Discover Domažlice

Domažlice between history, tradition and trails into the surrounding area

Domažlice combines an impressive history with vibrant traditions and various opportunities to explore the town and its immediate surroundings. For families looking to combine culture, regional characteristics and active days, accommodation in Domažlice offers a starting point for various holiday ideas: the town is home to museums, historic buildings and a distinctive main square; at the same time, routes and trails begin here that lead beyond the surrounding area.

Culture, museums and historic buildings

A striking glimpse into the past can be found at the Domažlická věž. Its three bells once announced the times of day, church services, deaths, fires and other events. Chodský hrad houses the Muzeum Chodska, with exhibitions on the history of Domažlice, the Chodsko region and the wider surrounding area. The Muzeum J. Jindřicha complements this insight with numerous folk-art objects collected in the Chodsko region, as well as an extensive collection of paintings on glass.

The history of the architecture can also be traced in several places. The Gothic form of the Klášterní kostel Nanebevzetí Panny Marie was created in the 14th century. The church was partially destroyed during the Hussite Wars; between 1746 and 1752, it was rebuilt in its present Baroque form. On Domažlické náměstí stand architecturally valuable Gothic and Renaissance houses with arcades and vaulted Mázhaus passageways. Later Baroque and Rococo gables complement the historic appearance.

Another cultural stop is the “Pozor hranice! Historie hrou” exhibition. It focuses on the coexistence of Czechs and Germans in the border area of Český les. The Kulturní centrum – Pivovar Domažlice is located in a reconstructed historic malt house building from the late 19th century. Those wishing to learn about the regional brewing tradition can sample beer at the Městský pivovar Domažlice. The brewing tradition in Domažlice was resumed after almost 25 years.

Festivals, routes and excursions

A special event in the annual calendar is the Chodské slavnosti, held every year in August in Domažlice. They are among the oldest and largest ethnographic festivals in the Czech Republic and are associated with a traditional pilgrimage to nearby Vavřinec. This gives the travel season in August a clear cultural focus.

For active days, the M 2 (1411) tourist route starts in Domažlice’s main square. It leads via Nevolice and Mrákov to Všeruby, where it connects to the German hiking trail markings. The Sochařská stezka starts at Chodský hrad, leads to the Baldov ridge and forms an open-air gallery of sculptures there.

In the immediate surroundings of Domažlice, a completely barrier-free, 7 km-long wheelchair trail also runs through Přírodní park Zelenov. It begins at a car park, leads around the medieval pond system of the zelenovské rybníky to the shelter at Strakovský rybník and then returns. This allows you to weigh up the choice of accommodation between a culture-focused stay in the town and excursions into the surrounding area.

Other places in the same region

For further searches within the same higher-level region, you can also find Vidice, Mířkov, Čermná, Osvračín, Zahorany, Úsilov, Klenčí Pod Čerchovem and Újezd Svatého Kríze.

For the higher-level travel overview: Okres Domažlice.