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Švihov Castle
Švihov Water Castle is one of the best-preserved late Gothic fortifications in the Czech Republic. It was built at the end of the 15th century by Půta Švihovský of Rýzmberk on marshy ground, utilizing a sophisticated system of water moats for defense. The castle comprises two residential wings enclosing a rectangular courtyard, protected by a massive fortification belt with bastions. Following the Thirty Years' War, Emperor Ferdinand III ordered the fortress's destruction to prevent its military use, but fortunately, only parts of the outer walls were demolished. Today, visitors can tour the grand interiors, the castle chapel adorned with late Gothic sculptures, and the armory. The castle is also famously known as a filming location for the fairy-tale movie 'Three Wishes for Cinderella'. Its architecture is a prime example of the transition between a representative noble residence and advanced late medieval defensive technology.
- Location: Czech Republic
- Top sights: Church of St. Wenceslas · býv. kostel sv. Jana Evengelisty · Švihov Castle
- Nearby: Klatovy (10 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | -3 | -1 | 3 | 8 | 13 | 17 | 19 | 18 | 13 | 8 | 3 | -1 |
| Rain mm | 54 | 41 | 48 | 43 | 77 | 88 | 87 | 90 | 58 | 51 | 49 | 51 |
📋 Practical info
Geography
Facts
- Built between 1480 and 1489
- Moats fed by the Úhlava River
- Chapel of the Assumption (1489)
- Extensively restored after 1950
- Main tower height: 30 meters
- Filming site for 'Cinderella' (1973)
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Švihov Castle (10)
Svatý Jiljí
Church of St. Giles in Švihov, Czech Republic, a place of worship.
PP Stará Úhlava
Stará Úhlava natural monument, a protected area along the old riverbed.
Celtic oppidum
Celtic oppidum, remains of a fortified settlement from the La Tène period.
Tuhošť
Mountain in the Czech Republic, a hill with historical significance.
Červené Poříčí Castle🏰 castle
Červené Poříčí Castle, a château in the Czech Republic.
PR Bělč
Bělč nature reserve, a protected area with distinctive flora and fauna.
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
What type of castle is Švihov?
Was 'Three Hazelnuts for Cinderella' filmed here?
Can you see the moats?
Are there guided tours there?
When is the castle open?
Švihov Castle: where is it located?
Švihov Castle: what is there to see?
Švihov Castle: when is the best time to visit?
Švihov Castle: why is it worth visiting?
Nearby cities
