Kašperské Hory: Culture, Gold History and Nature

Kašperské Hory brings together themes ranging from Late Gothic art to the natural and aquatic landscapes of Šumava. If you are looking for a hotel in Kašperské Hory, these highlights can help you plan your stay around your interests. Church architecture, sculptures and gold processing sit alongside nature topics featured by the information centre.

Art, Churches and Exhibitions

At the Muzeum Šumavy, different historical and natural history perspectives meet. A collection of Late Gothic sculptures dates from around the turn of the 15th and 16th centuries. Alongside it, a permanent natural history exhibition covers zoology, botany, geology and nature conservation. The historical exhibition also includes evidence of gold mining and gold processing in the Šumava region. The natural history display therefore covers a broad range of subjects, while the sculpture collection is clearly defined by its period.

A different scale is represented by the Kašperské Hory nativity scene: local carvers carved and painted it by hand. It is displayed year-round in the town hall exhibition room. Here, a single work takes centre stage, while the exhibitions at the Muzeum Šumavy bring together several fields and historical themes.

The churches also differ in their architectural history and furnishings. Kostel sv. Markéty is a three-aisled Gothic basilica built in the mid-14th century; its interior is Baroque and dates from the 18th century. Kostel sv. Mikuláše is 1.5 km from the town centre. The church contains Early Gothic frescoes and a painted beam ceiling dating from 1700. At Markéty, the construction period can be contrasted with the later interior; at Mikuláše, the frescoes and ceiling are the notable features.

Gold History and Historic Routes

The historic gold ore processing site was established, according to the finds, around the turn of the 13th and 14th centuries. It was used to roast the ore, which could then be transported to crushing facilities and gold mills. This brings a specific stage of the work to life: roasting could be followed by transport for further processing.

The history of the routes extends beyond the town. The Kašperskohorská branch of the historic Zlatá stezka was its newest branch. It was established in the mid-14th century at the behest of Emperor Charles IV and ran from Kašperské Hory via Kvilda and Freyung to Passau. The ore processing site and the historic route represent different scales: one a stage of processing, the other a connection between several named places.

Nature and Water in the Šumava Landscape

The Kašperské Hory Information Centre introduces visitors to nature in Šumava National Park and the Šumava Protected Landscape Area. Its permanent exhibition is devoted to water in the Šumava landscape. It covers peat bogs, wetlands, glacial lakes and waterways, as well as their importance for retaining water in the landscape. Unlike the broad-ranging natural history exhibition at the Muzeum Šumavy, this exhibition focuses on water and landscape.

During the summer season, the information centre mainly organises excursions focused on botany and birdwatching; the specific programme may vary. This means a permanent exhibition theme sits alongside a seasonal excursion programme. If you are planning an excursion, it is worth checking the current programme.

Discover more destinations: Podlesi, Chudenín, Ostruzno, Prasily, Velhartice, Lesisov, Červené Poříčí, Kejnice

For the broader travel overview: Okres Klatovy.