Discover Krchleby: Forest, Nature Trail and Lacembok

Krchleby is surrounded by the forests of Výtuňské polesí and lies in their southern part. Three themes shape the place for visitors in particular: the “Po stopách Jiráskovy Lucerny” nature trail, cycle route CT 2185 and the history surrounding the ruins of Lacembok Castle. If you are looking for hotels in Krchleby, you can first consider whether you would like to combine your stay with a marked hiking route, a bike ride or cultural and historical experiences.

Hiking the Nature Trail

The “Po stopách Jiráskovy Lucerny” nature trail passes through Krchleby and includes the site of the Lacembok Castle ruins along its route. It is 13.5 km long, can be started in Osvračín or Staňkov, and is marked in both directions. This gives you two specific decisions to make when planning: your starting point and the direction you will walk. Lacembok is part of the route itself; the nature trail combines a marked path with a cultural and historical site. This is a useful guide if you would like to include both hiking and history in your trip plans.

Cycling Through Krchleby

Cycle route CT 2185 leads from Staňkov through Krchleby and Zelený Háj towards Merklín and Přeštice. A comparison with the nature trail highlights different points to consider: the trail is defined by its 13.5-kilometre length and two possible starting points, while the sequence of places and direction shape the planning for CT 2185. If you are weighing up walking and cycling routes, you can use this to decide which activity to focus on during your trip.

The Lacembok Castle Ruins

The Hrádek Lacembok ruins date from the late Middle Ages and are also an archaeological site in the municipality of Horní Kamenice, in the cadastral area of Krchleby. Their architectural features include a castle cistern carved into the rock. A cistern is used to store water; this detail adds a specific feature of the complex to its description as a castle ruin. The nature trail includes the site along its route. If you would like to visit the ruins themselves, check the current visitor information in advance. This lets you treat the marked route and a possible visit to the site as two separate planning considerations.

Local History and Past Work

The first written mention of Krchleby dates from 1366. Basket-making is another important historical theme: many local residents made baskets at home, and Krchleby was known for spruce baskets. The reference to spruce baskets makes the former craft more specific than basket weaving in general and adds an everyday-life dimension to the local history alongside the castle ruins.

Mining is another part of the area’s history. Coal was mined at a depth of 60 metres in the mines of the Stankau Mining Association near Stirchlowa (Krchleby) and Buckowa (Buková). The depth adds a specific measurement to the places mentioned. Together, the castle, domestic crafts and coal mining offer different perspectives on Krchleby’s history; they are relevant to travel plans that look beyond routes and scenery to include the past of the place as well.

Discover more destinations: Všeruby U Kdyně, Újezd U Domažlic, Draženov, Hlohová, Všepadly, Vidice, Kout Na Šumavě, Čermná.

For the regional travel overview: Okres Domažlice.