Prachatice District: Golden Trail, history and hiking routes

Prachatice lies in a hilly area that gives way to the Šumava Mountains. To the west of the town are the Blanice River and the Husinec Reservoir. The town’s history and the area’s nature and hiking options offer different points of focus when planning a trip to Prachatice District.

Prachatice and the history of the Golden Trail

The historic centre of Prachatice has been designated an urban conservation area since 1981. The Prachatice town walls are also classified as a cultural heritage attraction in Prachatice. Another trace of the past leads to the Golden Trail: this historic route connected Bohemia with Bavaria. In the Middle Ages, Bavarian salt was transported along it to Prachatice. Historic branches ran from Passau to Prachatice and Vimperk. A visit can therefore combine two perspectives: the protected town centre and the former trade route linking the regions. Those interested in history can explore the salt trade and the connections between the towns as separate topics.

Nature and practical trail information

The core of Boubínský prales has been a nature reserve since 1858. A trail leads to Boubínské jezírko and is suitable for wheelchair users and families with pushchairs. As visitor access may change, check the current information from Šumava National Park before your visit.

Hiking with children

The Albrechtovice trail is suitable for young children, but not for pushchairs. It starts in Pod Perlovicemi, where you can park your car. As access information may change, check it locally before setting off. For families with pushchairs, the difference from the trail to Boubínské jezírko is directly relevant: that trail is suitable for pushchairs, whereas the Albrechtovice trail is not. The Hornická naučná stezka Albrechtovice is 500 metres long and has five stops about the history of mining. The hiking options therefore focus both on trail conditions and on different topics.

Kratochvíle Chateau and its garden

At Kratochvíle Chateau, an extended tour combines the Renaissance villa with the Church of the Nativity of the Virgin Mary. Before your visit, check whether the tour is available and whether booking is required. The chateau garden is accessible and has paths made of compacted sand. If you are cycling, note the garden rules: bicycles must be wheeled there; bicycle racks are located outside the chateau gate. The estate is also connected to Netolice by a cycling route. The cycling connection and the rules within the garden are two separate points to consider when planning your visit.

Discover more destinations: Bošice, Kristanov, Arnostov, Nebahovy, Hradiště, Konopiste, Buk Pod Boubínem, Krtely, Trhonin, Tvrzice, Svihov, Nove Hute, Libotyne, Ceske Zleby, Smedec, Ktis, Benesova Hora, Repesin, Ckyne, Zdíkov, Volary, Vlachovo Brezí, Vacov, Vimperk, Stachy, Pravetín, Prachatice, Netolice, Micovice, Lenóra, Außergefild, Hracholusky, Borova Lada, Kratušín, Nicov, Bohunice U Tvrzic, Chroboly, Stožec, Radhostice, Malenice, Strunkovice Nad Blanicí, Němčice, Svatá Maří, Strážný, Vitějovice, Zbytiny, Babice U Netolic, Těšovice, Bušanovice, Bohumilice, Zálezly, Dub U Prachatic, Budkov, Drslavice, Žernovice, Dvory U Lažišť, Olšovice, Chlumany, Chvalovice U Netolic, Lčovice, Lužice U Netolic, Mahouš, Pěčnov, Želnava, Vrbice, Zábrdí, Žárovná, Kristanovice, Hrbov, Račov, Řasnice, Nová Pec, Lhenice, Záblatí U Prachatic, Horní Záblatí, Šumavské Hoštice, Horní Vltavice, Kubova Huť, Husinec U Netolic, Lažiště

For the overview of the wider region: South Bohemian Region.