Jindřichův Hradec District: Ponds, Cultural Heritage and Nature

Jindřichův Hradec District lies in southeastern Bohemia; its southern border is also the state border with Austria. Rivers, ponds and historic towns give the region its varied character. The Lužnice and Nežárka rivers flow at a gentle gradient and contribute to extensive peatlands and a large pond landscape. In the Třeboň Basin, elevations range from about 400 to 500 metres.

Ponds and protected landscapes

More than 2,500 ponds used for fish farming cover approximately seven percent of the district. Their construction dates back to the 13th century; pond building expanded significantly in the 16th century under master builders such as Štěpánek Netolický and Jakub Krčín of Jelčany. This landscape thus brings together water management and a long history of construction. Rožmberk is considered the largest fishpond in the Czech Republic. Its area is given as 720 hectares; published figures may vary depending on the measurement method.

Třeboňsko is also shaped by ponds: it has about 500 fishponds, although the figure may vary depending on how the stock is defined. The area includes 33 nature reserves and protected natural monuments; the responsible authority may update this figure. In Česká Kanada, the nature park covers 18,700 hectares and includes several protected areas. The landscape offers a range of opportunities for cycling, hiking, excursions and walks in nature. Activities on the water include swimming, fishing and water sports. In winter, marked cross-country ski trails and two downhill ski lifts add to the options.

Historic Town Centres, Castles and Culture

The historic centres of Jindřichův Hradec, Třeboň and Slavonice are designated urban conservation areas. The castle and chateau complex in Jindřichův Hradec is the third largest in the Czech Republic. The district museum there houses Krýza’s Nativity Scene, considered the world’s largest mechanical nativity scene. Třeboň Monastery, Jindřichův Hradec Castle and Červená Lhota Chateau are listed as national cultural monuments.

Červená Lhota offers an English-style park, a ride in a rented rowboat and access to the castle chapel. Specific access arrangements may change, so it is best to check them before your visit. The Black Tower at Jindřichův Hradec Castle can also be visited independently, without a guided tour. As operating conditions may change, it is advisable to check the latest visitor information in advance. At the Tapestry House in Jindřichův Hradec, an interactive museum combines hand-weaving demonstrations with an insight into a traditional craft. The city also offers the Sv. Florián Aquashow. Dačice is home to the private Vilém Göth Aviation Museum.

Landštejn is a prominent landmark in the wooded border region between Bohemia, Moravia and Austria. Slavonice’s Renaissance architecture is a notable architectural feature of Česká Kanada. Visitors wishing to focus on historic places can explore a range of cultural themes in the conservation areas and castle complexes; those interested in nature can make pond landscapes, protected areas and the landscape of Česká Kanada their main focus.

Trails and Activities

The Jindra Educational Trail passes the Hamerský Stream, the rocky slopes and scree forests of the Jindřišské Valley, and natural stream meanders. Each of its 21 information panels also includes a section for preschoolers and younger schoolchildren. The Cesta kolem Světa in Třeboň offers a different way to explore the landscape: this circular trail runs for twelve kilometres around Svět Pond. Sixteen panels explain ecological relationships and typical plant and animal species of the Třeboň landscape; they also cover fish farming, spa culture and folk architecture.

For cyclists, the Nežárka Route connects Jindřichův Hradec with the Jemčinské Forests. Dačice has cycling loops of moderate difficulty. A narrow-gauge railway dating from 1906 runs 46 kilometres north to Obrataň, with connections to Kamenice nad Lipou and Černovice. The trails and places mentioned offer different ways to explore the area, from circular routes with information panels and cycling routes to historic buildings and museums.

When looking for a hotel in Jindřichův Hradec District, it is worth deciding first what you would like to focus on during your stay. The historic centres offer points of interest for exploring the area’s towns and castle history; for nature and outdoor activities, the pond landscapes, Česká Kanada and the trails described above are among the highlights. Make your choice based on the places and activities you would like to visit, and check visitor information for your travel dates for attractions whose access arrangements may change.

Discover more destinations: Kardašova Řečice, Vnorovice, Strmilov, Starý Bozdechov, Rosec, Plavsko, Nova Vcelnice, Lasenice, Kamenný Malíkov, Jindrichuv Hradec, Volfířov, Staré Město Pod Landštejnem, Dačice, Straz Nad Nezarkou, Slavonice, Stribrec, Clunek, Vícemil, Ceska Olesna, Wittingau, Suchdol Nad Luznicí, Střížovice U Kunžaku, Smrzov, Sedlo, Ponedraz, Nová Hlína, Nová Bystrice, Lutová, Lomnice Nad Luznicí, Jarosov Nad Nezarkou, Hrachoviste, Halámky, Hamr, Ceské Velenice, Staňkov U Třeboně, Blažejov, Budíškovice, Chlum U Třeboně, Dešná U Dačic, Deštná U Jindřichova Hradce, Doňov, Dunajovice, Dvory Nad Lužnicí, Český Rudolec, Číměř, Horní Pěna, Horní Radouň, Lodhéřov, Majdalena, Nová Ves Nad Lužnicí, Novosedly Nad Nežárkou, Pluhův Žďár, Popelín, Rapšach, Staré Hobzí, Jilem, Horní Skrýchov, Hatín, Drunče, Báňovice, Bednárec, Bednáreček, Bořetín U Strmilova, Březina U Deštné, Cep, Cizkrajov, Červený Hrádek, Dívčí Kopy, Dobrohošť U Dačic, Domanín U Třeboně, Studená U Telče, Frahelž, Hadravova Rosička, Heřmaneč, Zahrádky, Dolní Žďár, Horní Meziříčko, Horní Němčice, Horní Slatina, Hospříz, Hříšice, Písečné U Slavonic, Rodvínov, Kačlehy, Klec, Kostelní Radouň, Kostelní Vydří, Peč, Lužnice, Nová Olešná, Okrouhlá Radouň, Pleše, Polště, Ponědrážka, Příbraz, Ratiboř U Jindřichova Hradce, Rosička U Deštné, Světce, Třebětice U Dačic, Újezdec U Kardašovy Řečice, Velký Ratmírov, Višňová U Kardašovy Řečice, Vlčetínec, Vydří, Županovice U Dešné, Záblatí U Ponědraže, Třeboň Ii, Horní Lhota, Hrutkov, Kunžak, Řečice, Blato, Jindřichův Hradec 1, Pístina.

For the broader travel overview: South Bohemian Region.