Žilov – Culture, Trails and Discoveries with Children

Žilov is a destination for travelers who want to combine Czech cultural history, local traditions and routes through the surrounding area. The town offers various points of interest for this: historic theater forms, distinctive folk architecture, a nature trail with tasks for children and several hiking options. This allows you to focus your stay on culture, shared discovery or longer hikes.

Theater Tradition and Local History

Žilov’s earlier event culture included open-air theater performances and traditional Czech celebrations. These included, among others, “Nastolení Přemysla Oráče,” “Staročeská svatba,” “Dožínkové slavnosti,” dancing the “Česká beseda,” the “Oslava zrušení roboty” and the “Oslavy upálení Mistra Jana Husa.” The first theater performance in Žilov took place in 1886; a local amateur theater group was established in 1946.

This theater history is also taken up by the event “Divotvorná léta.” It takes place at KD Žilov and is organized by Divadelní společnost Žilov. At the 2026 event, a scene featuring today’s amateur actors was part of the program. For visitors interested in regional culture, Žilov can therefore be understood not only through individual historical facts, but also through the development of local amateur theater.

Traces of the Manor and Folk Architecture

Žilov was founded around 1250 by Rupert of the Vladiken of Bučí lineage. The early manor of Žilov was surrounded by walls and may also have included a fortress. This cautious historical classification preserves the open question of the earlier complex without presenting the possible fortress as a confirmed structure.

Traditional folk architecture in Žilov and Stýskaly includes numerous gateways and walls decorated with sculptures of lions and Jan Kozina. These recurring motifs in particular give the local architecture a distinctive character. Those traveling through Žilov and Stýskaly will find here an independent approach to regional history alongside the broader themes of theater and hiking.

A Discovery for Children in Stýskaly

The Vinná a pohádková stezka begins at the swimming pool in Stýskaly and leads along a nature walk with seven stations and tasks for children. At the destination, children who have successfully completed the route receive sausages for grilling. There are also refreshments, music and attractions for children. This experience therefore has a clearly recognizable task-based structure and conclusion, which you can plan as a separate excursion during a stay with children.

Hiking Routes Around Žilov

A 20 km route of the Svatojakubská cesta – Železná runs through Krašovice, Trnová and Žilov. It is suitable for visits to Nevřeňské podzemí, tvrziště Kokořovců and památné místo bitvy u Nekměře. The route thus connects several destinations along a course that explicitly includes Žilov.

Another format is the public hiking day “Po Svatojakubské cestě za Kokořovci a Janem Žižkou.” At its fourth edition, hiking routes from 12 to 30 km, along with a visit to Nevřeňské podzemí, are included in the program. Compared with the 20 km route, this offering covers a wider range of route lengths. The 20 km route includes Žilov; at the hiking day, by contrast, the program includes hiking routes from 12 to 30 km and a visit to Nevřeňské podzemí.

More Destinations in the Same Area

If you would like to compare other destinations in the same area alongside Žilov, you can find Vysoká LibyněVysoká Libyně, VelečínVelečín, Horní BěláHorní Bělá, PernarecPernarec, HolovousyHolovousy, NekmířNekmíř, Tis U BlatnaTis U Blatna and ZihleZihle here.

For the overarching travel overview: Okres Plzeň-Sever.