Strakonice District: Rivers, Landscapes and Helfenburk Castle

The Otava River crosses Strakonice District from west to east, shaping its central area. Hills, smaller river plains and four microregions distinguish its subregions. The tower of Helfenburk Castle and cultural activities in Malenice provide specific places to visit beyond a general description of the landscape.

Strakonice District at a glance

• Western part of the South Bohemian Region, covering 1,032 square kilometers.
• Four microregions: Blatensko, Vodňansko, Volyňsko and Strakonicko.
• At 845 meters, Zahájený is the highest point.
• Helfenburk Castle, with a 15-meter-high observation tower.

Rivers and landscapes in Strakonice District

The district lies in the western part of the South Bohemian Region, covers 1,032 km² and is the smallest district in the region. It is divided into Blatensko, Vodňansko, Volyňsko and Strakonicko. These names offer a first point of reference when planning your stay around the places and experiences that interest you most.

The landscape is not the same everywhere: most of Strakonice District is hilly; in its southwestern extension, it becomes more mountainous. Small plains stretch along the Otava River. At 845 m above sea level, Zahájený is the district’s highest point. In Blatensko lies Labuť Pond, the largest in Strakonice District.

The courses of the rivers also distinguish the subregions: the Volyňka crosses the entire southern part of the district and flows into the Otava in the district town. The Blanice crosses the southeast, and the Lomnice the northwest.

Helfenburk Castle and special events

A prominent viewpoint is the 15 m-high tower of Helfenburk Castle, which was opened to visitors in 1977. From there, the view extends to Šumava, Libín, Boubín, Bobík, Chlum, Javorník, Temelín, Haniperk, Kleť and Brdy; in good visibility, the Alps can also be seen. Below the castle, there is a free parking area in a meadow, about 1 km from the castle. Access is via a well-maintained, paved forest road. As access conditions may change, check the current rules before setting out.

Another reason to plan a visit is the reenactment of the Battle of Sudoměř: it takes place every March on the battlefield near Čejetice. If you would like to include this event in your trip, check the dates for that year before travelling. This lets you combine your stay with a specific historical event rather than planning your trip solely around the landscape or views.

Malenice: accommodation and cultural activities

Malenice has several private accommodation options. A local farm offers agritourism, hippotourism and overnight stays. Check whether suitable accommodation is available for your travel dates and how to book it. The farm combines accommodation with activities related to agriculture and horses; this specific option may be a factor when choosing a stay in Malenice.

Since July 2014, Malenice has had an information and cultural center in a renovated former rectory. Check whether the center is open before visiting. Craft workshops and talks are regularly held in the community hall. The cultural program also includes exhibitions, concerts and Advent markets. As these events recur, check the dates if one of them is the reason for your trip.

Getting there and choosing where to stay

A regional description updated in 2020 listed the České Budějovice–Plzeň route among the main road connections. The České Velenice–Plzeň railway line crosses the district; the Volary–Číčenice line is of regional importance. For your specific train journey, please check the current timetable.

Then focus your search on the place where you would like to stay and check the options for your travel dates. This keeps your choice of hotel or other accommodation aligned with your actual travel plans.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Bavorov, Hoslovice, Prední Zborovice, Svinetice, Vodnany, Radesov, Blatná, Brezi, Cehnice, Cejetice, Cerneves, Cestice, Čichtice, Jinín, Kadov, Kocelovice, Metly, Nahorany, Novosedly, Pocatky, Stozice, Strakonice, Milonovice, Starov, Lnáře, Volyně, Drachkov, Libějovice, Rovná, Myštice, Štěchovice, Bělčice, Bílsko U Vodňan, Bratronice, Čepřovice, Číčenice, Únice, Katovice, Přešťovice, Kraselov, Lažánky, Radomyšl, Mečichov, Milčice, Mutěnice, Skočice, Štěkeň, Strašice, Střelské Hoštice, Třebohostice, Uzenice, Krašlovice, Volenice, Mnichov, Drahonice, Bezdědovice, Budyně, Buzice, Čečelovice, Droužetice, Uzeničky, Truskovice, Drážov, Dřešín, Hájek U Bavorova, Hlupín, Horní Poříčí, Hornosín, Hoštice, Chelčice, Chlum, Chobot, Pivkovice, Chrášťovice, Radošovice, Osek, Nihošovice, Předslavice, Kalenice, Kladruby, Pohorovice, Krajníčko, Krejnice, Krty-Hradec, Kuřimany, Kváskovice, Lažany, Libětice, Litochovice, Lom, Mačkov, Pracejovice, Měkynec, Milejovice, Nebřehovice, Němětice, Nišovice, Škvořetice, Paračov, Předmíř, Přechovice, Radějovice, Úlehle, Řepice, Slaník, Sousedovice, Strunkovice Nad Volyňkou, Tchořovice, Třešovice, Vacovice, Velká Turná, Zahorčice, Zvotoky, Sloucín, Tourov, Dolní Porící, Sedlice U Blatné, Vodňanské Svobodné Hory, Radčice, Pole, Hajany, Malenice Nad Volynkou.

FAQ

Are the Alps always visible from the Helfenburk tower?

No. Long-distance views of the Alps are explicitly dependent on good visibility. Also check current access to the tower before setting out.

To the overarching travel guide: South Bohemian Region.