Things To Do
in Klatovy

Klatovy is a historic town in western Bohemia, nestled near the Šumava foothills. Its well-preserved medieval center features narrow lanes, arcades, and the imposing Černá věž (Black Tower). The town serves as a quiet gateway to outdoor adventures in the surrounding forests and valleys.

Visitors enjoy hearty Czech cuisine, local beer, and cultural heritage scattered around the square.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Arrival and Exploration
morning
:

Arrive in Klatovy and settle into your accommodation. Start your day with a leisurely breakfast at a local café, sampling Czech pastries and coffee. Take a stroll around the town square to admire the stunning architecture and vibrant atmosphere.

afternoon
:

Visit the beautiful Black Tower, where you can climb to the top for panoramic views of the region. Afterwards, explore the historical Klatovy Underground, a series of tunnels that offer insight into the town's fascinating past. Grab lunch at a traditional Czech restaurant, enjoying local specialties.

evening
:

As the sun sets, enjoy a relaxed dinner at a bistro featuring authentic Czech cuisine. Perhaps sample some local beer that the area is famous for. Conclude your day with a leisurely walk through the charming streets, taking in the evening ambiance.

day 2
Historical Sites
morning
:

Start your day with a visit to the Klatovy Catacombs, which are an intriguing labyrinth of passageways that tell tales of the town's history. Take time to appreciate the architecture of Klatovy's Gothic and Baroque churches, especially the Church of the Holy Virgin Mary. Enjoy a local breakfast at a nearby café to fuel your explorations.

afternoon
:

After lunch, head to the Regional Museum of Klatovy to delve deeper into the region's culture and history. Spend the afternoon wandering the streets, observing the traditional houses and the local lifestyle. Don't miss the chance to stop by a local artisan shop for unique souvenirs.

evening
:

For dinner, enjoy a meal at a local pizzeria that combines Italian influences with Czech flavors. Attend a cultural event or concert if available, showcasing local music or dance. Wind down with a nightcap at a welcoming pub, chatting with locals or fellow travelers.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant$10-15
Coffee/tea$2-4
🍺Beer at local pub$2-4
🚆Public transit ticket (1 ride)$1-3
🎟️Cinema ticket$6-9

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Compact, walkable historic center with a rich history
  • Good base for exploring western Bohemia and Šumava foothills
  • Friendly locals and good beer culture
  • Lower crowds than Prague with authentic Czech experiences
  • Generally affordable compared to bigger cities
  • Limited nightlife and larger-scale attractions
  • Some tourist information may be in Czech; English is not everywhere
  • Transport connections to small villages can be limited
  • "Dobrý den" - Hello / Good day
  • "Prosím" - Please
  • "Děkuji" - Thank you
  • "Mluvíte anglicky?" - Do you speak English?
  • "Kolik to stojí?" - How much is this?
  • "Kde je toaleta?" - Where is the bathroom?
  • "Na zdraví" - Cheers
  • "Pomoc" - Help

Places to Visit in Klatovy

Visit one of these nice places.

Černá věž (Black Tower)

Iconic 16th-century tower with panoramic views over the town and surrounding hills.

Historic market square and burgher houses

Colorful façades and arcades offering vibrant street photography, especially at dawn.

The arcaded street and town hall façade

Gothic and Baroque architecture ideal for architectural shots.

Otava River banks and bridges

Quiet riverside scenes with reflections and evening light.

Culinary Guide

Food in Klatovy

Klatovy's cuisine blends hearty Bohemian flavors with seasonal produce; expect dumplings, roasted meats, sauces, and rustic pastries.

Klatovy Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Svíčková na smetaně

Beef sirloin with a creamy vegetable sauce served with dumplings.

Must-Try!

Vepřo-knedlo-zelo

Roast pork with dumplings and sauerkraut.

Guláš s knedlíky

Beef goulash served with Czech dumplings.

Smažený sýr

Fried cheese, a classic Czech comfort dish.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Weekly Market on the Town Square

Fresh produce, cheeses, pastries, and local crafts; best on market days.

Street Food corners

Casual bites like klobása (sausage) and trdelník near the central square.

Climate Guide

Weather

Klatovy has a humid continental climate with warm summers and cold winters; precipitation is spread throughout the year with more rain in spring and autumn.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Formal address

Use Vy (you formal) with strangers; greet with a handshake.

Dining etiquette

It's polite to wait to be seated and to say please and thank you; tipping is appreciated.

Safety Guide

Safety

Generally safe for travelers; use normal precautions in crowded areas; keep valuables secure; emergency number 112.

Tipping in Klatovy

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

Tipping is customary but not obligatory; rounding up or 5-10% for good service.

Payment Methods

Cards widely accepted; cash is still common; ATMs in town; contactless payments common.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Spring

City awakens with blossoms; mild temperatures, good for walking tours.

Summer

Warm days; enjoy outdoor cafés and longer daylight hours; occasional showers.

Autumn

Colorful foliage; comfortable hiking weather and harvest markets.

Winter

Cold, potential snowfall; festive lights and cozy interiors.

Nightlife Guide

Klatovy at Night

Klatovy offers a small but lively nightlife with traditional Czech pubs, beer halls, and occasional live music, especially around the market square.

Hiking in Klatovy

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Šumava foothill trails near Klatovy

Forest trails with moderate elevation and scenic views, suitable for day hikes.

Klatovy–Černá Věž viewpoint loops

Short loops around the tower area offering panoramic views.

Airports

How to reach Klatovy by plane.

Karlovy Vary International Airport (KLV)

Nearest international airport with flights across Europe; about 1.5-2 hours by road from Klatovy.

Prague Václav Havel Airport (PRG)

Major international hub with connections worldwide; about 1.5-2 hours by highway from Klatovy.

Getting Around

Walkability

Very walkable city center with compact streets; most attractions are within easy walking distance; some hills around the old town may require a bit of effort.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Czech locals

Main population group; diverse age distribution, with a strong sense of regional identity.

Students and academics

Local colleges and the regional museum attract students and researchers.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Football (soccer)

Popular amateur and local leagues; many parks and stadiums nearby.

Ice hockey

Favored winter sport; local teams and indoor rinks.

Cycling

Road cycling and mountain biking in surrounding countryside.

Transportation

Traffic

Traffic is light in the town center; public transport includes buses and trains connecting to Plzeň and Prague; driving is easy with some narrow historic streets.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Klatovy.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Most Czech restaurants offer dairy-based dishes and vegetable sides; ask for no meat broth or bacon; staff are often helpful in adapting dishes.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Klatovy has a local district hospital and several clinics; EU citizens can use EHIC; for emergencies call 112; keep travel insurance.

Discover Czechia

Read more in our Czechia 2025 Travel Guide.

Czechia Travel Guide