Page:Guide to the Bohemian section and to the Kingdom of Bohemia - 1906.djvu/243

209 church of the same name, it was formerly a college of the Jesuits, in it are several fine frescoes and a picture by Škréta. The town-hall with its high tower called „the black tower“ (Černá věž), the catacombs and the well arranged town museum provide the visitor with the means by which he can pass several pleasant hours.

From Klatovy we turn to the South, pass Janovice (8 km) where there is the fine castle and park of count Stadion, and arrive at Nýrsko (Neuern, 16 km) the centre of a great lace industry and feather-trade. Within a short distance are the ruins of castle Bairek.

The journey presents to the traveller a continuous succession of the most picturesque and enchanting views. For a short time there is a break in the picture as we enter a tunnel 1745 m long at 838 m, above sea-level, and having passed through, we soon arrive at Špičák (Spitzberg). Here it is convenient for the purpose of arranging our excursions to make the pension Prokop our home for the time of our sojourn. For the drives carriages can be provided by our host. The finest trips are; to the Černé Jezero (Black lake), occupying three hours going and returning. To the Čertovo Jezero (Devil’s lake). To the Jezerní Stěna Zwergeck and along the Černé Jezero and return in five hours; or by the Černé Jezero to the rapids in the Klammerloch to the Jezerní Hora (Seeberg), then by the Donnerwinkel to the station Hamry for Eisenstein (5 to 6 hours). In this case it is advisable to engage a guide.

Other desirable trips are; to the Pancíř (Panzer)—Můstek, Brennet and to the station at Zelená Lhota (4 hours) and return by train.

Next we would go to the top of the Javor (Arber), the highest mountain of the Šumava and located in Bavaria (1458 m) and return along the Javorské Jezero (Arber See) nin [sic] 3 or 3½ hours.

Having enjoyed the invigorating air of the country and feasted on its beauties, we can return to Plzeň; but on the way we must break the journey and change carriages at Janovice for the purpose of visiting the ancient town of Domažlice (Taus) situated near the Western frontier of the kingdom, the centre of the „Chods“, the hereditary borderers of the Bohemian people who have preserved