Oemau: Nature, Trails and Culture around Soběnov

For your travel planning in Oemau, Soběnov is well worth a look: the village lies at the foot of the 870 m-high Kohout, the highest peak in the Soběnovská vrchovina nature park, which is also known locally as Slepičí hory. Nature, signposted trails, historic religious buildings and the ruins of Sokolčí Castle give the surrounding area a range of different attractions.

Experience the Landscape and Water

The Soběnovská vrchovina nature park around Soběnov contains remnants of a mixed scree forest. The Soběnov Reservoir is the oldest still-functioning reservoir in South Bohemia. It is accessible year-round, and admission is free. Those interested in the history of technical structures will therefore find a specific point of interest here, as will anyone taking a walk through the landscape.

Hiking Trails, Cycling Routes and Rocky Landscapes

The Údolím Černé educational trail has nine stations and is 3 km long. It leads from the Soběnov Reservoir to the Soběnov hydroelectric power station. The Slepičí Hory hike descends to the Černá, connects to this educational trail, crosses the reservoir and passes the ruins of Sokolčí Castle. The longest version of the Paměti Slepičích hor circular route is 54 km long and connects 17 stations with information boards. The associated cycling route is marked with cycling-tourism signs bearing the route logo.

The Sokolčí climbing area is also among the destinations described. It features a 25 m-high and 70 m-wide granite wall for face climbing, crack climbing and chimney climbing. The clearly visible remains of Sokolčí Castle lie not far from Soběnov on a rocky spur above the Černá River. From Soběnov, the path leads towards Děkanské Skaliny, via the turn-off to the U dubu mill and along the green-marked Údolím Černé educational trail to the ruins.

Churches and Monuments in Soběnov

The Church of St Nicholas stands in the northern part of Soběnov, near the village square, on elevated ground. It was originally Gothic, was given a Baroque makeover in the mid-17th century and was renovated in 1853. Its Gothic origins can be seen in its tower. At the southeastern edge of Soběnov stands the stone Boží muka wayside shrine on the road towards Děkanské Skaliny. It is considered an important urban-planning and landscape-defining element; the shrine, excluding the plot of land, is protected as a historic monument. The complex of the Holy Virgin Mary in Soběnov is considered an architecturally valuable ensemble.

Traditions and Events

The Feast of Corpus Christi was celebrated with a Eucharistic procession in the Church or Chapel of the Virgin Mary in Hájek: in 2019 on 23 June, in 2021 on 5 June and in 2024 on 2 June. In addition, special stages of the Český Krumlov Rally start and finish in Soběnov every year. The XVII. Battle of the Roses, Válka růží, was scheduled there for 10 and 11 September as a traditional diocesan gathering for altar servers and scouts featuring spiritual activities and sports.

Other Places at the Same Regional Level

If you would like to compare other places with Oemau for your travel planning, you can find Gojau, Kalsching, Oberhaid, Groß Umlowitz, Vyšný, Netrobitz, Polletitz and Adolfsthal here.

For the higher-level travel overview: Okres Český Krumlov.