This article is a PROMO piece by Karel, who comes from here. It has to be said that if you’re lucky enough to experience Vimperk (also known as Winterberg) on a sunny day, you’ll discover what a beautiful town it is. Sadly the town paid the price when industry and its key factories gradually disappeared. Enough gloom, let’s move to cheerier things! We’ll show you 10+ places to see in Vimperk.
Experience the beauty of the Šumava mountains in the picturesque town of Vimperk, a hidden treasure of South Bohemia, nicknamed the gateway to Šumava (along with 4 other places). This charming town offers history, culture and unforgettable experiences.
Before you set off for Vimperk
Before we get to the actual list of places to see in Vimperk, we have one tip for you: Vimperk is at its loveliest in spring and autumn. In summer it can get quite crowded, and in winter most places are closed. That goes for cultural life too. On the other hand, Vimperk is a great base for heading into the nearby Šumava areas of Kvilda, Horská Kvilda, Modrava, Zadov and so on.
Where to stay in Vimperk
Apartmány Zámek – every apartment is clean and perfectly equipped. From the windows you get a gorgeous view straight onto the castle.
Hotel Vodník – a beautiful new hotel in a great, quiet spot by the sports complex. It can only be recommended. In winter you can head straight out onto the cross-country ski loop.
Where to eat best
Výletní restaurace Vodník – in our view this restaurant is probably the best place to eat really well! A great restaurant, excellent food, friendly and very attentive service. The atmosphere of a First Republic lido lifts everything, and the outdoor terrace overlooking the pond is a beautiful addition.
Pizzeria Marco – if you fancy Italian food, this pizzeria is the best choice.
Hotel Zlatá Hvězda – an ideal combination in terms of value for money. A pleasant dining room and bar interior, good food at reasonable prices.
Where to enjoy coffee and cake
Definitely visit Café Mráz if you want the best coffee in town. This place is magical, somewhere you can enjoy a moment of calm and ease. As a bonus they do excellent breakfasts and brunch at weekends. They also put on plenty of cultural events. Have a look at their social media.
Kavárna ve Skále is another choice for a good coffee. A small café right below the windows of the equally good accommodation at U jelena. Coffee, cakes, wine, the classics.
For pastries, definitely try the Pod Zámkem patisserie too. It offers a wide choice of homemade pastries, cakes and open sandwiches. The atmosphere is cosy and the staff welcoming. Definitely worth a visit to enjoy a sweet moment in these picturesque surroundings! Ideally combine it with a walk below the castle and around it.
Culture in town
Vimperk hosts various cultural events all year round. They include traditional markets, folklore festivals and concerts. If you get the chance, join the local celebrations and experience the atmosphere of Czech culture. One much-celebrated festival is Vimperský majáles, held in mid-May. And it’s incredible what big names come here.
You can add to your cultural programme at The Door – Vimperk’s cocktail bar. The friendly staff will mix you great drinks, and for beer drinkers they pour excellent beer from the Proud brewery.
10+ places in Vimperk you mustn’t miss
The centre of Vimperk
One architectural gem you definitely shouldn’t miss is the church of the Visitation of the Virgin Mary – this sacred jewel is not only a place of calm and reflection but also a striking example of church architecture that stands out for its decoration and historical value.
Near the church stands the town belfry, a proud guardian of time in the middle of the square. Its history and architecture are fascinating and tell stories of times long past, when the belfry served not only to mark time but also as a watchtower for the town.
Another no less interesting spot are the town walls surrounding the old town.
Vimperk castle
The Renaissance castle in Vimperk deserves your attention. Once the seat of the nobility, today the castle invites you to tour its grand salons and beautiful surroundings. Vimperk castle is a genuine gem of this town – especially the walk up to it along the walls with a view over the whole place. Karel’s wife grew up here, because the castle has apartments for the castellan, and hearing her childhood memories you can absolutely imagine that living in a castle must have been a blast.
The castle also houses the Vimperk regional museum – and it really does leave you wondering how Vimperk ended up the way it did.
The Way of the Cross
Fourteen beautifully restored chapels lead you all the way to the chapel of the Fourteen Holy Helpers. The path is about a kilometre long and offers gorgeous views over the town. And a climb uphill, and inevitably back down again.
Vimperk arboretum
A little paradise in the middle of town. Across 2 hectares you’ll find hundreds of species of plants and trees. It’s at its loveliest in spring when everything is in flower, but it has its charm in autumn too.
The Steinbrener printing works
An equally interesting spot. The printing works has a fascinating history and today serves as a museum with interactive exhibits.
Town and other nature parks
Vimperk is the gateway to the nature parks of Šumava. Explore the surrounding forests, lakes and mountain trails, where nature offers unique scenery and peaceful rest. Oh, and it’s the gateway to Šumava National Park too.
The brewing tradition
Try authentic Czech beer at the local Vimperský brewery, an inseparable part of local culture. Pleasant surroundings and choice beer guarantee pleasant evenings with friends. The brewery restaurant is worth a visit.
The Sudslavice circuit
An interpretive trail winding through the picturesque countryside of southwestern Bohemia between Vimperk and Čkyně, south of Strakonice. The trail passes through the Opolenec nature reserve on the slopes above Sudslavice and gives visitors a compelling look at the geology and wildlife of this fascinating area.
The Klášterec viaduct
A rare technical monument in the settlement of Klášterec. This railway bridge boasts four stone arches elegantly spanning the Arnoštský stream. It was ceremonially opened on 9 July 1900 as part of the newly completed section of railway between Volary and Strakonice.
The Boubín lookout tower
On a summit rising almost 1,400 metres above sea level stands the new Boubín lookout tower. This spot, known for its old viewing platform, now offers views as far as the Alps from a 21-metre tower. You reach the tower on the blue trail from Kubova Huť (4.5 km) or the yellow from Včelná (6.5 km).
A map of what to do in Vimperk
If you want to see everything on a clear map, download it here to your phone. All free of charge. 🙂
