castle Boat Rental Prices and Availability

Renting a boat is a top highlight at Švihov. The castle moat is deep and wide. This makes it perfect for a short rowing trip. Most visitors find that 30 minutes is plenty of time. You can see the massive stone walls from a new perspective. It is also a very romantic activity for couples. Families with children will enjoy the gentle pace of the water.

The current Švihov Castle boat rental prices and availability vary by season. Generally, you can expect to pay between 100 and 150 CZK. This price is for the whole boat, not per person. Most boats hold two to four people. You do not need to book in advance for small groups. However, you should check the Plzeň Region official site for any seasonal closures.

The boats usually operate from May until September. They are available daily during the peak summer months. In May and September, they may only run on weekends. The rental office is located near the main ticket gate. Rentals depend on the weather and water levels. High winds or heavy rain will cause the rentals to close for safety.

10 Best Things to Do at Švihov Water Castle

Here are the top attractions and experiences you should not miss during your visit. This list includes sights within the castle and nearby day trips.

• Name: Castle Moat Boat Trip Type: activity Why go: See the fortress walls from the water level. Best for: Couples and families. Where: The moat surrounding the inner castle. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: 100-150 CZK. Getting there: Walk from the ticket office. Tip: Go in the late afternoon for the best lighting.

• Name: The Red Tower Type: sight Why go: It offers the best panoramic views of the countryside. Best for: Photographers. Where: North side of the castle complex. Time: 20 minutes. Cost: Included in the main tour. Getting there: Follow the stairs during the guided tour. Tip: Watch your head on the low Gothic doorways.

• Name: Cinderella Exhibition Type: experience Why go: This was a major filming location for a famous fairy tale. Best for: Film fans. Where: Inner courtyard rooms. Time: 45 minutes. Cost: ~120 CZK. Getting there: Signposted from the main entrance. Tip: Read about the Cinderella filming locations before you arrive.

• Name: St. Luke’s Chapel Type: sight Why go: It features rare preserved Gothic wall paintings. Best for: History buffs. Where: Upper floor of the residential wing. Time: 15 minutes. Cost: Part of the "Castle" tour. Getting there: Accessible via guided tour only. Tip: Look at the ceiling to see the intricate rib vaulting.

• Name: The Granary (Sýpka) Type: museum Why go: Learn about the agricultural history of the estate. Best for: Families. Where: Adjacent to the main castle building. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Small separate fee. Getting there: 2-minute walk from the courtyard. Tip: This is a great indoor activity if it starts to rain.

• Name: Castle Park Type: nature Why go: A peaceful green space with great views of the ramparts. Best for: Relaxation. Where: Surrounding the outer moat. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk around the perimeter of the castle. Tip: Bring a blanket for a picnic on the grass.

• Name: Three Hazels Trail Type: experience Why go: Follow the path used in the Cinderella movie. Best for: Hikers. Where: Starts at the castle gate. Time: 2 hours. Cost: Free. Getting there: Follow the blue trail markers. Tip: Wear comfortable shoes as the path can be muddy.

• Name: Švihov Town Square Type: neighborhood Why go: Experience a typical small Czech town atmosphere. Best for: Local culture. Where: 500 meters south of the castle. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Short walk down the main road. Tip: Try the local pastries at the small bakery on the corner.

• Name: Klatovy Catacombs Type: day trip Why go: See the naturally preserved mummies of Jesuit monks. Best for: Unique history. Where: Klatovy, 15km from Švihov. Time: 1.5 hours. Cost: 150 CZK. Getting there: Part of the best day trips from Plzen by train. Tip: It is very cold inside the crypts; bring a jacket.

• Name: Chudenice Old Castle Type: day trip Why go: A hidden Renaissance gem with a beautiful arboretum. Best for: Nature lovers. Where: Chudenice, 10km west of Švihov. Time: 2 hours. Cost: 100 CZK. Getting there: Best reached by car or local bus. Tip: Visit the Bolfánek lookout tower for amazing forest views.

How to Get to Švihov from Plzeň

Getting to Švihov from Plzeň is very easy. The most popular option is the train. Direct trains run regularly from the Plzeň main station. The journey takes about 30 to 40 minutes. The Švihov u Klatov station is a short walk from the castle. You just need to follow the signs toward the center.

If you prefer to drive, the trip is also simple. Take the road number 27 heading south toward Klatovy. The drive takes around 30 minutes depending on traffic. There is a large parking lot near the castle entrance. Parking fees are usually very reasonable for the whole day.

Cyclists can also enjoy the route from Plzeň. There are well-marked bike paths through the countryside. This is a great way to see the rural landscape. However, the ride is about 30 kilometers long. Make sure you have enough water and a repair kit for the journey.