From Medieval Castles to the Wild Heart of Šumava: The Ultimate Plzeň Region Road Trip

Many travellers know the Plzeň Region for one thing: beer. While the world-famous lager certainly deserves its reputation, western Bohemia offers far more than a brewery visit. Within a few hours of driving, you can explore some of the oldest castles in the Czech Republic, wander through forgotten medieval towns, discover mysterious churches, swim in crystal-clear lakes and stand beside one of the largest synagogue buildings in the world.

This circular road trip begins and ends in Plzeň and follows a logical route through some of the regions most fascinating places.

Plzeň – Much More Than Beer

Start your journey in Plzeň. Most visitors arrive for the famous brewery, but the city deserves much more time than many people give it.

Beneath the historic centre lies a vast network of medieval tunnels known as the Plzeň Underground. 

Above ground stands the magnificent Cathedral of Saint Bartholomew, whose tower reaches 103 metres, making it the tallest church tower in the Czech Republic.

Families will enjoy the citys excellent zoo and adjacent DinoPark, while science enthusiasts should not miss Techmania Science Center, one of the countrys best interactive science museums.

Another surprise awaits near the city centre: the Great Synagogue, one of the largest synagogue buildings in the world and the second-largest in Europe.

Before leaving the city, relax for a while around the beautiful Bolevec ponds.

Bolevec Ponds and Radyně Castle – Nature and Legends

Just north of the city, the Bolevec Ponds offer a peaceful introduction to the region. What many visitors do not realise is that these ponds were created centuries ago as part of an ingenious medieval water management system.

From there, head southeast to Radyně Castle. Perched high above the landscape, the castle offers sweeping views across western Bohemia. Local legends speak of hidden treasures and mysterious lights occasionally seen around the ruins after sunset.

Continue south toward one of the most impressive water castles in Central Europe.

Švihov and Horšovský Týn – Fairytale Architecture

Švihov Castle is unique. Surrounded by water and remarkably well preserved, it looks exactly like the kind of castle children imagine when hearing fairy tales.

The peaceful moat, stone bridges and elegant towers have attracted filmmakers for decades.

A short drive west brings you to Horšovský Týn, one of the most charming small towns in the region.

Colourful houses surround a beautiful square, while the castle and château complex tells stories stretching from medieval times to the Renaissance.

The atmosphere here remains pleasantly authentic because large tourist crowds rarely arrive.

Domažlice – The Land of the Chods

Continue west to Domažlice, the historic centre of the Chod region.

For centuries, the Chods guarded the nearby borderlands and developed a strong regional identity that survives to this day. Every summer the town comes alive during the famous Chodské Slavnosti folk festival, when traditional music, costumes and customs fill the streets.

The leaning tower overlooking the square has become one of the town's most recognisable landmarks.

The Ghost Church of Luková and the Ancient Castle of Přimda

Leaving Domažlice behind, drive north through quiet countryside toward one of the most unusual places in the Czech Republic.

The Church of Saint George in Luková became internationally famous after an art project filled the abandoned interior with ghost-like figures sitting silently in the pews.

The result is both haunting and beautiful.

Continue west to Přimda Castle. Built in the early 12th century, it is widely considered one of the oldest stone castles in the Czech Republic. Standing atop a hill near the German border, it feels like a silent witness to almost a thousand years of history.

Planá, Rabštejn and Plasy – Hidden Treasures of Northern Plzeň Region

From Přimda, head northeast toward Planá. Its historic centre and château remain largely undiscovered by international visitors.

Continue to Rabštejn nad Střelou, officially one of the smallest historic towns in Europe. Despite its tiny size, Rabštejn possesses a remarkable atmosphere. Narrow streets, stone bridges and old houses create the feeling of stepping back several centuries.

Nearby lies one of the regions greatest architectural treasures: Plasy Monastery.

The monastery was built on thousands of oak piles submerged in water. Remarkably, the entire structure depends on water remaining beneath the foundations. Without it, the building could be damaged.

Kašperk, Velhartice and Rabí – The Great Castle Triangle

Now turn south toward the foothills of Šumava.

Kašperk Castle, founded by King Charles IV, rises dramatically above forests and mountain valleys. It is often considered one of the most photogenic castles in the country.

Not far away stands Velhartice Castle, famous for its extraordinary stone bridge connecting two parts of the castle. Its unusual architecture makes it unlike any other Czech castle.

Finally, visit Rabí Castle, home to the largest castle ruins in the Czech Republic. According to tradition, the famous Czech military leader Jan Žižka lost his second eye during a siege here.

The massive fortifications still impress visitors today.

Černé Lake – The Wild Heart of Šumava

Before returning to Plzeň, make one final stop at Černé Lake.

Hidden among dense forests beneath the slopes of Šumava, it is the largest and deepest natural lake in the Czech Republic. Created by glaciers during the last Ice Age, its dark waters and steep surrounding cliffs create an atmosphere unlike anywhere else in the country.

Early morning mist often drifts across the surface, making the landscape feel almost Scandinavian.

From here, follow the roads back toward Plzeň.

By the end of this journey, you will discover that the Plzeň Region is not merely the home of a famous beer. It is a land of forgotten castles, living traditions, mysterious churches and some of the most beautiful landscapes in western Czechia.