Měčín

Měčín is a small town in the Klatovy District, in the Plzeň Region of the Czech Republic, home to roughly 1,100 people. It sits in a valley on the border between eastern Klatovsko and southern Plzeňsko, surrounded by gentle hills at the foothills of the Šumava mountains — positioned between three historically significant towns: Klatovy, Nepomuk, and Přeštice. Měčín doesn't try to compete with the country's headline attractions; instead it offers a quiet, genuine slice of the Czech countryside built around a castle, a church, and an unusually specific little museum.

What is there to see in Měčín?

The town's centerpiece is Měčín Castle, built around 1580 by Heralt Kavka of Říčany, then the owner of nearby Švihov Castle. He named his new residence "Nový hrad" (New Castle). It replaced an earlier medieval stronghold on the same site, first documented as far back as the 13th century. The original Renaissance building was reworked in Baroque style during the 18th century, and today's picturesque appearance owes much to the English-style park laid out around it after 1924 by Bohumil Kubec.

The second landmark worth a stop is the Church of St. Nicholas the Bishop, first mentioned in written records in 1352 — one of the oldest traces of settlement in this part of the region. Also worth a visit is the town's small museum, which holds a distinctive collection of toys from nearby Skašov — a curiosity you won't find in guides to the bigger cities.

Měčín itself only gained official town status in 1992, though the settlement's roots reach much further back, to a medieval fortress that once guarded the surrounding routes.

How do you get to Měčín?

The town lies along the route connecting Klatovy with Nepomuk and Přeštice, easily reachable from the main roads of the Plzeň Region. Driving is the most convenient option — Měčín sits a short distance from Klatovy, with local roads leading into the valley. Regional bus or train connections to the nearest transport hub are an alternative, followed by a short onward trip into the town centre.

When is the best time to visit?

Spring and summer are ideal, when the castle park is at its greenest and the surrounding hills invite hikes toward the Šumava. Autumn suits travellers who prefer a quieter pace, as the hilly landscape of Klatovsko and Plzeňsko turns warm shades of gold and brown. Winter has its own calm, rural charm, though some sights — the castle interior and the museum in particular — may keep reduced opening hours outside the main season.

What else is worth seeing nearby?

Měčín makes a convenient base for exploring the wider Šumava region and Klatovy itself, one of the more important towns of the historical Klatovsko area. It's worth pairing a visit with a trip to nearby Švihov Castle, directly linked to Měčín's history through Heralt Kavka of Říčany.

Frequently asked questions

Is there a castle in Měčín that can be visited? Yes — the town has a castle built around 1580, surrounded by an English-style park. Check current opening hours before you go, as they vary by season.

Where does the name "Nový hrad" come from? Heralt Kavka of Říčany, the former owner of Švihov Castle, gave that name to the new residence he built in Měčín in the 16th century.

What else can visitors see besides the castle? The Church of St. Nicholas the Bishop, documented since 1352, and the local museum with its collection of toys from Skašov.

How many people live in Měčín? About 1,100 residents call the town home, and it has held official town status since 1992.