Stellplatz - water mill Švihov #6350

A fully equipped campsite for RVs and trailers located right next to Švihov Water Castle.
The campsite is located on the grounds of a neighboring watermill, offering a direct view of the castle itself. But there’s more to do here than just tour the castle. The surrounding area offers a variety of attractions and cycling and hiking trails, which we’d be happy to recommend. For example, the Černín family estate in Chudenice, a bike route to Klatovy, hikes up the surrounding hills, or the castle in neighboring Červené Poříčí.

At the campsite, you’ll find:
- 4 paved sites for RVs/trailers.
- Each site has a water and electricity hookup (included in the price).
- Each site has its own lighting.
- A chemical toilet disposal station.
- A gray water drain (access ramp).
- A garden for recreation.

Early arrival, when the site isn’t full, can easily be arranged. Likewise, departure can be later if there isn’t a line at the gate—which doesn’t happen all that often...
The gate is usually open; if it’s closed, simply push the latch aside to open it.

The Švihov Watermill is a protected historic site currently undergoing gradual restoration. Much of the work is taking place inside the building, so it doesn’t disturb guests, but it’s still a living organism that’s growing and flourishing, so there may be some activity and ongoing work around the mill.
We are currently working hard on renovating the grounds. We’re building new restrooms and showers in the barn, and we’re preparing a new footbridge over the millrace as well as a gazebo. We’re making the mill even more beautiful... ;-)

Please do not enter the buildings except for the restrooms. Use of the seating area “behind the millrace” is by prior arrangement only. There is a freely accessible waterway on the property, so keep an eye on the children!

A personal note from bezKemp:
Although at first glance it may seem like you’re driving into a construction site, that’s only partly true. The current owners decided to buy and save the mill eight years ago and are gradually restoring and renovating it, as the mill has suffered a great deal of damage in recent decades.
The parking area for RVs is new, and the garden and courtyard have also undergone partial restoration. However, you should expect the site to have an “industrial” feel.
The owner’s story about saving the mill, the restoration process, the challenges he faces, and what he’s gradually uncovering is fascinating. If you’re lucky, he’ll even take you on a tour.
A major perk and bonus is the stellplatz’s location. You won’t find a closer spot to the castle to spend the night in a RV. The garden is surrounded by a wall, so you have plenty of privacy. The place has a strong genius loci.

A personal note from my father
As a student, I worked as a tour guide at Švihov Castle and fell in love with the place. I used to walk past the mill there. It was a ruin. It stared at me, and I stared at it—like that for about 15 years. And then, almost miraculously, we found our way to each other. Since then, I’ve devoted all my free time, money, blood, and sweat to it. And I’m not alone in this—fortunately, I have wonderful helpers. We bought the mill in 2018 when it was in a completely devastated state. Leaky roofs, overgrown vegetation, hundreds of metric tons of rubble, and clutter everywhere. Anyone who didn’t see the condition of the property back then wouldn’t believe how much work has already been done on it, even though many parts still look quite dilapidated. That house has a soul, and I feel that it has been thriving these past few years—that even the house itself is helping with its own restoration. Like an abandoned cat that’s grateful for a little care and food, that’s perked up a bit and looks forward to being petted.

Speaking of cats, there are two living at the mill: Mňaukyna and her son Tygřík. They’re really friendly and curious, but they don’t exactly seek out the company of dogs—as is often the case. Animals of all kinds are welcome, but if your dog’s favorite pastime is chasing cats, please keep him from doing so.
Besides the cats, it’s like a little aquatic zoo here. Nutrias, ducks, and of course fish swim in the canal. And people, too. They can use the granite steps to get into the water or jump right in from the bank. At their own risk, of course—we don’t have lifeguards. ;-) See you in Švihov!