Čachrov: Nature Trails and Cultural History

Čachrov offers several different starting points for planning a stay: there is a nature reserve nearby, while the municipality combines cultural history and art in St. Wenceslas Church, Tvrz Čachrov Fortress, a railway handcar museum and a gallery. Nature trails, historical building phases and individual exhibitions provide a range of focal points. When choosing a destination for your stay, you can therefore first consider whether you would rather spend time in natural surroundings, exploring church and architectural history, or discovering art and railway history.

Nature and trails

The Městišťské rokle Nature Reserve is located near Čachrov. It protects spring areas and peatlands, as well as the floodplains of the Jelenka and its tributaries. Access is via a guided walk that starts in the municipality of Čachrov.

The Divoké rokle městišťské trail begins about one kilometre beyond the settlement of Onen Svět in the municipality of Čachrov; parking is available at the starting point. A KČT hiking route reaches Čachrov via Chřepice and Bradné. For Divoké rokle, plan around the starting point; for the KČT hike, plan around the sequence of Chřepice, Bradné and Čachrov. Trail conditions and signage on the KČT route may change; check both before setting out.

Church and architectural history

St. Wenceslas Church brings several periods together in one building: originally a Gothic church dating from the first half of the 14th century, it was remodelled in the Baroque style at the beginning of the 18th century. It also features wall paintings from around 1360 and a vault fresco from 1759. The wall paintings date from the Middle Ages, while the vault fresco and remodelling belong to considerably later periods. Miloslav Vlk, who later became Archbishop of Prague and a cardinal, worked at the rectory.

Tvrz Čachrov Fortress was built between 1380 and 1390 by Vilém of Čachrov. It is privately owned and not open to visitors; access arrangements may change, so check before your trip. A Baroque chateau was built near the fortress in the second half of the 18th century; it burned down in 1933.

Railway museum and gallery

The Čachrov Railway Handcar Museum’s most valuable exhibit is a handcar from 1851 that was used by railway inspectors. The exhibit brings together a precisely dated vehicle and its use by railway professionals. The Domácí Galerie nad údolím (Home Gallery above the Valley) was established at house number 4 in Čachrov. On display are paintings, ceramic sculptures, jewellery, prints and drawings. Visits are possible by prior arrangement; as visiting arrangements may change, please book a time in advance. The museum’s one-off technical exhibit thus differs from the gallery’s broader range of works.

Discover more destinations: Javorná, Chrepice, Břežany, Kolinec, Velhartice, Prasily, Žihobce, Velký Bor.

For the broader travel overview: Klatovy District.