Soběšice – Trail, Forest and History

Soběšice lies in southwestern Czechia, in the foothills of the Šumava Mountains, at an altitude of 652 metres. Rolling hills and deep forests shape the surrounding landscape. The Nasse Trail, a cycling route that passes through the village, and the history of Hořice Hill give your trip several different points of interest.

The Nasse Trail

The Vycházka hajného Nasse Soběšickým hájem trail is just under three kilometres long and runs through the forest of Soběšický háj. It is considered easy and is also suitable for families with children; trail conditions may change. Four information boards explain the lives of forestry workers, local stone masonry and granite quarrying. The information on the boards may be updated or replaced. The trail also includes the Emil-Anton-Lamberk monument. This route combines a short walk through the forest with information about local work and crafts.

Walking and Cycling Routes

About one kilometre before Soběšice, the Lamberská stezka leads to the Nasse Trail, which is just under three kilometres long and runs through Soběšický háj. Its Czech section in Pošumaví is an almost 50-kilometre circular route that can be completed in stages or only in part. The short trail and the much longer circular route therefore differ both in length and in that the latter does not have to be completed in full. Cycling Route 121 (Žichovice–Soběšice–Volyně) passes directly through Soběšice and is another point of interest for visitors travelling by bike.

Getting to the Trail

The Nasse Trail starts about 300 metres from the Strašín, Lhota, rozc. 1.0 bus stop, served by route 977. Check public transport information again before travelling. If you are coming from Strašín, turn towards Parýzek about one kilometre before Soběšice. After approximately 100 metres, turn right onto a meadow where you can park to access the trail. Road and parking conditions may change; check conditions before setting off.

Forest Landscapes and the History of Hořice

The area around Soběšice features rolling hills and deep forests. In summer and autumn, you can find mushrooms, blueberries, blackberries and other forest fruits there. If these natural products are of particular interest to you, these two seasons are the ones to focus on.

Hořice Hill rises above Soběšice and is now forested. Around 1890, the teacher Šafařík began reforesting it; subsequent generations continued the work. A quarry and a makeshift kiln were historically built on the northern edge of the hill. There, local limestone was fired to produce lime. The hill’s history therefore includes both continued reforestation and earlier lime production.

Rabí Castle

Rabí Castle is located 14 kilometres from Soběšice. It is considered the largest castle ruin in Czechia and adds another perspective on the region’s cultural heritage to the natural and historical attractions around Soběšice.

Discover more destinations: Svata Katerina, Zelená Lhota, Obytce, Lesisov, Pačejov, Plánice, Malý Bor, Mlýnské Struhadlo

For the overview of the wider area: Okres Klatovy.