Just as Prague Castle belongs to the panorama of Prague, and the dominant Ještěd viewing tower to the panorama of the Liberec region, so do the ponds, fish and fishermen, plus many other extraordinarily preserved and architecturally beautiful villages belong to the scenery of South Bohemia.

South Bohemia is rich in unique historical sights. Here one can find the breathtakingly beautiful town of Český Krumlov , which is listed as a member of the cultural heritage organization UNESCO, and countless villages that have maintained their traditional beauty. The region of South Bohemia abounds with untouched nature.

One can begin a journey around South Bohemia at the Orlík Dam and royal castle Orlík. During the summer, it is possible to travel by boat from Orlík to the romantic Gothic castle Zvíkov , which hangs over where the Otava and Vltava rivers meet and creates an exceptionally beautiful natural setting.

The next stop is Písek, one of the most captivating Czech cities. The oldest preserved bridge in the Czech Republic spans over the river in Pisek. It is an Early Gothic stone bridge dating to the end of the13th century.

From Písek, we will continue our journey in the direction of Strakonice. Along the way, 6 kilometers from Písek, lies the village of Putim, from where one can follow the winding tourist trail: First, follow the field path that is labeled green to the embankment of the Řežabinec Pond, which is a part of the national nature reserve of Řežabinec – Řežabinecké tůně (pool). The pond, pool and fields are an important nesting ground for birds and breeding ground for numerous species. You will come to a road just a little farther on, where you will turn right to Lhota u Kestřan, and then continue over the bridge to the village Kestřany. There are two fortresses here, the upper of which dates to the 13th century and has a bridge and gate, and the lower fortress, from the 14th century, has a three-story tower. Turning right here, you will approach the Otava River and pass through the village of Zatavi in order to get to the bridge, which takes you over the river. Continue on for another 1.2 kilometers to a crossroads, turn right and return to Putim. Should you feel a 13 km walk is too much, try renting a bicycle in Písek.

The road from Strakonice toward the south leads through the enchanting Czech mountains, the Šumava National Park . The entrance gate is Wimperk, a mountain town in the valley of the Volyňky stream. The castle houses the Museum of the National Park’s Administration and Natural Reserve of the Region of Šumava with an exposition dedicated to nature, town history and local trades.

Winter sports and mountain trekking lovers should not forget to visit the village of Zadov-Churáňov. A 7-kilometer long nature trail with 10 stops and information boards leads rambling along the slopes of the village surroundings at about 800–1,050 meters above sea level. This well-known Sumavan winter sports center offers a number of ski runs and cross-country trails, cable-cars with seats and a ski jump bridge. There are numerous hotels and bed and breakfasts to choose from. In summer, be sure to make a trip to the nearby village Stachy, which lies in the foothills. A village reservation with a group of unique wooden Šumavan houses awaits you, plus the local rarity – the mushroom reservation, which is located directly on the square with boletus mushrooms growing all around.

We will move from Zadov back through Vimperk to the historical town of Prachatice. The town underwent its largest development in the 16th century, thanks to the monopoly on the sales of salt. Prachatice’s Gothic Renaissance appearance has been virtually untouched. A majority of the valuable buildings with unique graphite decoration are located on the Large Square and its surroundings.

If you would like to catch a glimpse of 300- to 400-year-old trees and take a walk through the oldest nature reservation in the Czech Republic, go to Boubín. It is one of the most famous and highest (1,362m) Sumavan peaks, with the forests of Boubín covering the highest point. A 3.8-kilometer long nature trail leads around Boubin.

An important tourist center of South Bohemia is the surroundings of the Lipinski Dam (48 kilometers long). The town of Horní Planá lies on its left bank and offers more detailed information at the local tourist information office on how to spend your stay in the nearby or distant surroundings of the dam. One can begin by visiting the family home of the Austrian prose-writer Adalbert Stifter and end by taking a walk around the Schwarzenberg Canal .

The Lipinski Dam allows for practically all types of water sports. The conditions are favorable for windsurfing and yachting – professional yachting competitions are held on the water reservoir, such as the world or European championships. A large selection of beaches and good access to water are available for those who love bathing. Even those who love fishing will find something for themselves here. The unique locality of the Čertových (Devil’s) current in the area of the Vltava between Loučovice and Vyšší Brod is an ideal natural canal for white-water rafting. In 2003, the world rafting championships were held here.

Skiareal Kramolín is nearby for winter sports lovers. It is one of the most modern ski centers in the Czech Republic and mainly caters to families with children. There are 40 kilometers of well-kept cross-country trails, plus fantastic downhill skiing conditions.

