Discover Chudenice

In Chudenice, nature and culture sit side by side: the Americká zahrada Arboretum focuses on woody plants, trees and shrubs; the Žďár nature trail leads through the forest, and Starý zámek preserves historic connections to the Czernin noble family of Chudenice. Kvapilova jezírka are also linked to a literary story. When planning your trip, it is worth keeping the different focuses in mind: the nature trail combines a forest route with information about local wildlife and plant life, while Americká zahrada is defined above all by its collections.

Americká zahrada and the Chudenicko landscape

Americká zahrada focuses on collections of woody plants, trees and shrubs. Its history dates back to the autumn of 1828, when it was established as a nursery and plant reserve for the Lázeň spa. In 1969, the Ministry of Culture of the ČSR designated Americká zahrada a state-protected park and a rare scientific, natural and cultural monument. The two dates mark different milestones: 1828 refers to its original function as a nursery and plant reserve, while 1969 marks its subsequent protected status.

On a broader regional scale, Chudenicko has been designated a landscape conservation area since 1996. Elements of this area include viewpoints, small bodies of water, Lázeň Park, the Americká zahrada Arboretum and the Bolfánek observation tower. This regional context complements the picture of the individual garden: 1996 is the year Chudenicko was designated, while the 1969 protected status applies to Americká zahrada.

Žďár nature trail: route, stations and starting points

The Žďár nature trail is 5 km long and leads through the forest. It follows well-maintained paths, and the terrain is mostly easy. At 15 stations, visitors can learn about local wildlife and plant life, as well as other local features. The trail therefore combines a specific route length with informative stations. Its nature theme differs from the focus of Americká zahrada: there, the emphasis is on woody plants, trees and shrubs; here, it is on wildlife and plant life, as well as other local features.

The nature trail has two starting points: Zámek Lázeň and the Chapel of St. Anne. You can decide in advance which of these two places you would like to start from. Keep in mind the access rule for Zámek Lázeň and its park: they are accessible only during cultural or social events, or by prior arrangement with the castle administration. The access rule was checked on 25 August 2026; check access again before you arrive.

Starý zámek and literary connections

Starý zámek is the oldest monument in Chudenice and is considered the cradle of the old Czernin noble family of Chudenice. The exhibition features authentic historic furniture, objects and pictures of the Czernins, originally from Zámek Lázeň. Visitors to Starý zámek can also see the oldest parts of the original fortress.

These include the preserved defensive bastion with an exhibition, the lord of the castle’s living quarters and the kitchen. The provisions area includes the food storehouse, where remnants of an original spiral staircase have been preserved. The original gate is also connected with the remains of the drawbridge mechanism; preserved Gothic loopholes are among the features open to visitors as well. Together, these elements offer different insights into the site: the defensive bastion and loopholes sit alongside rooms for living and provisions.

Kvapilova jezírka offer a different kind of cultural connection. They are associated with the writer Jaroslav Kvapil, who liked to spend time there during his student years. When writing the libretto for Dvořák’s opera Rusalka, he had this place in mind as the setting. This makes the connection to Kvapilova jezírka different from the architectural and noble history of Starý zámek: here, the focus is on Kvapil’s connection to the creation of the libretto.

Discover more destinations: Předslav, Frymburk U Sušice, Zelezná Ruda, Besiny, Rejštejn, Křenice, Hrádek, Sveradice

For the broader travel overview: Okres Klatovy.