*A visit to the historic west Bohemian town of Horšovský Týn: 4 km*

• Horšovský Týn is a lovely small west Bohemian town on the edge of the Český les highland border region. It is well worth a visit, particularly to see the magnificent Renaissance chateau, built by a branch of the Lobkowicz family after a fire destroyed the earlier Gothic castle. The attractive English style park that surrounds the chateau is worth exploring and there are various good refreshment options in town, which make this an excellent half day trip.
• The chateau offers various guided tours from Spring to Autumn, including exploring the period of ownership by the noble Trauttmansdorff family from the early 17th century until 1945. After the cataclysmic Battle of White Mountain (where the Horšovský Týn branch of the Lobkowicz family were on the losing Protestant side) the chateau was acquired (on very favorable terms) by Count Maximilian of Trauttmansdorff. The Count was a very influential and senior member of the Habsburg regime during the first half of the 17th century.
• The attractive chateau park has a number of monuments and buildings in varying states of repair – the highlight being the viewing platform created out of a Gothic tower at the end of the 19th century. There is a 4 km education trail that loops through the park.
• The main square of Horšovský Týn is lined with Gothic and Renaissance period buildings, including the well regarded Gurmán brewery restaurant-hotel (map point 5). For lighter refreshment options, try the Hejlík recommended Nakafe, near the river (map point 6). The walk in the park is not difficult, but there is one steep uphill section (70m of climbing) which might be a challenge with a stroller. Note that the park is open year round, although the chateau is closed to visitors in the winter months.

Note: click ‘Show on Mapy.com’  to go to a full screen version of the route directly on the mapy.com site. This can be used for on line navigation, saved or exported as a GPX file.

Directions

• The initial section of the park walk follows the YELLOW hiking trail for just over 1 km and then loops steeply uphill just after the (seatless) tourist shelter
• Follow the footpath, marked with occasional nature trail markers and info. boards back towards the chateau