Písek District

Písek District combines historic places with diverse landscapes, trails along the Otava River and destinations around castles, ponds and the Orlík Reservoir. If you would like to combine culture, activity and nature during your stay, you will find several clearly distinct experiences here: longer hiking routes, designated cycling routes, protected landscapes and destinations that remain interesting even on a more leisurely planned day.

Hiking and cycling between Písek and Zvíkov

The Písecká hřebenovka is a 74-kilometre hiking route. Its course is divided into a cultural and historical section, an Otava section and a final stage through the Písek Mountains to the Jarník Observation Tower. In this way, the route combines different landscapes and experiences instead of heading towards just one destination. The Sedláček Trail runs for 25 kilometres along the Otava from Písek to Zvíkov and offers another specific opportunity to combine river landscapes with cultural attractions as a hiking route.

There is also a notable connection for cycling tours: Cycle Route 1149 runs for 19 kilometres from Písek to Zvíkovské Podhradí and on to Zvíkov. The Písecko–Blatensko–Strakonicko–Vodňansko tourist region highlights the Sedláček Trail for hikers and cyclists. When choosing your accommodation, you can therefore distinguish between whether longer routes, a historic town or excursions to the water should be the focus of your stay.

Nature among a protected area, ponds and an observation tower

The Písek Mountains have been protected since 1973 and are used for hiking and cycling. Their highest peak is Velký Mehelník at 633 metres. A small island lies on Němec Pond and can be reached via a footbridge. Archaeological finds identify this island as the site of a fortified settlement dating from the 15th century.

The V Obouch Natural Monument provides nesting habitat for many bird species; a population of Eurasian otters also lives there permanently. A different landscape experience awaits you at the Jarník Observation Tower: the viewing platform at a height of 35 metres offers views towards the southern Šumava, the Novohradské Mountains, Kleť, the Písek region and Brdy.

Bridges, castles and special sights

Písek is home to Kamenný most, the oldest surviving stone bridge in Bohemia and an important medieval monument. The Prácheňské Museum complements the historic impression of the town with an exhibition on fish and fishing. Several aquariums display fish from Czech rivers, ponds and reservoirs.

Zvíkov Castle stands as an early Gothic castle above the confluence of the Otava and Vltava rivers. Areas open to visitors include the Royal Palace, the royal sleeping chambers, the Knights' Hall, the Crown Hall and St. Wenceslas Chapel. From Zvíkov Castle, you can also take a boat trip to the nearby Orlík Chateau. The Orlík Reservoir is used for cruises, water sports, fishing and summer recreation. Divers can search there for the flooded church of the former village of Těchnice, which lies approximately 60 metres below the water's surface.

Monastery, spa landscape and regional specialities

Milevsko Monastery is considered the oldest and largest monastery in South Bohemia and the home of the region's only Romanesque basilica. You can reach it by car, by train followed by a marked three-kilometre trail, or via Cycle Route 1059. Guided tours include the Basilica of the Visitation of the Virgin Mary, the abbey chapel, the Paradise Courtyard, the Church of St. Giles in the cemetery, the former prelate's rooms and the Baroque library in the Latin School.

For an excursion with animals, Crocodile ZOO Protivín is a destination in its own right; it can be reached by train or bus, and local parking is also available. Vráž Spa is located in a Neo-Gothic chateau in the Otava Valley, surrounded by an English-style park and woodland. The chateau and park together form a cultural heritage site.

Beer has been brewed in the building of Čížová Castle since 1629. The local beers from Čížová are neither filtered nor pasteurised. Beer tasting or purchases are possible directly at the brewery by prior arrangement.

Other places in Písek District

For further location research, you can also find Mirovice, Bernartice U Milevska, Cervena, Cimelice, Cizova, Drahenicky, Jestrebice, Kucer, Milevsko, Nová Ves U Protivína, Oslov, Písecká Smoleč, Pisek, Protivin, Putim, Varvazov, Zebrakov, Radvánov, Jickovice, Vadkovice, Záluží, Pametice U Pisku, Obora U Cerhonic, Vusi, Cerveny Ujezdec, Luckovice, Chyšky, Mišovice, Boudy, Albrechtice Nad Vltavou, Drhovle, Hrazany, Hrejkovice, Jetětice, Kestřany, Vlksice, Kluky, Kostelec Nad Vltavou, Předotice, Ražice, Sepekov, Skály, Tálín, Veselíčko, Rakovice, Zhoř, Božetice, Branice, Štědronín-Plazy, Cerhonice, Nerestce, Dolní Novosedly, Přeštěnice, Vojníkov, Zběšičky, Horosedly, Smetanova Lhota, Kožlí, Králova Lhota, Křenovice, Křižanov, Květov, Lety, Dobev, Minice, Myslín, Nevězice, Paseky, Okrouhlá, Olešná, Podolí I, Probulov, Přeborov, Vráž, Stehlovice, Vlastec, Temešvár, Vrcovice, Zbelítov, Zvíkovské Podhradí, Chrást, Slavkovice, Orlik Nad Vltavou, Kovářov, Slabčice, Ostrovec, Mirotice, Borečnice and Záhoří and Písku.

For the broader travel overview: South Bohemian Region.