gloriet Klobouk

Gloriet Klobouk is a small but distinctive lookout gazebo standing on the Kolébka hill right above the village of Kout na Šumavě, in the Chodsko region between Domažlice and Kdyně in western Bohemia. Despite the village's name, the site actually lies outside the true Šumava range, amid the gentle border hills of Chodsko. Its name, "Klobouk" ("hat"), comes directly from the shape of its roof, which resembles a cardinal's hat.

How do you get there?

The gazebo stands beside a field track leading from Kout na Šumavě toward Spáňov, on a bare hilltop visible from a distance. Reaching it is a short, easy walk from the village center and the nearby Kout Castle, and it's a popular stop for travelers moving between Domažlice and Kdyně. You can drive as far as Kout itself, then continue on foot up the field path.

What does the gazebo look like?

Four stone columns with capitals and bases carry a wooden, shingle-covered roof shaped like a cone-topped hat. The simple form and raw stone material make the structure stand out clearly against the surrounding greenery, while its silhouette still fits the romantic garden-pavilion style typical of the early 19th century.

Where does it come from, and what's the legend?

The gloriet was built in the early 19th century, around 1824, on the initiative of Jan Filip František Josef Stadion, then owner of the Kout estate, during a period when the Stadion family carried out an extensive romantic remodeling of Kout Castle and its grounds. Originally, the gazebo was part of a tree-lined avenue running straight from the castle courtyard — in other words, it was a deliberate element of a planned park layout rather than an accidental viewpoint.

Over time a legend grew around the spot: supposedly Cardinal Cesarini lost his red cardinal's hat here in 1431 while fleeing from the Hussites after the crusader defeat near Domažlice. It's a colorful story, though the more likely explanation for the name and location has to do with the castle's tree avenue rather than the battle itself. The original 19th-century structure eventually burned down, and today's gazebo is a faithful reconstruction completed in 2006, now fitted with benches and an information board.

What can you see from Klobouk?

Kolébka hill offers one of the finer views in this part of Chodsko. From here you get a panorama of the forested Koráb hill with its recognizable lookout-tower silhouette, the hill topped by the ruins of Rýzmberk Castle, plus the Všerubská vrchovina range and further Šumava peaks in the distance. On clear days the rolling Chodsko countryside stretches out below, which is why the spot is a favorite short stop on both walking and cycling routes.

When should you visit?

Spring and autumn give the clearest views, when the air is cleaner and low vegetation doesn't block the panorama. In summer the gazebo offers welcome shade and a resting point along the trail — aim for morning or late afternoon, when the light shows the surrounding hills at their best.

Frequently asked questions

Is there an entrance fee for Klobouk? No, the gazebo stands in open countryside and can be visited free of charge at any time.

How long is the walk from Kout na Šumavě? It's a short uphill walk along the field track, usually taking around fifteen to twenty-five minutes.

Is there somewhere to sit at the gazebo? Yes, it's equipped with benches and an information board describing the site's history.

Is it worth combining with a visit to Kout Castle? Yes — Kout Castle lies right next door, and its courtyard is where the avenue leading to the gloriet originally began.