Top 10 Things to Do in Sušice

Exploring Sušice is a delight for any traveler visiting the Plzeň region. The town serves as the Sušice gateway to Šumava mountains for thousands of tourists each year. You can spend a full day wandering through the old streets. The local culture is deeply tied to the surrounding forests and rivers. Most attractions are within walking distance of the main square.

Before you start your journey, check out these quick picks for your itinerary:

• Best for families: Offpark Sušice
• Best for views: Svatobor Lookout Tower
• Best for history: Museum of Šumava
• Best free activity: Chapel of the Guardian Angels

1. Name: Sušice Town Square (Náměstí Svobody) Type: sight Why go: This is the heart of the town with beautiful Renaissance and Baroque buildings. You can see the historic Town Hall and a traditional fountain. Best for: Architecture lovers and photographers. Where: Town center. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walkable from any central hotel. Tip: Look for the "Sušice Stone" near the town hall for a local legend.
2. Name: Museum of Šumava Type: museum Why go: It houses a world-famous collection of matchboxes and glass. Sušice was once a global leader in match production. Best for: History buffs and rainy days. Where: Main square. Time: 1.5 - 2 hours. Cost: Small entry fee. Getting there: Located right on the town square. Tip: Don't miss the mechanical nativity scene during the winter months.
3. Name: Offpark Sušice Type: activity Why go: This is an outdoor adventure center offering rope courses and rafting. It is perfect for those who want an adrenaline rush. Best for: Families and active travelers. Where: Along the Otava River. Time: 2 - 4 hours. Cost: Varies by activity. Getting there: A short walk from the town center. Tip: Book your rafting trip in advance during the peak summer season.
4. Name: Otava River Promenade Type: experience Why go: The river is the soul of the town. You can walk or cycle along the banks on well-maintained paths. Best for: Relaxing walks and evening strolls. Where: Riverfront. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Free. Getting there: Accessible from multiple points in town. Tip: Visit the "Island" (Santos) area for local events and snacks.
5. Name: Svatobor Lookout Tower Type: viewpoint Why go: It offers the most iconic view of the town and the Šumava range. The tower sits atop a hill steeped in ancient myths. Best for: Hikers and nature lovers. Where: Svatobor Hill. Time: 3 hours (including hike). Cost: Small fee for tower stairs. Getting there: Follow the red-marked hiking trail from the center. Tip: There is a restaurant at the top if you need a meal after the climb.
6. Name: Chapel of the Guardian Angels Type: sight Why go: This beautiful early Baroque chapel sits on a hill overlooking the town. It is a peaceful place with great photographic angles. Best for: Spiritual travelers and sunset seekers. Where: Stráž Hill. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk up the Stations of the Cross path from the town. Tip: The view of the town from here is spectacular at dusk.
7. Name: Kašperk Castle Type: day trip Why go: It is the highest royal castle in Bohemia. It was built by Charles IV to protect the gold trade routes. Best for: Medieval history fans. Where: 15 km from Sušice. Time: 3 - 4 hours. Cost: Entry fee for guided tours. Getting there: Short drive or local bus towards Kašperské Hory. Tip: Check the official Visit Czechia site for special night tours.
8. Name: Rabí Castle Ruins Type: day trip Why go: This is the largest castle ruin in the Czech Republic. Its massive walls and towers are incredibly impressive. Best for: Explorers and children. Where: 10 km from Sušice. Time: 2 - 3 hours. Cost: Entry fee for the grounds. Getting there: Easy drive or bus ride from the town center. Tip: Wear sturdy shoes as the terrain inside the ruins is uneven.
9. Name: Klatovy Catacombs Type: day trip Why go: Located in a nearby city, these catacombs house mummified remains from the 17th century. It is a unique and slightly eerie historical site. Best for: Fans of dark history. Where: Klatovy. Time: Half-day trip. Cost: Entry fee applies. Getting there: Best reached by car or train; see a Klatovy town guide for details. Tip: The Jesuit church above the catacombs is also worth a visit.
10. Name: Velhartice Castle Type: day trip Why go: This castle features a unique stone bridge connecting two parts of the fortress. It looks like something out of a fairy tale. Best for: Romantic couples and photographers. Where: 12 km from Sušice. Time: 2 - 3 hours. Cost: Entry fee for tours. Getting there: Best by car or local regional bus. Tip: Visit the open-air museum of folk architecture located right next to the castle.

Sušice Gateway to Šumava Mountains: Nature and Views

Nature is the primary draw for many visitors to this region. As the Sušice gateway to Šumava mountains, the town is surrounded by dense forests. The air here is fresh and the landscapes are green. You can find many well-marked trails starting directly from the town streets. These paths lead to hidden valleys and rocky outcrops.

The Otava River provides a natural corridor for wildlife and recreation. You can see many locals fishing or paddling in the clean water. The river was historically famous for gold panning. Today, it is a hub for water sports and peaceful picnics. The riverbanks are perfect for a slow afternoon in nature.

For those who enjoy heights, the surrounding hills are a must. Svatobor Hill is the most famous peak near the town. It has been a sacred place for centuries. Climbing to the top rewards you with a panoramic view of the Šumava National Park. On clear days, you can see deep into the mountain range.

The local government works hard to preserve these natural assets. You can find more information on the Plzeň Region official site about conservation. Visitors are encouraged to follow the "Leave No Trace" principles. This helps keep the gateway to the mountains beautiful for everyone. Always stick to the marked trails to protect the local flora.

Historical Day Trips Near Sušice

Sušice is a great base for exploring the wider Plzeň region. There are several medieval castles within a short driving distance. These sites offer a glimpse into the defensive history of Bohemia. Many of these castles were built to guard the "Golden Path." This was an ancient trade route for salt and precious metals.

The town of Kašperské Hory is another excellent nearby destination. It is just a short climb from Sušice. It features a beautiful square and another branch of the Šumava Museum. The drive between the two towns offers stunning mountain vistas. It is a perfect route for a scenic road trip in 2026.

If you have more time, consider visiting smaller villages. Places like Velhartice or Rabí offer a slower pace of life. You can find traditional wooden houses and old stone bridges. These spots are often less crowded than the main town. They provide a more intimate look at Czech rural culture.

Public transport in the region is reliable but requires planning. Trains and buses connect Sušice to larger cities like Plzeň and Klatovy. If you want to see multiple castles in one day, a car is recommended. This allows you to explore the winding mountain roads at your own pace. Many travelers combine a visit here with other nearby towns from Plzeň.

Planning Your Visit to the Gateway of Šumava

The best time to visit Sušice is from May to September. During these months, the weather is perfect for hiking and river trips. Summer brings many festivals and outdoor concerts to the town square. However, autumn is also beautiful when the leaves change color. The forests turn into a sea of orange and gold.

Getting to Sušice is relatively easy from major hubs. If you are coming from Prague, the journey takes about two hours by car. There are also direct bus connections from the capital. From Plzeň, you can take a train that offers a very scenic ride. The train follows the river for much of the journey.

Accommodation options in Sušice range from cozy pensions to modern hotels. Many visitors choose to stay in apartments near the river. This gives you easy access to both the town and the trails. It is wise to book early if you plan to visit during July or August. These are the busiest months for tourism in the Šumava area.

Don't forget to try the local food while you are here. Many restaurants serve traditional Czech dishes like roast pork and dumplings. Look for places that offer trout caught directly from the Otava River. The local beer from the Plzeň region is also a must-try. Most menus are available in English and German for international guests.