Trhové Sviny: Churches, Crafts and Countryside

Trhové Sviny lies at the confluence of the Trhosvinenský and Farský streams. At the same time, the landscape here shifts from the Třeboň Basin to hilly terrain towards Šumava. This gives you different starting points for planning your trip: the square with its protected buildings, church and craft history, and activities involving water and cycling.

The square and its architectural history

The Trhové Sviny Urban Heritage Zone is centred on a square with a town hall and burgher houses featuring arcades. The square also has a hexagonal stone fountain dating from 1868. The Church of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary adds to this view of the town’s architectural history: it was originally built in the Early Gothic style and later remodelled in the Late Gothic style. Inside the church is a Baroque altar with the Late Gothic “Trhovosvineská Madonna” dating from 1520. These buildings and works of art therefore reflect different periods of design, rather than all belonging to the same period.

Churches and crafts in the surrounding area

Less than two kilometres south of Trhové Sviny stands the pilgrimage Church of the Holy Trinity. It was built between 1708 and 1710 as a Baroque church with a central-plan layout. Its distinctive features include three altars and a hexagonal ambulatory. Anyone interested in religious architecture can compare this church with the history of the Church of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary in town: one was designed as a Baroque building, while the other is recorded as having been built in the Early Gothic style and later remodelled in the Late Gothic style.

Nearby is also Buškův hamr, a preserved water-powered hammer mill dating from around the turn of the 19th century. Its features include a forge and historic tools. The drop hammer, grinding machine and bellows are powered by three waterwheels. The exhibition “Řemesla (nejen) na vodě” explores crafts and craftspeople in Trhové Sviny and the surrounding area; exhibition details may change. Another cultural stop is the birthplace of Karel Valdauf, which is now a museum. Check opening hours before planning a visit.

Traditionally, Kovářské dny are held in the nearby area on the third weekend in August. The programme includes blacksmithing demonstrations, a craft market and entertainment. Check the exact event dates before travelling. There is also a triangular chapel with a spring in the area. The spring was traditionally believed to have healing powers for eye ailments—a cultural tradition, not a medical claim.

Natural swimming and cycling

The Velký rybník natural swimming area is on the outskirts of Trhové Sviny, in the direction of Nové Hrady, 1.5 kilometres from the town centre. It can be reached on foot, by bicycle or by car. There is a seasonal snack stand there; availability may vary. When planning a visit, the relevant details are therefore the distance from the town centre and the stated ways of getting there.

The “K rodišti Jana Žižky z Trocnova” cycle route covers a different scale: it is 63.7 kilometres long, passes through Trhové Sviny and is described as a moderately difficult full-day ride. The two sets of details are easy to distinguish: a distance from the town centre is given for Velký rybník, while the cycle route is described in terms of its length, difficulty and full-day duration. Trhové Sviny is also a starting point for hiking trails into the Slepičí hory, which are less than ten kilometres away.

Information and cultural programme

The Trhové Sviny Information Centre provides visitors with information about the town and its immediate and wider surroundings. It also organises exhibitions and educational, cultural and sporting events for visitors and residents. Services and programmes may change. The Městské kulturní středisko Trhové Sviny has six evenings of theatre, comedy and music in its current programme for September to December 2026. As individual performances take place on specific dates, check the dates before your trip.

Discover more destinations: Kamenný Újezd, Planá U Českých Budějovic, Locenice, Branisovice, Lišov-Dolní Slověnice, Dehtar, Hosín, Včelná.

View the broader travel overview: Okres České Budějovice.