Částkov

Částkov is a small village in the Tachov district of the Plzeň Region, tucked into western Bohemia near the Bavarian border on the edge of the Český les (Bohemian Forest borderland). It suits travelers looking for a quiet, off-the-beaten-path stop with roots stretching back to the Middle Ages.

What is Částkov known for?

The village's earliest written record dates to 1272, when it appeared under the names Czastkenzeuth or Schlossenreuth; in German it was later known as Schossenreith. The landmark that shaped the settlement for centuries was the local fortress (tvrz), built at the eastern edge of the village and inhabited from roughly the 14th century onward. During the Renaissance period the fortress was expanded with three additional rooms, and it remained the village's most significant structure for generations.

Částkov's administrative history has a few twists. The village existed as an independent municipality from 1850 to 1980. Between 1 July 1980 and 23 November 1990 it was administratively merged into the neighboring municipality of Staré Sedliště, before regaining independent status on 24 November 1990. Today the municipality of Částkov also includes the villages of Pernolec and Maršovy Chody. As of early 2024 the settlement counted 335 residents (172 men and 163 women) — a small, typical rural community for this part of the region.

How do you get to Částkov?

Částkov sits in the Tachov district, a short drive from the town of Tachov, which serves as the natural gateway to this corner of the Plzeň Region. A car is the most practical way to get there, as the route runs through the sparsely populated, scenic stretches of the Český les — the wooded border range separating the Czech Republic from Bavaria. This is better suited as a base for a longer regional stay than as a single-day trip from a major city.

What can you see nearby?

About 5 kilometers from Částkov lies the Franciscan monastery in Tachov, which today houses the Museum of the Český les (Muzeum Českého lesa). Pairing a visit to Částkov with this museum makes sense, since it covers the natural history and heritage of the surrounding region. Despite its small size, Částkov also works as a starting point for hiking and cycling trips through the Český les — an area defined by dense forest, light tourist traffic, and a landscape typical of the Czech-Bavarian borderland.

When is the best time to visit?

The Český les region is best explored from late spring through early autumn, when hiking and cycling trails are fully accessible and the weather favors longer outings. Winter conditions can limit access, and tourist infrastructure in a village as small as Částkov is minimal, so it's worth arranging accommodation and meals in advance, most conveniently in nearby Tachov.

Frequently asked questions

What is Částkov known for? It's a small village in the Tachov district, notable for its historic fortress inhabited from the 14th century and for a first written mention dating back to 1272.

How many people live in Částkov? As of early 2024, the village had 335 residents.

Which villages belong to the municipality of Částkov? Besides Částkov itself, the municipality includes Pernolec and Maršovy Chody.

What's worth seeing nearby? About 5 km away is the Franciscan monastery in Tachov, home to the Museum of the Český les, and the surrounding area is well suited for hiking and cycling.