Zinkovy: Castle History, Ponds and Trails

Castle History and Notable Buildings

Zinkovy combines an impressive castle history with surroundings characterized by ponds and forest paths. Žinkovy Castle was built in the second half of the 17th century on the site of an earlier fortress as an early Baroque castle. In 1897, it was remodeled by the Viennese architects H. Helmer and F. Fellner in the Neo-Renaissance style. The complex also includes the Chapel of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, which was remodeled in the Neo-Gothic style with a new three-part altar and rich stucco decoration.

The Žinkovský Templ on Františkov Hill near Žinkovy is a monument in its own right. The round gloriette was built as an imitation of an ancient temple with eight columns in the Tuscan order. It originally served as a picnic and hunting retreat for the owners of the Žinkovy estate. Žinkovský templ Hill is located in the immediate vicinity of Žinkovy.

Ponds and Trails for Exploring

Žinkovy is home to the two large ponds Labuť and Žinkovský rybník. They share a common water surface and are divided by a bridge connected to the avenue on the opposite side. This provides a choice of exploring the water and castle or following a themed forest trail for a day trip. It is also possible to walk around Žinkovy Castle and Labuť Pond.

The Klejnot nature trail is approximately 4.5 km long, runs mostly through the forest, and is intended for pedestrians. Six stations combine information panels and stories with mostly carved animals or game elements. For planning a day with varied interests, the town also offers the Žinkovská pumpička cycling race: it took place in 2021, 2022 and 2023; another edition has been announced for September 6, 2026.

Collection, Museum and Regional Culture

The local history collection of the Žinkovy region is located on the ground floor of the municipal office building on the town square. Larger groups must register their visit by telephone. At the Žinkovy Information Centre, you can obtain maps, tourist stamps and tourist postcards; guided tours of the museum are also offered.

The surrounding area also offers cultural and historical points of interest. Buzrakov Mountain (Plánický hřeben) is located in the vicinity of Žinkovy. The hills of V Korunách (Žinkovy-Březí) and Ledvina (Žinkovy) are also nearby. The restored Šindelářojc Chapel stands by the Dobrá voda spring. The water from the spring is locally believed to have purported healing properties. In Nepomuk, the Church of Saint Wenceslas was rebuilt as a Baroque church in 1735 after the fire of 1734 and furnished with rich sculptural decoration by Lazar Widmann.

Discover More Places

To compare other destinations, you can also view Mileč, Oselce, Dobrany, Střelice U Stoda, Nebílovy, Nová Ves U Plzně, Dnešice and Chocenice.

To the higher-level travel overview: Plzeň-Jih.