Schloss Švihov – Das Aschenputtel-Schloss in Tschechien

Cinderella’s Castle in Švihov – Experience a fairy tale in Bohemia

If there’s a true fairytale castle in the Czech Republic, it’s Švihov Water Castle. As the filming location for Three Wishes for Cinderella, it continues to enchant visitors to this day. Here you’ll find everything about its history, insider tips, restaurant recommendations, and how to easily get there using public transport.

Discover the city of Švihov

The small town of Švihov in the Plzeň region is manageable, but charming:

• Historic center – market square with the Church of St. Wenceslas, small cafes and inns.

• Castle district – around the castle with moats and medieval flair.

• Nature all around – fields, rivers and meadows, ideal for hiking or cycling.

Švihov Castle – film set for Cinderella

Švihov Castle, a moated castle, was built in the 15th century and is one of the most important moated castles in Europe. It is best known as the setting for the film Three Wishes for Cinderella, which enjoys cult status to this day.

📍 Address: Hrad Švihov, 340 12 Švihov

🚆 Getting there: From Plzeň hl. n. take the train to Švihov u Klatov (approx. 40 minutes). From the train station, it’s just a 10-minute walk.

🕑 Opening hours: April–October, Tuesday to Sunday, 9:00–17:00 (Closed on Mondays).

Insider tip:

Visit the castle in late autumn or winter – fewer visitors and a fairytale atmosphere. Especially popular: the Christmas concerts in the Knights’ Hall

Dining tips in Švihov

After your castle visit, regional specialties and cozy cafés await:

• Restaurace U Štěpána – traditional Czech cuisine with classics such as goulash or svíčková.

• Cukrárna u zámku – small café right next to the castle, known for homemade cakes.

• Pivovar Klatovy – a trip to the neighboring town, perfect for lovers of regional beer

Cinderella’s Castle in Švihov is a fairytale destination for romantics, film buffs, and families. With its history, unique atmosphere, and easy access by train, it is one of the most beautiful excursion destinations in Bohemia.