Chotěboř Travel Guide

City City in Vysočina, Czechia

A market town in Vysočina, Chotěboř draws visitors for its fortress-turned-chateau, tidy medieval square and forests that slope into granite ridges. Hikers take marked trails; local cafés serve thick cream desserts and roasted meats after a day on the paths.

Main image
Costs
USD 35-65 per day
Affordable: cheap guesthouses and local restaurants keep daily costs low.
Safety
Very safe for visitors
Typical small-Czech-town safety; low crime and friendly locals.
Best Time
May-September (best months)
Late spring through early autumn is best for hiking in the Vysočina hills.
Time
Weather
Population
9,849
Infrastructure & Convenience
Regional trains and buses serve the compact, walkable centre; tourist info limited in English.
Popularity
Attracts Czech weekenders and nature lovers rather than international crowds.
Known For
historic town square, chateau, Vysočina countryside, hiking trails, cycling, timbered and Baroque architecture, local museums, churches, weekend markets
Chotěboř features a historic chateau that houses local exhibitions and occasional cultural events.

Why Visit Chotěboř? #

Set in the rolling Vysočina countryside, this town draws travelers with its compact historic center and hilltop Chotěboř Castle. Timber-framed houses and narrow streets give a pleasing small-town feel, while local cafés and pubs invite tasting of Czech dumplings and koláče pastries. Folk festivals and castle events bring regional music and crafts to life, offering an intimate encounter with Bohemian heritage away from larger tourist hubs.

Top Things to Do in Chotěboř

All Attractions ›
Don't Miss
  • Chotěboř Castle - Chotěboř Castle and its gardens offering historic interiors and occasional cultural events.
  • Town square and arcade houses - The arcade-lined town square with cafés and period merchant houses to admire.
  • Local museum of crafts - Museum displaying regional folk crafts, historic tools, and the town's artisanal heritage.
Hidden Gems
  • Forest trails to Bohdaneč - Nearby forest trails leading to peaceful clearings and small local chapels off the beaten path.
  • Small-town ateliers - Independent ateliers where local painters and sculptors work and sometimes open to visitors.
  • Seasonal food markets - Weekend markets offering local cheeses, smoked meats, and seasonal produce from nearby farms.
Day Trips
  • Havlíčkův Brod - Havlíčkův Brod for historical centre, museums, and regional cafés only a short drive.
  • Žďár nad Sázavou - Žďár nad Sázavou with Pilgrimage Church of St. John near Křižovatka and UNESCO sites.

Best Time to Visit Chotěboř #

Visit from late spring through early autumn (May-September) for mild weather, long daylight and easy outdoor exploring. Winters are cold and often snowy, so plan indoor activities or avoid the deepest winter months.

Winter
December - February · -5°C to 5°C (23°F to 41°F)
Cold, occasionally snowy days make village streets quiet; museums and cafés are cosy, but outdoor sightseeing can be curtailed by frosts and short daylight.
March - May & September - November
March - May & September - November · 5°C to 18°C (41°F to 64°F)
Pleasant temperatures and blooming countryside ideal for cycling, hiking and local events; expect occasional rain but far fewer tourists than in peak summer months.
Summer
June - August · 18°C to 30°C (64°F to 86°F)
Warm, sunny days make exploring villages and rivers delightful; bring sunscreen and expect busy weekends as locals and visitors flock to outdoor festivals and riverbank bars.

Best Time to Visit Chotěboř #

Climate

Chotěboř's climate is classified as Warm-Summer Continental - Warm-Summer Continental climate with mild summers (peaking in August) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -5°C to 22°C. Moderate rainfall (545 mm/year).

Best Time to Visit
AugustSeptemberJuly
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
35°
Warmest Month
-29°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions

January

January is the coldest month with highs of 0°C and lows of -5°C. Light rainfall and mostly overcast skies.

39 Poor

Comfort

-2°
Feels Like Freezing
-2°C
Temperature
-5°
95%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

25 mm
Rainfall
4.2 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.1
UV Index
Low
8.5h daylight

February

February is freezing with highs of 2°C and lows of -5°C. The driest month with just 24 mm and mostly overcast skies.

