Štěkeň

Švejk walked through the forests and near Štěkno he met a tramp, an old gaffer, who welcomed him like an old friend with a nip of brandy.
''Don't walk about in that," he told Švejk. "That army uniform of yours could cost you hell. Now it's full of gendarmes everywhere and there's no chance of doing any begging in those clothes. Today, of course, it's not us the gendarmes chase like they did before. Now it's only you they're after."

How to reach Štěkeň from Písek

By car:

• II/139, pass Dobev go left via Vítkov along the III/1394 or via Kestřany III/1403 and III/1406 (14 km)

By bus:

• from the main bus station or the Putimská Vysoká stop, several connections a day, weekdays only

By bike:

• Otava cycling route

On foot:

• blue route, from Čejeticice along the cycling route 1067 (15 km)

Things to do

• We would suggest you stay in Štěkeň overnight. Perhaps you might wonder why one should spend a night in Štěkeň? But if you have never slept in a castle, you now have the ideal opportunity. The local castle used to be a stronghold and in the 17th century it was turned into a Baroque three story building. The castle and its complex are run by the Sisters of the Institute of the Blessed Virgin Mary. The nuns will be pleased to show you round and they will also offer you accommodation and food. Your bed might not have a four poster with a canopy and feather duvets, but you will still stay in rooms formerly occupied by the Losimthal and the Windischgretz nobility.
• The peaceful castle and extensive English park were much admired by the famous Czech writer Karel Klosterman who wrote several books here. A small museum dedicated to the writer was set up on the ground floor of the castle.
• Take a seat beneath the 300 year old oak tree where even the Emperor Franz Josef I sat during his stay at the castle. When you have explored the large park, you might like to head down to the Otava River. The writer Karel Klostermann loved to fish by the weir. Above the weir is a good place to swim and below it is the campsite - a good place to have a drink.

Schweik´s Recommendation

• The best schnitzel in the neighbourhood is served in the village below the castle. All you have to do is find the cafeteria style buffet. Just follow your nose and the lovely smell will lead you to the source.
• So far nobody has succeeded in finding the sheepcote mentioned in the book. But still if you read the given passage carefully, maybe you will be able to track it down.

Castle of Štěkeň

Štěkeň 20, CZ-38751
Telephone: +420 383 393 557
E-mail: info@zamek-steken.cz
www.zamek-steken.cz

File date: 5.11.2010