Goldenkron: Monastery, Vltava River and Protected Landscape

Goldenkron combines an impressive monastic history with the Vltava landscape, the Blanský les Protected Landscape Area and trails for independent exploration. In the historic centre of Zlatá Koruna, you will find a protected heritage conservation area. This allows you to shape your stay around culture, water and landscape without limiting yourself to just one type of experience. This combination opens up a variety of day plans: a visit can begin with history, continue along the Vltava and gain a focus on the landscape in the protected area.

Monastic history and distinctive interiors

The Cistercian monastery of Zlatá Koruna was founded in 1263 by the Bohemian King Přemysl Otakar II. The monastery complex is regarded as one of the most valuable complexes of Gothic architecture in Central Europe. Its history is also brought to life by unusual details: the Baroque monastery pharmacy, formerly displayed in the former kitchen, contains more than 1,000 apothecary vessels, laboratory glassware and herbal medicines.

The art-historical aspect includes the Zlatokorunská Madonna. It was painted between 1410 and 1420 and was probably commissioned directly for the Cistercian monastery in Zlatá Koruna. Different periods therefore come together in the monastery – from its foundation in the 13th century and its Gothic architecture to later furnishings. The dating of the Madonna provides a clear art-historical accent within the older monastic complex.

Landscape between the Vltava and the protected area

A remarkable feature is located in the monastery’s main courtyard: next to the Chapel of the Guardian Angels stands the almost 30-metre-high Kapucínka lime tree. Its age is estimated at 400 years. The landscape is also a defining part of the area beyond the monastery. The entire cadastral area of Zlatá Koruna belongs to the Blanský les Protected Landscape Area. The courtyard thus combines architecture with a single, particularly striking natural landmark.

The historic weir and a small hydroelectric power station are still in operation near Zlatá Koruna. Canoeists and rafters use the lock. The three-kilometre-long artificial Jordánek Canal also still exists today. These sites complement the cultural focus with technical and water-related impressions. Comparing such features allows you to experience the Vltava landscape not merely as a backdrop, but also as a space shaped by technology.

Choose hikes and excursions with purpose

For a hike, the Fritsch Trail is a clearly defined route. The trail’s final seven-kilometre section ends in Zlatá Koruna. Before that, the Fritsch Trail follows the left bank of the Vltava and offers river and landscape views before reaching Zlatá Koruna. The specific length of the final section helps you plan a hike according to your own timeframe; the route along the river adds river and landscape views to the distance. When looking for accommodation, you can therefore choose according to your preferred focus: monastic culture and the heritage conservation area, the landscape within the protected area, or a stay centred on water and hiking.

For further local research, you can also look at Plesovice. Other destinations in the same navigation are Adolfsthal, Priethal, Zwickau, Prisnitz, Netrobitz, Angern and Meinetschlag.

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