Höritz: Passion Plays, Local History and Hotels

Also here is the Pohádková rezervace on a picturesque wooded hill above the town. The theatrical tradition, festive custom, townscape and fairytale concept offer different cultural highlights and give you several ways to plan your visit according to your interests.

Passion Plays: Revival and Recognition

The Hořické Pašijové Spiele were revived in 1992. On February 18, 2025, they were added to the national list of the intangible cultural heritage of traditional folk culture in the Czech Republic. These dates mark different milestones: the revival in 1992 and national recognition in 2025. The Museum of the Municipality and the Hořické Pašijové Spiele presents the history of the Passion Plays, as well as the history and present-day life of Hořice na Šumavě. It also displays a model of the Passion Play theater, built in 1893 to accommodate 1,500 spectators. The model expands the focus from the history of the plays to the historic theater building.

The Hořický Masopust as a Festive Custom

The Hořický Masopust was first held in 1993. Its custom is based on a meeting between a Růžičková procession and a straw procession. The two processions negotiate who has the right to roam and sing in the area concerned. This distinguishes Masopust as a festive custom from the history of the Passion Plays presented in the museum.

Market Square and St. Catherine’s Church

The market square in Hořice na Šumavě is a conservation area. The square is home to Bohemia’s oldest surviving medieval pillory, dating from 1549. St. Catherine’s Church dates back to the 13th century and has stained-glass windows. It defines the characteristic panorama of Hořice na Šumavě and is visible from afar both from the town and from the surrounding hills. The church is open year-round and can be reached on foot in just a few minutes from the center of Hořice na Šumavě.

Museums and Events

The Museum of Historical Radios is located in the cultural center in the heart of Hořice na Šumavě. Its subject differs from the local history and Passion Plays featured in the other museum, broadening the cultural focus to include the history of radio. In 2026, the covered amphitheater in Hořice na Šumavě 202 is planned as the venue for all events in the Hořické Cultural Year. If an event is shaping your trip, check the specific date in the program.

A Fairytale Touch

The Pohádková rezervace is located on a picturesque wooded hill above Hořice na Šumavě. Its concept is based on fairy tales: the caretaker looks after all endangered species of Czech fairytale creatures, thereby protecting Czech cultural heritage. In this way, the Pohádková rezervace adds its own fairytale perspective to the historical story of the town and its theater.

Cultural Highlights for Planning Your Trip

For planning your trip, the distinction is clear: if you are interested in historic festive customs, you can compare the Passion Plays and Masopust; if you want to take in the townscape, visit the market square and St. Catherine’s Church.

Discover more destinations: Sebanov, Sirnin, Oberplan, Cerna V Posumavi, Mirkowitz, Neudorf B. Berlau, Meinetschlag, Oberhaid.

View the main travel guide: Okres Český Krumlov.