In Svihov, nature and culture offer different travel interests: Cikánské údolí and Pod Černým lesem provide specific points of reference for the landscape and vegetation, while Drslavice Fortress and the region’s mining history offer a glimpse into local history. Gabreta Camp serves as a rest stop and also offers programmes. This lets you focus your trip on nature, history or the camp’s offerings.
Biocentre, Biocorridor and Landscape
A municipal land-use plan from June 2010 described Cikánské údolí as a functioning biocentre covering 9 hectares. It located it in the cadastral areas of Včelná pod Boubínem and Švihov u Lažišť, and identified a south-facing slope forest and a stream as defining landscape features. “South-facing” describes the orientation of the slope forest; the stream is a separate water feature.
The same plan listed Pod Černým lesem as a functioning biocorridor measuring 1,200 metres in length. It located it in the cadastral areas of Včelná pod Boubínem, Švihov u Lažišť and Chlístov u Lažišť, and identified riparian vegetation, meadows and forest as landscape features. Švihov u Lažišť is therefore also included in the cadastral reference for Cikánské údolí, while Chlístov u Lažišť is additionally named for the corridor.
The measurements answer different questions: nine hectares give the area of Cikánské údolí, while 1,200 metres give the length of Pod Černým lesem. The landscape features also have different emphases: the description of Cikánské údolí highlights a slope forest and stream; the corridor is described in terms of riparian vegetation, meadows and forest. This makes it possible to compare the nature areas by size, route and vegetation.
Fortress and Mining History
Drslavice Fortress in Švihov u Lažišť is designated as Building No. 1; its origins date back to the 14th century. Around 1593, a silver-rich mine near Švihov was mentioned; its ore was taken to Krumlov for smelting. The two references highlight different aspects of history: Drslavice concerns the origins of a building, while the mine concerns silver and the transport of ore for processing. They can also be placed in chronological context—from the 14th century to the reference around 1593.
Gabreta Camp: Rest Stop, Programmes and Facilities
Gabreta Camp in Švihov 1 serves as a rest stop for pilgrims, families with children and their four-legged companions. It is also offered for school trips, adjustment stays and interactive programmes. If you are planning a specific programme, check in advance for the latest information.
Facilities include a solar shower and an outdoor bath with two heated tubs. There is also a covered, equipped kitchen with crockery, drinking and utility water, a generously sized fire pit with a grill grate, and an Indian sauna. If you are counting on a particular facility, check in advance for the latest information.
Discover more destinations: Žernovice, Husinec U Netolic, Chroboly, Horní Záblatí, Pravetín, Vacov, Vimperk, Bohumilice.
For the overview of the wider area: Okres Prachatice.
