Žabovřesky: Village History and Pond Landscape

Žabovřesky combines a long local history with community traditions and the pond landscape around nearby Dehtář. To help you plan your trip, it is useful to distinguish between the main attractions: the village is known for its historic associations and customs, while nature and water experiences are especially associated with Dehtář and its dam. This can help you decide whether your stay should focus mainly on village history, the landscape, or routes for cycling and hiking.

History and Community Life

The earliest written mention of Žabovřesky dates from 1334. On May 26, 1334, Jan Lucemburský exchanged Žabovřesky, Dehtáře and Radošovice, which belonged to the Poděhusy fortress, with the Rosenbergs for the border castle of Janovice nad Úhlavou.

In the village stands the niche chapel of St. John of Nepomuk, listed as an immovable cultural monument under registration number 35016/3-618. In nearby Dehtáře, at the Žabovřesky–Břehov crossroads, there is a brick wayside shrine dating from the first half of the 19th century.

Evidence of settlement goes back further than these medieval associations. Archaeological remains of early settlement were found at the foot of Vosí vrch. Pottery from the Late Bronze Age, Hallstatt period, La Tène period and Early Middle Ages was excavated in the area around Vosí vrch. Local history therefore extends from finds dating to various early periods to the first written mention in the 14th century.

A small bell tower stands on the village green and regularly rings the Angelus. Masopust is a recurring community tradition organised by the Žábácká mládenecká koleda. The seventh edition took place in 2015; another event was announced for 2025. According to local legend, Jan Žižka spent the night at Žabovřeský mlýn on his way from Poděhusy Castle to Zlatá Koruna. At the Hasičské Májové hody on May 31, 2025, next to the cultural centre, visitors could sample food and drink.

Dehtář: Pond Landscape, Nature and Routes

Local history links the name Žabovřesky with numerous ponds, pools and wetlands that support diverse plant and animal life. Nearby Dehtář Pond was filled in 1479, covers 260 hectares and is now used for fish farming and recreation. The Dehtář Bird Protection Area is also nearby and protects, in particular, the common tern (Sterna hirundo) and the greylag goose (Anser anser).

At the Dehtář dam, accessible from the settlement of Dehtáře in the municipality of Žabovřesky, there is a bathing area, a small grassy beach, a shallow entry into the water and a small car park. Access and recreational conditions may vary by season; check them before your visit.

Cycle route 1083 passes through Žabovřesky. The Dehtář dam is also on cycle route 1085 from Holašovice to Zliv and the yellow-marked KČT hiking trail from Hluboká nad Vltavou to Dubné. This lets you distinguish between a cycle route through the village and the two routes that pass along the dam. Check the route numbers and signage before setting out.

Discover more destinations: Mokrý Lom, Horní Slověnice, Vitín, Kvítkovice, Hosty, Zirnau, Chraschtian, Polzov

For the broader travel overview: Okres České Budějovice.