Why Book a Švihov Water Castle Tour Today?

Švihov Water Castle is a rare example of a water-protected fortress. It was built in the late 15th century. The architect designed it to withstand long sieges. Today, it offers a peaceful escape from the busy streets of Plzeň. Many people visit to see the official historic sites of the region. The castle feels like a step back in time. You can walk through the same gates as medieval knights. It is also one of the best castles near Plzeň for a quick excursion.

Before you dive into the details, here are some quick picks for your visit:

• Best overall: Guided Castle Interior Tour
• Best for families: Moat Boat Rental
• Best for film fans: Cinderella Exhibition
• Best for history buffs: The Castle Armory

The castle is very accessible for those staying in West Bohemia. You can easily spend a full day here. The surrounding landscape is flat and green. This makes it ideal for walking or cycling. You will find plenty of photo opportunities around the moat. The reflection of the stone walls in the water is stunning. Make sure to bring your camera for this trip.

11 Best Experiences on a Švihov Water Castle Tour

There is so much to see during your Švihov Water Castle tour. The site offers several different tour routes. You can choose the one that fits your interests. Some routes focus on lifestyle, while others focus on defense. Most tours are led by expert local guides. They share stories about the noble families who lived here. Here are the top eleven things to experience during your visit.

1. Name: The Castle Courtyard Type: Iconic sight Why go: This is the heart of the fortress with impressive Gothic architecture. Best for: Photographers Where: Main entrance area Time: 20 minutes Cost: Free to enter the outer area Tip: Look up to see the original stone carvings on the walls.
2. Name: Interior Guided Tour Type: Museum Why go: Explore the Red Tower and the grand banquet halls. Best for: History lovers Where: Main castle building Time: 60 minutes Cost: Moderate fee Tip: Tours in English may need to be booked in advance.
3. Name: Moat Boat Ride Type: Unique experience Why go: See the castle from a different perspective on the water. Best for: Couples and families Where: Castle moat Time: 30 minutes Cost: Check current rental prices online Tip: This activity is only available during the summer months.
4. Name: Cinderella Filming Spots Type: Unique experience Why go: See where the famous movie "Three Nuts for Cinderella" was filmed. Best for: Movie fans Where: Various locations around the grounds Time: 45 minutes Cost: Included in grounds access Tip: Read about the specific filming spots before you arrive.
5. Name: The Castle Kitchen Type: Indoor experience Why go: See how food was prepared for medieval feasts. Best for: Families Where: Lower level of the castle Time: 15 minutes Cost: Included in main tour Tip: The kitchen features authentic tools from the 15th century.
6. Name: The Gothic Chapel Type: Viewpoint/Art Why go: Admire the stunning frescoes and religious statues. Best for: Art enthusiasts Where: Inside the main palace Time: 20 minutes Cost: Included in main tour Tip: The Chapel of the Assumption is a highlight of the interior route.
7. Name: Klatovy Catacombs Type: Day trip Why go: Visit the mummified remains of Jesuits in a nearby town. Best for: Brave travelers Where: Klatovy (15 mins from Švihov) Time: 1 hour Cost: Small entry fee Tip: Combine this with your castle visit by following a local tour guide.
8. Name: Radyne Castle Ruins Type: Day trip Why go: Hike up to a royal castle ruin with panoramic views. Best for: Hikers Where: Near Starý Plzenec Time: 2 hours Cost: Low cost Tip: Check out this Radyne guide for the best hiking trails.
9. Name: Kozel Chateau Type: Day trip Why go: A beautiful hunting lodge surrounded by a large park. Best for: Nature lovers Where: Šťáhlavy Time: 2-3 hours Cost: Moderate Tip: This Kozel Chateau trip is perfect for a relaxing afternoon.
10. Name: Kladruby Monastery Type: Day trip Why go: See one of the largest and most beautiful churches in the country. Best for: Architecture fans Where: Kladruby Time: 1.5 hours Cost: Moderate Tip: Learn more about a Kladruby Monastery visit before you go.
11. Name: Švihov Town Square Type: Neighborhood Why go: Experience the quiet life of a small Czech town. Best for: Relaxation Where: Center of Švihov Time: 30 minutes Cost: Free Tip: Stop at a local cafe for traditional Czech pastries.

How to Reach Švihov from Plzeň in 2026

Getting to Švihov is very easy from the city of Plzeň. The most popular option is taking the train. Trains run regularly from the Plzeň main station. The journey takes about 30 to 40 minutes. You can check the official city tourism board for current schedules. The train station in Švihov is a short walk from the castle. It is a pleasant stroll through the village.

If you prefer to drive, the trip is even faster. The castle is located about 30 kilometers south of Plzeň. You can follow the main road toward Klatovy. There is a dedicated parking lot near the castle entrance. Parking fees are usually quite low. Driving gives you the freedom to visit other nearby sites. You could easily visit several regional attractions in one day.

Cycling is another great way to reach the castle. The Plzeň region has many well-marked bike paths. The terrain near Švihov is mostly flat and easy to ride. This is a great choice for active travelers in 2026. You can rent bikes in Plzeň and ride through the countryside. Just make sure to check the weather before you start. The ride takes about two hours for most people.

Practical Tips for Your Castle Visit

To make the most of your Švihov Water Castle tour, arrive early. The castle can get busy on weekends, especially in summer. Most tours start on the hour. You should buy your tickets at the box office upon arrival. If you have a large group, booking ahead is smart. The castle staff is very helpful and friendly. They can provide information in several languages.

Wear comfortable walking shoes for your visit. The castle floors are made of old stone and wood. Some stairs are quite steep and narrow. If you plan to rent a boat, bring sun protection. There is very little shade on the water. The castle grounds are mostly open to the sun. In winter, the castle has limited opening hours. Always check the official website for seasonal changes.

Don't forget to explore the area outside the walls. The water defense system includes several ponds and meadows. These areas are perfect for a picnic. You can enjoy a meal with a view of the fortress. There are also small shops selling souvenirs near the entrance. You can find local honey, postcards, and wooden toys. It is a great way to support the local community.