Discover the South Bohemian Region

Between a UNESCO Village and River Landscapes

The South Bohemian Region combines historic sites, water landscapes and active exploration within an unusually compact thematic area. In Holašovice, folk buildings in the South Bohemian Baroque style from the 18th and 19th centuries have been preserved. The UNESCO-listed South Bohemian village consists of 23 farmsteads arranged around a rectangular village square; the village setting also includes a chapel, a smithy, a cross and a fishpond.

The historic centre of Český Krumlov is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It lies on both banks of the Vltava below a castle whose foundation dates back to the 13th century. In Hluboká nad Vltavou, the tour of the representative rooms leads through the piano nobile, salons, dining rooms, the library, Princess Eleonora’s private rooms and a weapons exhibition. In suitable weather conditions, the tower offers views of the surrounding landscape.

Combine Cycling, Hiking and Water Activities Consciously

For active holidays, South Bohemia offers almost 10,000 kilometres of designated cycle paths and more than 100 options for cycling tours. The cycle network leads through pond landscapes, river areas and regions with historic sights. In addition, there are more than 5,000 kilometres of marked hiking trails and a dense network of marked cycling routes. The different lengths and landscapes help you plan a day trip or a longer tour of discovery according to your own preferences.

Šumava National Park has its own particular character. Outside built-up areas, cycling there is restricted to roads and marked cycle paths. Rafting is permitted on sections of the Vydra, Otava and Vltava rivers. Children and adults can independently follow educational trails with activities, maps, photographs and illustrations. Train travel can be combined with cycling in South Bohemia, as trains provide bicycle transport services.

Lakes, Traditions and Regional Flavours

The Lipno Reservoir stands for water sports, fishing, swimming and cycling; the Lipno ski resort adds winter sports activities. Fishing is possible along a large part of the shore of Mrhal Pond near Rudolfov. There is also a beach, a wooden pier and refreshments. Those looking for a special excursion can take a narrow-gauge railway trip through the South Bohemian landscape from Jindřichův Hradec.

Ceramics and cuisine are also part of the region’s identity. Bechyně has a long ceramic tradition and one of the oldest ceramic schools in Europe. South Bohemian cuisine is strongly shaped by carp and other fish from the region’s hundreds of ponds, including trout and pike-perch, which are prepared in many ways. Six South Bohemian beer trails lead through the region and include brewery visits in Hluboká nad Vltavou, Týn nad Vltavou, Dražíč and Dolní Bukovsko.

Explore the Subregions Further

For further searches, you can access the individual subregions directly: Český Krumlov District, Tábor District, Strakonice District, Písek District, Prachatice District, Jindřichův Hradec District, České Budějovice District and Moravian-Silesian Region.