TOURIST INFORMATION

The origins of Kašperské Hor are associated with gold mining activity in the 13th century. One century later this area became a significant gold-mining district and in the 15th century almost 40 gold mines were in operation next to a large number of shafts. During the reign of John of Luxembourg, Kašperské Hory received its city status. In 1356 king Charles IV had build a castle overlooking the city and protecting trade routes from Bavaria to Bohemia.

The centre of this picturesque little town with 1,500 inhabitants forms the city square dominated by the Gothic church of St. Margaret with a 14th century tower surrounded by houses with medieval cores. The square has another dominant: the city hall – originally called Manor House. Other notable buildings include the cemetery chapel of St. Anne and the St. Nicholas church, a three-aisled basilica from the early 14th century, which has survived unchanged. It is one of the oldest churches of this region with beautiful fescues. Visitors can book interesting guided tours of the churches and city.

In the lower part of this ancient town you will find the pilgrimage church of Our Lady of the Snows. Kašperské Hory has been a very popular place of pilgrimage until the first half of the last century. To date, this tradition is kept alive in the Our Lady of the Snows pilgrimage festivities, which attracts hundreds of visitors. It usually takes place the first Sunday in August.

Worship Services: Sunday Mass at 9:30 PM, Wednesday Liturgy of the Word at 9:00 AM, Friday Mass at 5:00 PM with Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament and the Sacrament of Reconciliation from 4.00 PM (may be subject to change).

Other activities in the parish: Rosary – Wednesday 7:00 PM; prayer “Lectio divina” – 3rd and 4th Friday from 6.00 PM; monthly prayer of “the Chaplet of Mercy “with Sacrament of Reconciliation – usually the 2nd Saturday of the month from 10:00 AM; Club for Kids “Jonah” – Thursday from 3.00 PM; Club “3K” (coffee, cake, culture) – occasionally; retreats and spiritual exercises – on request.

VÝLETY

Kašperské Hory is located in the heart of the Bohemian Forest. It is the ideal spot to start your walks and hikes in the surrounding wild life, or you can use the frequent tourist bus, which will take you to surrounding places, deeper into the National Park or to the city of Sušice with its supermarkets, cinema, museum, aquapark and other things of interest.

Kašperské Hory itself offers many interesting showplaces too. You can visit the three ancient churches – St . Margaret, St. Nicholas -the third oldest church in the region- and Our Lady of the Snows. In addition, there is the local Museum, where you can view the many art works, which originate from those churches, an interesting collection of historical glass, folk art, Christmas cribs and an extensive natural science collection. Besides this museum Kašperské Hory has a second museum, which is located next to Domus Maria: the Museum of motorcycles and folk toys. The National Park Information Centre is housed in n the former barracks on the outskirts of town (direction of Sušice) and offers activities and exhibitions for young and old.

From the town square you can already see the castle Kašperk overlooking the area. It provides for magnificent views and two guided tours and lots of exciting activities for children and parents. On the other side of town, you will find the quiet and picturesque Amálino valley and the fairytale village Červená amidst surrounded by mountains and forests and known for its great herds of bison.

Around Kašperské Hory there are many nature trails – i.e. the gold diggers trail, border guards trail and many ancient shortcuts between settlements which were only known to local villagers. In addition to these hiking, biking and cross-country trips through the Bohemian Forest, whether on the plateaus around Kvilda and Modrava or around Srní and Vchynic-Tetov Canal, you can visit the many beautiful lakes or admire the the Alps from the top of Oblík. On your way, you will find many remnants of old foundations and fruit trees, remains of extinct settlements, a sad legacy of the post World War II period.

The Bohemian Forest is exiting in any weather and any time of the year. We will be glad to you help you with your daily program. In any case, we would like to advise you to begin your stay with a visit to the Information Centre in the Town Hall. There you will get lot of excellent tips for trips including brochures, maps and timetables of tourist buses. It is also possible to buy publications, traditional local products and souvenirs. Their website is: http://www.sumavanet.cz/ickhory/