Skalice Castle

Skalice Castle sits in the village of Bohumilice in southern Bohemia, in the Prachatice district at the foothills of the Šumava mountains. It's a small, unassuming manor with roots going back to the 16th century, now run as a horse-riding centre and guesthouse for travellers exploring the Czech-Austrian borderlands.

How do you get there?

Bohumilice lies roughly 5 km from Vimperk and 3 km from Čkyně, tucked into a quiet, sparsely populated stretch of the Šumava foothills. A car is the easiest option, using the local roads that connect Vimperk with Prachatice, but the area is also well linked to a network of cycling and horse-riding trails — many visitors arrive by bike or even in the saddle, following one of the regional riding routes that stretch as far as the Austrian border.

What will you find there?

The estate began as a fortified Renaissance manor house, built in the mid-16th century by the Malovec family of Chýnov, who used it as a watch point on the edge of the Šumava forests. Ownership stayed with the Malovecs until 1842. The building was remodelled in a neoclassical style in 1818, and in 1890 the Lumb family added a west wing, giving the castle its present two-winged layout with an irregular floor plan and restrained neoclassical detailing. The Malovec family coat of arms still sits above the main entrance.

In 1923 the property was bought by Ferdinand Holoubek, a Prague industrialist. After decades of neglect it was returned to the family in the 1990s, when Zdeňka Voženílková-Holoubková took on the restoration of the run-down building.

Today the castle operates as Jízdárna Zámek Skalice, an equestrian centre with modern stables and 35 hectares of pasture home to around 40 horses. Guests have access to a floodlit indoor riding arena, a round training pen, and direct links to the national network of bridle paths. A private pond on the grounds is open for fishing, and the estate borders cycling routes that wind through the Šumava landscape all the way into neighbouring Austria.

Where can you stay?

Two apartments have been fitted out inside the castle itself — the larger "yellow" apartment sleeps up to 5 people, the smaller "green" one up to 3, both with kitchenettes and spacious bathrooms. It's a practical base whether you're here for the riding or simply exploring the countryside around Vimperk on foot or by bike.

When should you visit?

The centre operates year-round, offering riding lessons for beginners through to advanced riders, individually, in groups, or for families with children, always under professional supervision. Spring through autumn brings the best conditions for trail riding, walking, and cycling, when the surrounding paths are fully open — though the accommodation and riding facilities run regardless of season.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you visit Skalice Castle as a historical sight? It's not run as a regular museum with scheduled tours — today it functions primarily as a private equestrian centre and guesthouse, though its historic architecture remains visible to anyone visiting the grounds.

Do you need riding experience to use the facilities? No. The centre offers lessons for beginners and experienced riders alike, both individually and in groups, including sessions designed for families with children.

How far is it to the nearest towns? Vimperk is about 5 km away and Čkyně roughly 3 km — both easily reached by car or bicycle.

Can you fish or cycle in the area? Yes — there's a private pond on site for fishing, and the estate connects directly to a network of cycling and riding trails that lead deeper into the Šumava mountains and across into Austria.