A circuit to the Kamýk rocks from the Gothic-Renaissance water castle of Švihov: 9 km

• The late Gothic-early Renaissance castle of Švihov is situated just off the main road between Plzeň and Klatovy in west Bohemia. It is one of the most picturesque ‘water castles’ (ie moated castles) in Bohemia. The castle is normally open for tours from the end of March until the beginning of November.
• A short (2 km) walk around the castle area and the ingenious water system that fills the moat, is described here. There are also various longer routes starting at Švihov which are definitely worth considering for a longer day trip, including a 21 km circular route in the hills to the west of Švihov, which passes various historical fortress sites.
• However, for an interesting medium length (9 km) trip which also starts at Švihov castle, try the following route into the hills to the southeast of Švihov. The route has a couple of information boards describing the natural environment. Near the village of Kamýk there are some interesting Buližník rock formations, which are very erosion resistant metamorphized rocks. These local rocks were actually used to build Švihov castle in the 15th century.
• There are some nice views on the ascent route across the high meadows. The climb onto the largest rock formation on ladders can be avoided if desired (the view from the top is now partly obscured by pine trees). The 8.5 km route is partly on easy forest and meadow paths and partly on a quiet public road back down to Švihov. It involves 150m of height to ascend/descend. Refreshments should be available at the restaurant in Švihov main square.
• This is a good option for an easy winter walk – the pictures below were taken in late December – but even if the ground is snowy the trails should not be difficult.

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

Directions

• Starting in the village center (paid parking available and buses from Klatovy or Plzeň), follow the YELLOW hiking trail towards the castle
• After visiting the castle itself, tour the ingenious water system, initially by following the path along the canal
• After 500m, cross the canal and rejoin the YELLOW trail, following this away from the castle
• After 300m cross the rover using the elevated footbridge and then leave the YELLOW trsail to follow the unmarked footpath directly beside the river
• After 400m this footpath meets the RED and GREEN marked hiking trail. Turn left onto this trail
• Cross the main road at the Švihov – u závor trail junction and follow the GREEN trail uphill through the forest for 2.2 km to reach the Nad Vosím junction
• At Nad Vosím, turn left remaining on the GREEN trail and continue for 1.5 km to reach the Kamýk rocks
• Take the 100m diversion to visit the rocks (the ascent of the ladder is optional!)
• Return back to Švihov town centre by following the GREEN trail for 3 km. The trail descends gently downhill, mostly on the public road