Velhartice Castle and Chateau are situated in the foothills of the Šumava Mountains, between Klatovy and Sušice, on a rocky promontory overlooking the valley of the Ostružná stream.

The most striking feature of the castle is its unique stone bridge, which connects the Rajský Palace with the Putna defence tower. The bridge, which also served a defensive purpose, is 32 metres long, 3 metres wide and almost 10 metres high. It has four pointed arches and stands on massive cylindrical pillars.

The stone bridge forms part of the castle’s Gothic section; together with the Rajský Palace and the Putna Tower, it illustrates the castle’s earliest form and its defensive layout. As is often the case with castles, during the Renaissance the castle ceased to meet the needs of the nobility and was subsequently extended to include a chateau section.

What guided tours are available?

You can choose between the Gothic and Renaissance tours. The third guided tour on offer will introduce you to the story of the secret transport of the crown jewels and their safekeeping in Velhartice. Without a guide, you can also explore the outdoor grounds, which feature courtyards, viewing points and the former castle brewery, which now houses an interactive exhibition.

What can you find in the castle’s surroundings?

In the outer bailey, you’ll find an open-air museum of folk architecture, showcasing buildings relocated from the Šumava region. The museum’s outdoor areas are freely accessible with no admission charge.

After visiting the castle, you can follow the Velhartice nature trail to Jan Werich’s cottage.

Tip for families with children:

The car park is about 300 metres from the castle, and the path from there is wheelchair-accessible. The outdoor areas are particularly suitable for pushchairs. A nappy-changing table is available in the castle restaurant.