Perched dramatically on a hilltop in the Pilsen Region of western Bohemia, Klenová Castle is one of those places that surprises you — medieval Gothic walls meet romantic 19th-century touches, and the whole complex now houses a living art gallery. It is history, nature, and culture all rolled into one rewarding visit.

The hill of Klenová sits about 13 km west of Klatovy, just 2 km from the town of Janovice nad Úhlavou. The slopes drop steeply on all sides, giving the castle its commanding, fortress-like feel. A forest park surrounds the walls, perfect for a gentle stroll, while the access road from the north is lined with historic stone statues — St. John of Nepomuk at the crossroads and St. Wenceslas near the second gate — alongside contemporary sculptures. In spring and summer the wooded hillside is lush and green; in autumn the castle walls glow warmly against the turning leaves.

• Janovice nad Úhlavou (roadside parking) — northern access road, approx. 15–20 min on foot, easy

• The castle and Klatovy/Klenová Gallery are open to visitors — check current opening hours before your trip
• The complex is owned by the Pilsen Region and managed by the Klatovy-Klenová Gallery
• Look out for the historic and modern sculptures lining the approach road

A fascinating historical footnote: the explorer and composer Kryštof Harant of Polžice and Bezdružice was born here in 1564 — one of the first Czechs to reach Jerusalem, and a man whose adventurous spirit seems to linger in these old stones.