- Klatovy is famously nicknamed the 'Gateway to the Šumava' due to its strategic position at the edge of the Šumava National Park.
- The city's catacombs feature a unique ventilation system designed in the 17th century that successfully mummified bodies of Jesuit priests and local nobility.
- Klatovy has a long-standing tradition of carnation cultivation, and the 'Klatovy carnation' is a historically protected variety bred in the region since the 19th century.
- The town was a royal city founded by King Ottokar II of Bohemia in the mid-13th century, serving as a vital defensive point near the Bavarian border.
About Klatovy
Klatovy is a historic town in the Plzeň Region, distinguished by its well-preserved Baroque architecture and significant ecclesiastical heritage. Visitors can explore the intricate subterranean catacombs beneath the Jesuit church of the Immaculate Conception of the Virgin Mary and St. Ignatius, a focal point of the city's religious history. The town center retains its medieval layout, anchored by the iconic White Tower, which provides a vantage point over the surrounding Pošumaví landscape. Culturally, the city hosts diverse collections ranging from fine glass artistry at PASK - Pavilon skla to local history at the Ethnographic Museum Dr. Hostaš.
Highlights of Klatovy
The places our editors single out — and why they're worth your time.
Museums
Discover a unique collection of historical glass from the Lötz factory located right next to the train station.
Temples
Explore the historic Jesuit catacombs hidden beneath the floor of this ornate Baroque structure.
Historical places
Climb this 16th-century stone tower to see the original clockwork and panoramic views of the Bohemian landscape.
Museums
View local artifacts and documentation concerning the cultural evolution of the Klatovy region.
Museums
Visit this gallery located in a historic house to view rotating contemporary art exhibitions.
Parks
Relax in this mature garden park that provides a quiet green buffer near the historic walls.
Parks
Stroll through these landscaped grounds that occupy the space of the former city fortifications.
Temples
Admire the Baroque architecture of this chapel, which remains a landmark feature in the local townscape.
Top things to do in Klatovy
The 35 highest-rated places in Klatovy, ranked by travellers.
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Water Castle Švihov is a late-Gothic moated fortress in the Plzeň Region, notable for its advanced defensive system that...
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Klatovy on the map
Top attractions plotted across the city.
Plan your visit to Klatovy
May to September, as these months offer pleasant weather for exploring the historic town center and nearby Šumava hiking trails.
1-2 days, which provides sufficient time to tour the historic squares, catacombs, and local museums.
The historic town center is compact and best explored on foot, while regional buses provide access to the surrounding forest areas.
Stay in the vicinity of the main town square, Náměstí Míru, to be within walking distance of the primary historical sites and dining options.
Mid-range; Klatovy offers affordable local dining and accommodation options compared to larger tourist hubs like Prague.
Frequently asked
Aventuro lists 35 curated attractions in and around Klatovy, ranked by traveller ratings.
Water Castle Svihov is the highest-rated place to visit in Klatovy right now.
The largest category is temples, with 13 places to explore.
Travellers also explore Prague, Brno, Karlovy Vary.
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Other cities ranked by number of curated places.
