South Bohemian Region: Cycling, Culture and Water Experiences

With nearly 10,000 kilometres of designated cycling routes and more than a hundred suggested cycling tours, South Bohemia offers many ways to explore the region by bike. The cycling network passes through pond landscapes, follows rivers and goes past historic sights. If you prefer to get around on foot, you’ll find more than 5,000 kilometres of marked hiking trails. You can shape the active part of your trip to suit your interests, with longer cycling routes or hikes.

Cycling, Hiking and Nature

You can combine train journeys with cycling, as trains offer bicycle transport. Check the availability and conditions of this service before travelling. In Šumava National Park, cycling off-road is restricted to built-up areas and marked cycle routes. Rafting is permitted on sections of the Vydra, Otava and Vltava rivers. Check visitor regulations and river restrictions before your trip.

The national park offers trails for independent exploration by children and adults. Worksheets with activities, maps, photographs and illustrations accompany these trails. The selection of routes and availability at visitor centres may change. If you want to use these materials, check in advance what is currently available.

Villages, Towns and Cultural History

The UNESCO-listed South Bohemian village of Holašovice preserves folk architecture from the 18th and 19th centuries in the South Bohemian Folk Baroque style. Twenty-three farmsteads are arranged around a rectangular village green; the ensemble also includes a chapel, a forge, a cross and a fishpond. The arrangement of the farmsteads and the other buildings mentioned give the village green a clear spatial focal point.

The UNESCO-protected historic centre of Český Krumlov lies on both banks of the Vltava, below a castle whose origins date back to the 13th century. In Tábor, you’ll encounter an important site in Hussite history: the town was founded in 1420. Bechyně, in turn, is known for its long ceramic tradition; one of Europe’s oldest ceramic schools is located there. These places offer different points of interest, from urban history to a craft that has long shaped the region.

At Hluboká Castle, the tour of the state rooms takes you through the piano nobile, salons, dining rooms and library, as well as Princess Eleonora’s private rooms and a weapons exhibition. In suitable weather, the castle tower offers views of the surrounding countryside. The interiors and the view provide two different perspectives on a visit: the castle’s decorated rooms and the landscape from above.

Water, Activities and Regional Cuisine

Activities offered at the Lipno Reservoir include water sports, fishing, swimming and cycling; winter sports are available at the Lipno ski resort. Golf and adrenaline sports are also among the active holiday options in South Bohemia. If you want to plan different kinds of activities for your stay, you can consider these options alongside days spent cycling and hiking.

At Mrhal Pond near Rudolfov, much of the shoreline offers opportunities for fishing. There is also a beach, a wooden jetty and refreshments. Facilities and stocking practices may change over time; check the conditions before your visit. Fishing and fish farming have a long tradition in South Bohemia. Recreational and sport fishing opportunities are particularly plentiful in the České Budějovice–Hluboká area. Regional cuisine also makes use of fish from the many ponds: carp and other species such as trout and zander are prepared in a variety of ways.

More Experiences to Help Plan Your Trip

In Jindřichův Hradec, you can take narrow-gauge railway trips through the South Bohemian countryside. Timetables may change, so check the times before your journey. For beer enthusiasts, the South Bohemian beer trails include six routes through the region. Brewery visits are available, among other places, at breweries in Hluboká nad Vltavou, Týn nad Vltavou, Dražíč and Dolní Bukovsko. The availability of individual visits may vary, so it’s a good idea to check before making plans.

Use these plans to guide your search and check the location of specific accommodation against your itinerary.

Discover more destinations: Český Krumlov District, Tábor District, Strakonice District, Písek District, Prachatice District, Jindřichův Hradec District, České Budějovice District, Central Bohemia.

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