Chocenice: Hiking Trails and Architectural History

Chocenice is located in the Švihovská vrchovina highlands and in the valley of the Chocenický potok stream. For planning your visit, trail guidance and local history go hand in hand: a yellow-marked hiking trail passes through the village and continues to named destinations, while the nature trail provides details on its length, elevation difference, rest areas and information boards. The castle, granary, chapel and other historic landmarks complete the picture. Depending on your interests, you can focus your stay on route planning, architectural history or both.

Hiking Trails and Nature Trail

The yellow-marked hiking trail of the Czech Tourist Club runs from Bzí through Chocenice towards Kozí roh. From the village square, the yellow trail continues to Chocenická velká skála, where it connects with the green trail from Srby to Blovice. These named places and trail markings provide different points of reference: Kozí roh lies in the stated direction of the yellow trail, while Chocenická velká skála marks the connection to the green trail.

The nature trail from Chocenice to Velká skála u Bzí begins in the village centre and ends after less than five kilometres. Seven information boards line the route. The elevation difference is approximately 150 metres; the trail has two rest areas, including one by the Vejsovák pond. This lets you factor the route length, approximate elevation difference and places to rest into your day’s plans. The trail’s information boards also offer a different focus from navigating by the yellow hiking trail markers. Check the trail’s condition locally before your trip; rest facilities may change.

Landscape and Village Character

A protected natural feature is the Chocenický drnák sessile oak at the northeastern edge of Chlumek. It was planted sometime between about 1720 and 1730. This approximate date range is part of how the tree is described: unlike a construction date, it does not assign the planting to a single year.

The Špejchar also remains a defining feature of the village. The granary was built in 1723 on a rise above the Vejsovský rybník pond. Its date and the stated location above the pond place it firmly in the local history.

Historic Buildings and Memorials

Chocenice Castle was originally a late Renaissance fortress. It was probably converted into a small Baroque château in the last quarter of the 17th century; later significant alterations were made in the Neoclassical style. In 1927, the castle was converted into the Skupa holiday home for children from Plzeň. Its history therefore encompasses both different phases of construction and a former use.

The Old Castle is a sturdy two-storey building with a mansard roof and a half-timbered upper storey. The building also contains a preserved historic black kitchen. These features give a clear impression of the Old Castle’s architecture and one of its distinctive historical details.

The Chapel of Our Lady of Lourdes stands in the village centre, on the road above the stream. It was built in 1895 in the Pseudo-Romanesque style. Inside the chapel, a statue of the Immaculate Heart of Mary stands on a pseudo-style altar. Its location, construction date and furnishings describe different aspects of the chapel, from its place in the village to its altar.

The Antonín Švehla Memorial in Chocenice commemorates a politician who was among the leading figures of the domestic resistance during the First World War and later headed three Czechoslovak governments. Another historic site is the former brewery building at house number 3, one of the oldest buildings in Chocenice. The village’s history and named memorials thus extend beyond its castle and religious buildings.

Discover more destinations: Neurazy, Útušice, Dobrany, Měcholupy U Blovic, Nová Ves U Plzně, Chotěšov, Chlumčany U Přeštic, Čmelíny

For the broader travel overview: Plzeň-Jih.