Švihov Castle

The last Czech castle with a moat, located near Klatovy, is also famous for being the filming location of the most famous Czech fairy tale—Cinderella. After touring the castle, you can rent a boat and, from May through September, take a ride through the moat surrounding the castle.

The most prominent figure in Švihov’s history was Půta Švihovský. From the outset, the castle was built as an artificial island. The buildings formed the castle’s core—comprising palaces, a chapel, and a stair tower—and enclosed a square inner courtyard. They were protected by a belt of inner walls with four corner bastions and a first moat. A second belt of walls, also with a moat, encircled the castle’s core, thereby strengthening its defensive capabilities. Both moats were fed by water from the Úhlava River. Visitors can explore three areas: the castle, the kitchen, and the tower. Throughout the year, guided tours and a variety of other events—not limited to historical themes—are held on the castle grounds.