Discover Kejnice: History and Landscape

Kejnice offers several distinct points of interest for a stay: traces of settlement on Stráž, an annual Marian pilgrimage, a chapel listed for its cultural and historical significance, and excursion destinations in the surrounding area. If you are looking for hotels in Kejnice, you can start planning your trip by considering whether you want to focus on local history, religious tradition, or the landscape.

Traces of settlement on Stráž

The original wooden settlement associated with Kejnice was located on Mount Stráž, southeast of the present-day municipality. Clearly visible remains of terraced fields have been identified on Stráž. Pieces of pottery from the Middle Ages and the early modern period were found by a watercourse. The terraces and pottery offer different clues to the area's past: the former shape the described terrain, while the latter date back to two historical periods. The location is also important to understanding the site: the former settlement was southeast of the present-day municipality.

Documents, castles, and pilgrimage

The history of Kejnice is associated with a donation charter dated 1045, according to which the village was given to Břevnov Monastery. The charter is now considered a forgery. Another turning point came in 1417: after Frymburk Castle was destroyed, Kejnice was assigned to Rabí Castle. The dates have different roles here: 1045 dates the charter, while 1417 is the year Frymburk was destroyed.

The Marian pilgrimage in Kejnice is another distinct feature. It was revived in 1939 and has been celebrated annually ever since. If you want to plan your trip around the celebration, check the specific dates and programme locally in advance. This is separate from the Chapel of the Virgin Mary with its commemorative cross, which is listed as an immovable cultural monument. Inside are a folk Baroque altar and niches containing statues of Saint Sebastian and a bishop. The pilgrimage and the chapel's furnishings offer two different insights into Kejnice's religious history.

Landscape and excursion destinations

Kejnice is part of the Šumava, which is a protected landscape area. The area around Kejnice, in the Bavorovská pahorkatina uplands, offers sweeping views of the Šumava Mountains and the inland region. When planning your trip, you can therefore consider both the area's regional setting and the views of the surrounding landscape.

The Otava flows near Kejnice; the river has long been one of the reasons for settlement in the region. Some of the Kejnice ponds are mentioned as destinations for excursions in the surrounding area and for walks. Nearby is Rabí Castle, about ten kilometres from Kejnice, which is considered the largest castle ruin complex in Bohemia. In this context, the Otava represents the region's historic settlement, while the ponds are excursion destinations and the castle is a nearby landmark to consider when planning your trip. If you are planning an excursion to the castle, check current route information.

Discover more destinations: Čachrov, Bolešiny, Malý Bor, Vřeskovice, Lomec, Mlýnské Struhadlo, Sveradice, Předslav.

For the broader travel overview: Klatovy District.