Discover Gold and Adventure in Kašperské Hory – Must-See Activities!
Churches, the town hall, or the brewery?
In the summertime, this charming town is a popular destination for cyclists eager to explore the scenic surroundings of Sušice and the foothills of the Šumava. Kašperské Hory is also a main starting point for hikers, who often find themselves staying longer than they originally planned. The most striking building in the town is the large Renaissance town hall located in the square. Its façade is adorned with three grand Baroque gables, symbolizing the importance of one of its owners, Jiří Lokšan, who was secretary to King Ferdinand I. The locals later added a brewery building, transforming it into the town hall we see today. A guided tour still provides fascinating insights today – you’ll walk under the original Gothic vaults and explore the cells of the former prison!
Another notable site in the square is the ancient archdeacon’s Church of St Margaret, which is over six hundred years old. The Baroque interior features a beautifully decorated altar and a rare organ. Be sure to check if any concerts are happening at the church – attending one would be highly enjoyable. Similarly, don’t miss the miners’ Church of St Nicholas that dates back to the 13th century, boasting a unique painted wooden ceiling. A visit to Gallows Hill also holds intrigue, where the pillory once stood—an essential feature of prosperous towns in the Middle Ages and which originally resided in the square.
One more captivating sight to mention, this time with a golden twist. In front of the shopping center located in the square, take a closer look – you’ll notice grinding stones used for processing gold-bearing ore, serving as reminders of this region’s famous gold-mining history.
Klostermann, glassmakers, and vintage motorbikes
For those who appreciate literature, Kašperské Hory appears in various short stories by writer Karel Klostermann, notably in the novel *The Glassmakers*, which takes place here. You can learn more about the unique glassmaking and gold mining at the Šumava Museum, which features an impressive collection of decorative snuff bottles and painted coffin panels. The other museum in Kašperské Hory showcases Czech toys and holds the largest permanent exhibition of historic motorbikes in the Czech Republic.
Trips around Kašperské Hory
However, the true beauty of Kašperské Hory lies in its surroundings, which invite you to embark on excursions. A must-visit is Kašperk Castle—built by Charles IV in 1356 to protect the Golden Trail. Even now, it has a slightly eerie reputation. It has been extensively restored and currently features a museum that highlights the castle’s history and its famed golden era. In summer, you can enjoy a variety of cultural events held here, but any time of year, exploring the area along the educational walking paths is enjoyable. Before you head out, take a moment to appreciate the stunning views from the castle, as it stands as one of the natural landmarks in the foothills of the Šumava and the Kašperské Hills.
You can also embark on a scenic journey along the Gold Prospectors’ Trail—there are six circular walking routes starting from Kašperské Hory. The most popular options include the five-kilometer ‘Gold Prospectors’ Trail’ and a slightly shorter route known as ‘Kašperk with a Difference’. The Gold Prospectors’ Trail leads you through Amálina Valley and Zlatý Potok, areas where gold panning first began before the miners started extracting gold from the mines. Many adits still exist today, and visitors can even venture into some of them. The well-marked yellow trails offer stunning views of the Šumava Mountains and to the north towards the Kašperská vrchovina Nature Park. You can also head toward the beautiful valleys of the Otava and Vydra rivers. A visit to Čeňkova pila is particularly worthwhile, where you can explore a technical monument—a remarkable, century-old hydroelectric power station. From there, a lovely route through the Vydra River valley leads you past Turner’s Cottage, featuring a charming seating area, all the way to Antýgl, which was once a royal estate and is now a popular caravan site.
