Discover České Budějovice 7: Culture, Markets and Trails along the Vltava

České Budějovice 7 combines historic cityscapes with markets, museums and a variety of trails along the Vltava. The contrast between culture and activity is particularly appealing: you can explore the history of South Bohemia, discover regional products or follow a longer route along the waterways and trail network of the Vltava Trail.

City History, Towers and Squares

A prominent starting point for exploring the city is Přemysl Otakar II Square. It covers more than one hectare and is one of the largest square-shaped city squares in the Czech Republic. St. Nicholas Church stands in its historic surroundings; it was established in the 13th century as the parish church of the royal city of České Budějovice. After the Diocese of České Budějovice was founded, it was elevated to a cathedral and became the first and principal church of the entire diocese.

The Black Tower offers another perspective on the city. Its viewing platform is 46 metres above the ground and can be reached via 225 predominantly wooden steps. The climb is therefore an experience in its own right, while the platform offers views from a striking historic building.

The former Dominican monastery with the Church of the Presentation of the Virgin Mary is also one of the oldest and most valuable historic monuments in České Budějovice. At the Wortner House on U Černé věže Street, architectural history and contemporary art come together: the restored Gothic-Renaissance building has housed a branch of the Alšova jihočeská galerie since 1993, and also hosts temporary exhibition projects.

Museum Experiences with Different Foci

The South Bohemian Museum documents the history, culture, folk art and nature of the South Bohemian region in its exhibitions. The “Příběh města” exhibition focuses on artefacts documenting the history of České Budějovice since the city was founded. In addition, the second floor of the historic museum building contains a permanent exhibition on natural history, archaeology and ethnography. It covers 730 square metres, giving it a distinctly different focus from the city-history presentation.

Those interested in science and looking beyond Earth will find another area of interest at the České Budějovice Observatory and Planetarium. Astronomical research is conducted there, and the general public is introduced to astronomy and related sciences. The multimedia exhibition “Příběh Budějovického piva” at the Budějovický Budvar brewery visitor centre is part of the region’s economic and culinary history. It presents the history of brewing in České Budějovice.

Markets and Regional Products

Piarist Square brings a regular market tradition into your itinerary. The markets take place year-round on Thursdays and Saturdays. Products on offer include agricultural produce, fruit and vegetables, baked goods, honey, preserves, meat and sausages, as well as dairy products. These are joined by handcrafted and arts-and-crafts goods made by the vendors themselves. This makes it possible to combine a visit not only with sightseeing but also with discovering regional products.

Vltava Trails, Cycle Route and Stromovka

For active days, Cycle Route 12 offers a clearly defined connection: it runs north–south along the Vltava and forms part of an international cycle route that crosses the city area from Germany to Austria. The Vltava Trail also includes a 98-kilometre water route from the Lanna Shipyard in České Budějovice via Hluboká nad Vltavou and Týn nad Vltavou to Koloděje nad Lužnicí. In addition, the trail includes 60 kilometres of well-maintained paths along the Vltava, used for cycling, inline skating and hiking.

The Stromovka park reveals another green dimension of the city. It is the largest park in České Budějovice and covers 68 hectares. Its paved and unpaved paths are used by cyclists and inline skaters. When choosing accommodation, you can therefore first consider whether your stay should focus primarily on museums and city history, markets and regional culture, or trails along the Vltava. For further orientation, you can also discover Trebotovice Trebotovice and Kaliste Kaliste.

For the overarching travel overview: Budweis.