In Struhadlo, a long educational trail, expansive views and tangible traces of village history come together. The “Spiessova naučná stezka” educational trail is approximately 16 km long, has six stations and follows marked hiking trails through the village. So the focus is not only on individual stations, but also on the landscape and history along the way.
Distinguishing between the educational trail and the second route
The third station on the “Spiessova naučná stezka” is titled “Struhadlo / Patersdorf”. On the way to Struhadlo along the educational trail, there is an uncovered rest area. If you plan to take a break, bear in mind that this rest area offers no shelter from the weather.
A second option is the 16 km “Bezděkovské kolečko – ke struhadelskému kříži” route. Its length is therefore roughly in the same range as that of the educational trail; however, according to the listed features, the routes differ considerably: the educational trail follows marked hiking paths through Struhadlo and has six stations. The second route is recommended for hikers as well as cyclists on mountain or trekking bikes.
The “Bezděkovské kolečko – ke struhadelskému kříži” route approaches Struhadlo from Soustov along a signposted side road. Along the way, it crosses the busy I/22 road between Klatovy and Domažlice; traffic levels may vary. This crossing is part of planning the route, as is choosing between the two different trails.
Elevation and views
Struhadlo lies at an altitude of about 608 metres above sea level below a ridge crowned by the summit of Velký Bítov. The route leads from Struhadlo to Struhadelský kříž, at 692 metres above sea level. There are views in all directions from the cross, and photography is possible there. From Struhadlo, the views reach Klatovy, Bezděkov and Šumava.
The two viewpoints offer different perspectives: at Struhadelský kříž, the panoramic view takes centre stage, while from Struhadlo, specific destinations are visible. Struhadelský kříž was consecrated in October 2009.
The Tupadelské skály nearby
The Tupadelské skály lie near Struhadlo and are designated a state-protected natural monument. The rock belt is about 230 metres long and usually around 10 metres high; at Kočičí hlava, it reaches up to 15 metres. These figures describe both the extent of the rock formation and the difference between its usual height and the higher point at Kočičí hlava.
The rocks are used by climbers. This brings landscape and climbing into focus as different interests in the area around Struhadlo. The figures for length and height also give a concrete impression of the shape of the rock belt, without requiring an additional excursion stop to be associated with an unverified distance or walking time.
Village history in the townscape
The layout of Struhadlo has changed little over the centuries; the map from the first military land survey, dating from the second half of the 18th century, also shows this continuity. This provides a historical point of reference for exploring the village: the present-day landscape can be considered alongside a historical map from that period.
Other historical landmarks tell of the village’s former functions. There used to be a bell tower in the village square. House No. 20 once housed an inn. In the 19th century, there was a general school for local children on the road from Struhadlo to Tetětice. These examples served different functions—a meeting place, an inn and a school—and make the village’s history tangible through specific places and routes.
To decide whether Struhadlo is right for your stay, you can weigh up its different highlights: the educational trail has six stations over approximately 16 km, the second 16 km route is also recommended for cyclists, and the protected rocks lie nearby. If you are more interested in history, the little-changed village layout and the former functions of particular places offer a different perspective. This can help you focus your search for holiday accommodation on what interests you most during your stay in Struhadlo.
For the wider travel overview: Bezděkov U Klatov.