Another point of interest in South Bohemia is the national cultural heritage site, the Cistercian monastery of Vyšší Brod . It was established in 1259 and the extensive complex currently contains many valuable objects. One can visit the monastery art gallery, library and branch of the Post Museum.

Rožmberk nad Vltavou is a historically interesting and beautiful South Bohemian town. Its founders, members of the royal family of Rožmberk, built their residence nearby, which is now divided into the Upper and Lower castles. The historical interiors of the Lower Castle are accessible to visitors.

One of the greatest gems of South Bohemia and indeed all of the Czech Republic is the UNESCO listed monument - Czech-Krumlov fortress and castle complex , which is one of the largest in Central Europe. Forty buildings and palaces were built over six centuries, concentrated around five courtyards and gardens. The winter riding hall and Baroque castle theater, which is one of the oldest and most preserved theatres in Europe, were built in the 18th century. There are 300 rooms and salons in the castle complex. The Chapel of St. George, Rožmberk room, Runkův salon, Schwarzenberg salon, castle art gallery and masquerade salon are just a few of the most beautiful rooms of the castle complex. A cascade fountain with statues and the Bellarie villa can be found in the castle gardens.

The castle’s optic counterbalance and another dominant feature of the town is the Early Gothic Church of St. Vitus, reconstructed in the Late Gothic style after 1402. The natural center of the town is the square featuring a Renaissance town hall dating to 1715. One can see numerous beautiful Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque buildings along the picturesque streets. Most are located on Radniční, Masna, Horní and Soukenicka streets. You can visit a number of museums or other tourist attractions, such as the Graphite mine, the mining complex in Chvalšinska street, which is one of the most interesting sites. At the active mine, one can learn more about mining and the processing of South Bohemian graphite.

Definitely plan to include a visit to the fairy-tale South Bohemian village Holašovice while traveling around South Bohemia. One of the most perfect complexes of folk architecture in the Czech Republic has been preserved here. In the second half of the 19th century, a building style found its way into the village, bringing Baroque, Rococo and Classical architectural elements with it – so-called folk and thus peasant Baroque. It has not been preserved to such an extent anywhere else in the world. Thanks to its uniqueness, this picturesque village became a member of UNESCO in 1998. Apart from its architecture, Holašovice offers an unforgettable culinary experience: You can enjoy homemade pies and fresh bread straight from the oven.

The main city of South Bohemia is České Budějovice , which was established in 1265 where the Vltava and Malše rivers meet. In 1832, the first horse-drawn railway in Europe was founded here, on the route between České Budějovice and Linz. It is most certainly worth visiting České Budějovice’s historical center, which can also be viewed from a bird’s eye perspective by ascending the 72-meter-tall Gothic- Renaissance Černa (Black) Tower. The Museum of South Bohemia is also located in České Budějovice.

Another jewel of south Bohemia is the monumental castle Hluboká nad Vltavou . We will head back around České Budějovice to Třeboň , a town in the middle of vast countryside dotted with countless ponds. Třeboň has been connected to fishpond cultivation for a long time. The pond Svět (World) was established just beyond the town’s barriers. Between this pond and the Opatovicky pond stands the beautiful Schwarzenberg tomb dating to the end of the 19th century. Třeboň is also connected to spa life, which is based on treatments using mud baths.

The Rožmberk Pond lies north of Třeboň; it is not only the largest in the Czech Republic but also in all of Central Europe. Its surface is so large (489 hectares), that it is possible to note the curve of the Earth’s surface.

Another magnificent South Bohemian town lies on the banks of the pond, Jindřichův Hradec . The most photographed Czech castle complex can be found northwest of Jindřichův Hradec, called Červená Lhota , the romantic castle which was built on a rocky island in the middle of a pond.

Another South Bohemian town of historical value is Pelhřimov. Other than its picturesque architecture, the town is home to the Museum of Records and Curiosities. The museum was opened in 1994 and now boasts a display of various extremes, many of which are recorded in The Guinness Book of World Records.

Tábor is another interesting town in South Bohemia. The town was built by followers of Jan Hus at the beginning of 1420 in order to create an equalitarian society based on common ownership. This well-fortified town was never conquered by its enemies. Remains of the 15th century fortress still stand today. The cylindrical castle tower, which was also a part of the fortress system, houses the museum exposition of Life and Work of Society in the Middle-Ages. The Hussite Museum is located in the Gothic Town Hall on Žižkov Square.

Tags: Červená Lhota, České Budějovice, Český Krumlov, Hluboká nad Vltavou, Holašovice, Jindřichův Hradec, Museum of South Bohemia, Orlík Dam, Schwarzenberg Canal, South Bohemia, Strakonice, Šumava National Park, Tábor, Třeboň, Zadov, Zvíkov