Švihov Castle Castle

Address: Náměstí 1, 334 51 Švihov, Czech Republic

Website: https://www.hrad-svihov.cz/

Admission: Admission charged for guided tours - see official site for current prices and opening season.

Švihov Castle is a late Gothic water castle in the Plzeň Region of the Czech Republic, noted for its moat-based defensive system and largely preserved medieval layout. Construction dates place it in the late 15th century.

The complex presents fortified walls surrounding an inner courtyard, a preserved gatehouse and drawbridge, and rooms with period furnishings on guided routes. The visible water defenses and battlements are the primary highlights for most visits.

Built in the late 15th century as a fortified residence, it served both as a noble seat and as a defensive strongpoint in the region. The castle later fell into periods of decline and subsequent restoration efforts have focused on stabilizing the fortifications and conserving interior rooms.

Sited in the Plzeň Region, the castle sits near the village of Švihov within a lowland landscape of fields and streams. It is reachable by regional roads serving the Klatovy/Pilsen area.

• Visitor access: Guided tours are the usual way to see the interior; check seasonal opening times as access is limited outside summer.
• Defensive features: The site is noted for its complete water defenses including a wide moat and drawbridge restoration.

• Švihov (the water castle) runs interior visits on a seasonal timetable-check the castle's official site for opening months and guided-tour times before planning travel.
• Arrive at opening to join the first guided tour of the day; early groups are smaller and you'll have better chances to walk the defenses and take photos without crowds.
• If you're driving, follow village signage and use the public parking area-access to the castle itself is on foot and interior access is typically only via the guided route.