Bolfánek

Bolfánek is a stone lookout tower rising above the small town of Chudenice in western Bohemia, built on top of Žďár hill (587 m). The 45-metre structure is the former bell tower of the pilgrimage church of St. Wolfgang — the only part of the church that has survived to this day.

Where does the name come from and what is the tower's history?

The story goes back to the 10th century. Local tradition holds that in 973 the bishop of Regensburg, Wolfgang, spent a night in a nearby cave beneath the rock, and a modest chapel was later built on the spot to commemorate the event. Between 1722 and 1725, Count František Josef Černín funded a grand pilgrimage church here, designed by architect Maxmilián Kaňka. The church did not survive the Josephine reforms of Emperor Joseph II, which in the 1780s led to the dissolution of numerous churches and monasteries — the building was torn down, leaving only the tower standing. Locals simply started calling it Bolfánek, a folk nickname derived from Wolfgang's name. In 1845 the tower was converted into the lookout point visitors can climb today.

What can you see from the tower?

Reaching the top means climbing 138 steps. The effort pays off: the upper gallery offers a panorama stretching to the Český les and Šumava mountain ranges, with views of Radyně castle near Plzeň and Přimda castle, plus the Doupovské hory and Brdy hills on a clear day. On exceptionally clear days, the Alps are visible on the horizon — one of the reasons Bolfánek is a favourite among lookout-point enthusiasts in the Klatovy region.

How do you get to Bolfánek?

The tower stands on a wooded hill right above Chudenice, close to the Černín family castle, so the two sights naturally combine into a single outing. A walking path leads up the hill; the route is short but climbs steadily, so comfortable footwear is worth packing. The tower is a popular stop on hiking and cycling trails around Klatovy.

What legend surrounds the tower?

Bolfánek comes with an old local legend about a crack in the rock the tower stands on. According to the tale, if the crack ever widened enough for a pregnant woman to pass through it, it would open a path for the forces of hell. The same stone is also said, in local belief, to have healing properties — a detail local guides like to mention when telling the tower's story.

Frequently asked questions

How tall is the Bolfánek tower? The tower stands 45 metres tall, and reaching the top means climbing 138 steps.

What originally stood on the site of the tower? First a small chapel commemorating Bishop Wolfgang, then a large pilgrimage church built between 1722 and 1725 to a design by Maxmilián Kaňka. After the Josephine dissolution only the tower survived, and it was converted into a lookout point in 1845.

What views does the lookout tower offer? A panorama of the Český les and Šumava ranges, the castles of Radyně and Přimda, the Doupovské hory and Brdy hills, and on very clear days even the Alps.

Is there anything else worth seeing nearby? Yes — at the foot of the hill lies the town of Chudenice with the Černín family castle, making it easy to combine a visit to the tower with a castle tour on the same trip.