41 Poor

Comfort

-1°
Feels Like Freezing
-1°C
Temperature
-5°
91%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

24 mm
Rainfall
4.3 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.2
UV Index
Low
9.9h daylight

March

March is cold with highs of 6°C and lows of -1°C. Moderate rainfall (31 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

48 Poor

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
-1°
85%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

31 mm
Rainfall
4.3 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.4
UV Index
Low
11.7h daylight

April

April is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of 2°C. Moderate rainfall (38 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

62 Good

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
12°
78%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

38 mm
Rainfall
3.9 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.8
UV Index
Moderate
13.6h daylight

May

May is cool with highs of 17°C and lows of 7°C. Moderate rainfall (60 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

64 Good

Comfort

12°
Feels Like Cool
12°C
Temperature
17°
77%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

60 mm
Rainfall
3.5 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
1.2
UV Index
High
15.2h daylight

June

June is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 9°C. The wettest month with 79 mm of rain and mostly overcast skies.

62 Good

Comfort

15°
Feels Like Cool
15°C
Temperature
20°
74%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

79 mm
Rainfall
3.2 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
1.4
UV Index
High
16.0h daylight

July

July is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 11°C. Moderate rainfall (78 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

68 Good

Comfort

16°
Feels Like Cool
16°C
Temperature
11° 22°
69%
Humidity
Humid

Weather

78 mm
Rainfall
3.2 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
1.4
UV Index
High
15.6h daylight

August

August is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 11°C. Moderate rainfall (66 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

78 Very Good

Comfort

17°
Feels Like Cool
17°C
Temperature
11° 22°
69%
Humidity
Humid

Weather

66 mm
Rainfall
3.0 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
1.2
UV Index
High
14.2h daylight

September

September is cool with highs of 17°C and lows of 8°C. Moderate rainfall (44 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

72 Very Good

Comfort

13°
Feels Like Cool
13°C
Temperature
17°
76%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

44 mm
Rainfall
3.3 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.7
UV Index
Moderate
12.4h daylight

October

October is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of 4°C. Moderate rainfall (33 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

58 Acceptable

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
11°
85%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

33 mm
Rainfall
3.8 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.3
UV Index
Low
10.6h daylight

November

November is cold with highs of 5°C and lows of 0°C. Moderate rainfall (36 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

46 Poor

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
92%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

36 mm
Rainfall
4.1 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.1
UV Index
Low
8.9h daylight

December

December is freezing with highs of 1°C and lows of -4°C. Moderate rainfall (31 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

37 Poor

Comfort

-1°
Feels Like Freezing
-1°C
Temperature
-4°
94%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

31 mm
Rainfall
4.2 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.1
UV Index
Low
8.0h daylight

How to Get to Chotěboř

Chotěboř is reached most easily via Prague (PRG) or Brno (BRQ) followed by a regional train or bus. Regional ČD trains and local bus services provide the last-mile connections; check current timetables for the best route.

By Air

Václav Havel Airport Prague (PRG): The main international airport serving the Vysočina Region. From PRG you can reach Prague city centre by bus 119 + metro or the Airport Express/AE bus to Hlavní nádraží; journey time to Prague central station is about 25-40 minutes (bus+metro ticket or AE fares vary, see operator websites). From Prague take regional trains or buses east toward Chotěboř.

Brno-Tuřany Airport (BRQ): A smaller alternative for southern Vysočina; from Brno the onward rail/bus journey to Chotěboř is longer (typically 1.5-3 hours by train/bus).

By Train & Bus

Train: Chotěboř is served by regional trains operated by České dráhy (ČD) on lines linking to Havlíčkův Brod and Jihlava; use Prague hlavní nádraží as the main transfer point for long-distance services. Regional train rides are typically 30-90 minutes from nearby hubs; fares for short regional trips commonly range from ~40-150 CZK.

Bus: Regional bus services connect Chotěboř with neighbouring towns and with Havlíčkův Brod; buses are often the most frequent option for smaller villages and can be quicker than indirect rail connections. Intercity bus companies (e.g., FlixBus) serve larger junctions rather than the town itself.

How to Get Around Chotěboř #

Chotěboř has a small, walkable historic centre-most sights and shops are reachable on foot. Streets are compact and easy to cover in a short visit. Regional buses and České dráhy (ČD) trains link Chotěboř to larger towns; short rides usually cost a few dozen Czech koruna, with longer journeys priced by distance. Taxis exist but are not widespread; cycling is common for nearby trips. Buy tickets at stations or from drivers where allowed and keep some cash handy.

Where to Stay in Chotěboř #

Budget
Mid-Range
Luxury

Where to Eat in Chotěboř #

Breakdown of cuisine types found across Chotěboř's restaurants and food venues, based on OpenStreetMap data.

Turkish
Regional
Fast Food
International

Nearby Cities #