Discover Kostelec nad Vltavou

Kostelec nad Vltavou between reservoir, history and cycling route

Kostelec nad Vltavou combines a striking road bridge, medieval sacred art, local heritage and a cycling route. This creates a destination where technical dimensions, ecclesiastical art, a museum, an annual event and protected nature come together to offer a range of discoveries. Which aspects you focus on is up to you. The range extends from a single structure with clearly defined dimensions to places where history, nature and activity come together. You can therefore explore the different themes separately and plan your stay according to your cultural, active or landscape-related interests.

A bridge as a cultural monument

A particularly concrete link to the landscape is the Žďákovský most road bridge No. 19-028. It crosses the Orlík Reservoir between Staré Sedlo and Kostelec nad Vltavou and is a cultural monument. The Žďákovský most is 540 metres long and 50 metres high. These two measurements convey an impression of the bridge’s scale. Its length describes the crossing, while its height places the structure above the reservoir. The dimensions make the bridge an impressive destination for anyone who wants to take in not only places but also remarkable structures while travelling.

Church, frescoes and museum

The Kostel Narození Panny Marie church was already mentioned as a parish church in 1341. Two Gothic frescoes from before 1350 have been preserved behind its altar. They depict the Dormition of the Virgin Mary and the Tree of Jesse. The Obecní muzeum is housed in the former hospital in Kostelec nad Vltavou. The former hospital is now arranged as an exhibition. There, visitors can see how people lived here and read about the history of its establishment as well as the rules its residents had to follow.

Cycling and an annual event

If you would like to explore Kostelec nad Vltavou by bicycle, the “Okolo Orlické přehrady II” cycling route passes through the town. It is 41.5 kilometres long and suitable for trekking bikes. The route length helps you assess the scope of a cycling tour in advance. Zíbrtův Kostelec provides another recurring highlight: the Kostelec nad Vltavou municipal office organises the event every year together with the Institute of History of Jihočeská univerzita in České Budějovice.

Protected nature and rural architecture

The protected area “Sobědražský prales” is located near Sobědraž. Zahrádka, too, represents a distinctive form of local history. The village was chosen as a filming location for the film Strakonický dudák. The brick farmsteads in Zahrádka date from the mid-19th century. The predominant appearance is Neoclassical and is complemented by eclectic houses as well as more recent development featuring smallholders’ cottages and cottagers’ houses.

This makes it possible to discover Kostelec nad Vltavou through a range of different interests without limiting your stay to just one aspect.

Discover more places

If you would like to extend your travel plans to include more places, you can also compare Pametice U Pisku, Křenovice, Kluky, Slavkovice, Cerveny Ujezdec, Mirotice, Minice and Cimelice.

To the higher-level travel overview: Okres Písek.