Discover the Thrills of Rallye Šumava Klatovy and the Historic Vltava Rallye – Unveiling Hidden Paths!

This year marks the 59th edition of the Rally Šumava Klatovy, first introduced in 1964 during a surge of car racing events in Czechoslovakia. It’s recognized as the oldest rally in the Czech Republic. This year, the total distance of the rally’s timed sections is nearly 141 kilometers, featuring 12 special stages.

The competition will kick off with a Friday shakedown, and the official start will take place on Saturday morning at 10:30 a.m. at Peace Square in Klatovy. The service zone will again be positioned near Janovice nad Úhlavou. If you can’t attend in person, you can stay updated with entry information and race details on CT Sport during Saturday and Sunday.

This year, a total of 61 crews have registered for the Rallye Šumava Klatovy, including 38 vehicles participating in the Historic Vltava Rally. The event is anticipated to take place in the picturesque Šumava region. Notable competitors include Václav Pech and Petr Uhel with their new Citroën C3 Rally2, and Jan Kopecký alongside navigator Jiří Hovorka. Participants from various countries such as Slovakia, Austria, Great Britain, and Sweden will also be competing. The International Historic Car Race will feature Swedish drivers like Tobias Johansson and Jenny Strandberg in their Audi Quattro, along with Richard Genesca and Florent Sompeyrac from France in a Subaru, and Pascal Perroud from Switzerland with Loïc Dumont from Belgium in a BMW. They’ll face other teams from the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Germany, Finland, Spain, Italy, Britain, and Belgium.

Route for Rallye Šumava Klatovy

This year, unlike in previous editions, historic cars and modern vehicles will compete on the same days, specifically Saturday and Sunday. The historic vehicles will begin their runs from Klatovy Square of Peace at 8:00, followed by the contemporary racers starting at 10:30.

On Saturday, competitors will experience eight special stages: Jindřichovice – Chlistov 1, Chlistov – Mochtín 1, Tajanov – Mlýnec 1, Skelná Huť – Liščí 1, Jindřichovice – Chlistov 2, Chlistov – Mochtín 2, Tajanov – Mlýnec 2, and Skelná Huť – Liščí 2.

On Sunday, there will be four sections: Lešišov – Velhartice 1, Kdyně – Nevděk 1, Lešišov – Velhartice 2, and Kdyně – Nevděk 2. As usual, the service area will be located in the Development Zone in Janovice nad Úhlavou. The competition’s conclusion will be traditionally celebrated at the Square of Peace in Klatovy for the successful participants.

Spectators are warmly welcomed to this year’s Rally Šumava Klatovy 2025. Tickets are available for 400 CZK, granting access for all days with free access to viewing areas at the stages and in the service zone. A special Golden Fans package is also offered for 4,000 CZK, which includes many additional perks. Don’t forget the exciting merchandise like T-shirts, caps, and more!

Rallye Šumava Klatovy

What Is Rallye Šumava Klatovy?

Established in 1964, Rallye Šumava Klatovy is the Czech Republic’s oldest motorsport rally, renowned for its challenging stages winding through historic towns and forested passes.

Key Facts

• Inaugural Year: 1964

• Total Timed Distance: 141 km

• Entries:

  • 61 crews in the main Šumava Klatovy Rally

  • 38 cars in the Historic Vltava Rally

Notable Competitors

• Václav Pech

• Petr Uhel

• Jan Kopecký

• Plus a field of international drivers

Schedule

• Friday Evening (April 25): Shakedown stage

• Saturday Morning (April 26): Ceremonial start in Klatovy

• Saturday & Sunday (April 26–27): Competitive stages across South Bohemia

Tickets & Viewing

• General Admission: 400 CZK

• VIP “Golden Fans” Package: 4 000 CZK (includes premium viewing zones and hospitality perks)

• Live Broadcast: Follow all stages on CT Sport

Visitor Attractions

• In Klatovy:

  • Baroque pharmacy “U Bílého Unicorn”

  • Klatovy catacombs with its preserved mummies

• Near Velhartice:

  • Velhartice Castle—medieval fortress with Gothic renaissance architecture

• In Kdyně:

  • Exhibitions on spinning and weaving housed in the former synagogue and Borderland Museum