Rejštejn: Gold Mining, Culture and Trails

Rejštejn lies in the Otava Valley, where the Losenice joins the Otava. You can choose where to stay based on specific interests: the history of gold mining, architectural and cultural landmarks, or routes on foot, by bike or on the water. Routes vary in length and conditions; the details will help you plan.

History and culture

Rejštejn’s history began with gold panning and gold mining. In 1584, it was granted the status of a royal mining town. St. Bartholomew’s Church provides a specific point of comparison: it was first built by miners in 1579, five years before the town was granted that status.

The church is Baroque and features a carved acanthus altar and a Gothic bell dating from the late 14th century. Another architectural landmark is the Spaun family villa. It dates from 1904 and was designed by Leopold Bauer. The villa can only be viewed from a distance; bear this restriction in mind when choosing your sightseeing stops.

Arts and crafts and literature are also part of the area’s cultural appeal: the iridescent Art Nouveau glass made at the glassworks in Klášterský Mlýn became world-famous. Some of Karel Klostermann’s novels and stories are connected with Rejštejn. The area’s points of interest thus range from architecture and glass to literature.

The Čeňkova Pila National Technical Monument is located near Rejštejn. Its preserved interior is accessible as part of a guided tour. If you plan to visit, check the current tour options in advance.

Hiking, cycling and paddling

The climb to Maierova Skála starts in the centre of Rejštejn. The round trip is about 2 km long and includes approximately 160 m of elevation gain. When planning your outing, compare it with the red-marked hiking trail: after two kilometres, this reaches the former rafters’ inn K Myším Domkům. From there, the trail continues towards Čeňkova Pila. The distance given for Maierova Skála is for the round trip, while the other trail reaches a destination after two kilometres. As trail conditions can change, check them before setting out.

Cyclists also have a specific reference point: cycle route No. 331 between Sušice and Kvilda passes through Rejštejn. This lets you distinguish the options described by mode of transport without confusing the hiking routes with a cycling route.

On the Otava, the Čeňkova Pila–Rejštejn paddling section is suitable only for experienced paddlers with appropriate equipment and gear. This explicit restriction should be part of your trip planning. If you are considering a paddling trip, check that you have the stated experience and equipment.

Plan your journey

Rejštejn has bus connections to Sušice, Srní and Modrava. Check the timetable for your travel date before setting out, as services and schedules can change. This allows you to take the listed destinations and activities into account when planning, without assuming a particular connection or departure time.

Discover more destinations: Hejná, Břežany, Horská Kvilda, Velhartice, Bezděkov U Klatov, Zavlekov, Nezdice Na Sumave, Zborovy.

For the broader travel overview: Okres Klatovy.