České Budějovice District: Culture, Routes and Regional Flavours

The České Budějovice District is home to national cultural monuments alongside marked routes, nature destinations and regional offerings. When planning, it is worth noting the different highlights: one route passes through a former silver-mining area, while another is suitable for leisure cyclists. Climbing the Black Tower or visiting a brewery can also help shape your stay.

Cultural monuments and historic places

National cultural monuments in the České Budějovice District include Rodiště Jana Žižky v Trocnově, Zámek Hluboká nad Vltavou se zámkem Ohrada, Hrad Nové Hrady and Poutní areál s kostelem Svatého Ducha a Loretánskou kaplí v Římově. These names point to a range of different themes: a birthplace, châteaux, a castle and a pilgrimage complex. Those choosing cultural attractions for their stay will find several distinct points of interest here.

The České Budějovice–Linz horse-drawn railway is also part of the region’s cultural heritage. Part of its Czech section lies in the České Budějovice District; the monument also extends into the Český Krumlov District. In České Budějovice, you can also climb the Black Tower. Access may vary depending on the season or maintenance work. So if you are planning to climb it, check current visitor access arrangements.

Nature and places to visit

The Vrbenské rybníky Nature Reserve lies near České Budějovice and protects diverse flora and fauna along the Vltava. Nearby, Hluboká Zoo complements the focus on nature and the landscape: it is next to Ohrada Hunting Lodge, on the banks of Munický rybník, and offers views in the direction of Hluboká Castle. The zoo features fauna and flora from Europe, Asia, Australia, South America and Africa. It is home to about 270 animal species, represented by more than 2,320 specimens; population figures and composition may change.

Routes for walking, cycling and boating

The Hornická trasa na Budějovicku route passes through the former silver-mining area around Rudolfov. Along the way, it highlights Baroque architecture in Dobrá Voda and traditional ceramics in Hrdějovice. The marked route is 35.5 kilometres long and rated as moderate. This information helps you gauge its length and difficulty without equating it with a route expressly described as suitable for leisure cyclists.

The route between České Budějovice and Hluboká nad Vltavou is just under 20 kilometres long, with a smooth surface and a flat profile. It is suitable for leisure cyclists and inline skating. There are refreshment stops and other sporting activities along the way; offerings may change. Compared with the 35.5-kilometre Hornická trasa, the routes therefore differ both in length and in their described features.

For boating, the České Vrbné lock provides an 8.9-kilometre navigable stretch from České Budějovice to Hluboká nad Vltavou. The Hluboká nad Vltavou lock enables boating from České Budějovice to the Hněvkovice Reservoir. Operating conditions may vary by season. If you are planning a trip, check the latest information in advance.

Brewery, markets and regional products

Minipivovar Kněžínek brews Czech-style beer using local ingredients and traditional brewing methods. All the beers brewed there can be sampled in the restaurant or bought to take away. Guided brewery tours can be arranged for groups of up to 20 people by prior arrangement. The brewery is accessible on foot, by bicycle, car and public transport; parking is available on the brewery grounds. A group tour requires prior arrangement. Tasting and takeaway options may change.

The markets at Piarist Square in České Budějovice offer produce from local farmers: fresh vegetables, eggs, homemade preserves and jams, seedlings and flowers. As market operations and dates can change, check the current market days if you are planning a visit specifically to a market. Nearby, Rybářství Hluboká sells South Bohemian carp and other fish, including pike-perch, catfish and eel. At the fish holding tanks in Hluboká nad Vltavou, fish are cleaned and prepared; sales arrangements may change.

Discover more destinations: Petříkov, Slavče, Všemyslice, Žár, Žabovřesky, Teindles, Kamenný Újezd, Rimov, Trebícko, Vlhlavy, Rejta, Lipí, Strazkovice, Tyn Nad Vltavou, Branisovice, Vlachnovice, Svatý Jan Nad Malší, Polzov, Pistin, Pasinovice, Nuzice, Lišov-Dolní Slověnice, Kolodeje Nad Luznici, Holasovice, Frauenberg, Hlawatetz, Dubiken, Unter Bukowsko, Dehtar, Boschiletz, Forbes, Betschitz, Rudolfov, Libín, Trhové Sviny, Plav, Ostrolovský Újezd, Locenice, Komarice, Strobnitz, Duben, Budweis, Nové Hrady, Hartowitz, Chraschtian, Štěpánovice, Záboří U Českých Budějovic, Draschitz, Mladošovice, Střížov, Lipnice, Žimutice, Payreschau, Schmiedgraben, Diwtschitz, Dinin, Zirnau, Groß Cekau, Lišov, Litvínovice, Olešnice U Českých Budějovic, Sedlec, Ševětín, Srubec, Staré Hodějovice, Temelín, Úsilné, Vidov, Vráto, Schwiehalm, Adamstadt, Bida, Borownitz, Sitzkreis, Branischen, Tschejkowitz, Čenkow, Hummeln, Kronfellern, Gutwasser, Dobschitz, Ober Kniescheklad, Drahotieschitz, Habří, Hartmanitz, Hermannsdorf, Pfaffendorf, Hosín, Hosty, Hradzen, Julienhain, Hurr, Hwozdetz, Libníč, Jivno, Kamenná, Vrábče, Kvítkovice, Mokrý Lom, Mazelov, Modrá Hůrka, Mydlovary, Nákří, Nedabyle, Neplachov, Planá U Českých Budějovic, Roudné, Strýčice, Včelná, Vitín, Závraty, Zliv, Veselka, Hůrky, Rančice, Ledenice, Lhota, Olesnik, Jílovice, Horní Slověnice, Malé Chrášťany, Zahájí

For the broader travel overview: South Bohemian Region.