Discover Rabí: Castle, Crafts and Trails

Rabí brings together the history of a large castle complex, a craft museum and destinations in the surrounding countryside. When planning a stay, you can decide whether to focus on the castle and exhibitions or include a range of hiking destinations. If you are looking for a hotel for a trip to Rabí, these offer various points of reference for planning your days.

Rabí Castle: from watchtower to residence

Rabí Castle developed from a watchtower, built in the mid-14th century, into a large castle complex. It served as a residence for the Lords of Rýzmberk until the end of the 17th century. The transformation from watchtower to residential complex gives the castle’s history a clear timeline: the early structure was followed by its development into a complex and its long use as a noble residence.

A striking feature of the complex is the massive residential tower, or donjon. From there, the view extends across the entire Prácheňský kraj region. The castle currently offers guided tours and various cultural events; their dates vary. If an event is important to your visit, check the dates before you travel.

Church and Craft Museum

The castle Church of the Holy Trinity has largely retained its Late Gothic appearance, although structural changes in later centuries have left their mark. The church is currently not open to the public. However, its lower level is opened as an exhibition space during the summer months. If you would like to visit this seasonal exhibition space, check the current opening arrangements in advance.

The Muzeum řemesel Rabí offers a different perspective on regional history. Its private collection, assembled by collector Petr Balcar, provides insight into traditional crafts that shaped Šumava and Pošumaví at the turn of the 20th century. Part of the exhibition has changed with the 2026 season. The castle and museum therefore focus on different subjects: the architectural and usage history of a large noble residence on the one hand, and the craft traditions of the two regions on the other.

Hiking destinations and countryside around Rabí

Several trails lead from Rabí to historical sites. One walk climbs Mount Líšná to the remains of the Chapel of All Saints. The yellow-marked hiking trail from Rabí to Budětice leads to the remains of Džbán Castle. Another route runs via Žichovice and the green-marked section of the Vintířova stezka to the historic ruins of Prácheň Castle near Horažďovice. Prácheň lies outside Rabí; the stated distance for this route is 8 km.

Nature is another focus. Tourist circular trails include a walk up Čepičná, a protected natural site. This protected area lies on limestone bedrock, particularly around outcrops of crystalline limestone. Several protected, rare, calcicole and warmth-loving plant species grow there. Its designation as a protected natural area and its distinctive site conditions make Čepičná a different kind of destination from the castle ruins and chapel.

The hilly Otava River valley near Rabí offers scenic views and pastures, as well as many opportunities for easy hikes and bike rides. The Otava Cycle Route runs through Žichovice, Čepice, Chmelná and Sušice. This route is a separate point of reference for planning a cycling trip; it should not be confused with the walks described to the ruins.

When deciding on your trip, you can consider the historical sites and countryside trails separately or combine them: the castle and museum cover different aspects of cultural history, while Líšná, Džbán, Prácheň and Čepičná are specific excursion destinations. The routes mentioned differ in destination and course; an additional distance is given for Prácheň. When planning, also bear in mind that event dates vary and the exhibition space on the church’s lower level opens seasonally.

Discover more destinations: Šimanov, Dražovice, Vrhaveč, Domoraz, Nezdice Na Sumave, Frymburk U Sušice, Rejštejn, Předslav

Go to the broader travel overview: Okres Klatovy.