The most beautiful natural sites to discover South Bohemia

This hiking-friendly area stretches between Holašovice in the north and Český Krumlov in the south. The protected area covers 212 km² and is dominated by Mount Kleť (1,084 m). Many marked trails lead to the panoramic tower of the mountain. The less courageous and those in a hurry can take the small chairlift from the parking lot in Krasetín, 5 km from Holubov. Thrill seekers can also take a canoe trip on the Vltava River - an exciting and unforgettable experience.

Around Třeboň, a beautiful region of quiet ponds and deep forests spreads out. This exceptional environment has earned Třeboň the nickname "city of ponds". But more importantly, part (700 km2) of this wonderful mirror landscape has been listed as a Unesco biosphere reserve since 1977. These lands are very fertile and partly exploited for centuries. But when the first inhabitants arrived, it was very difficult to grow anything. When it was decided to build Třeboň, the area was deserted, because inhospitable. So the newcomers irrigated, drained, transformed the surrounding land. Thus, these artificial ponds (rybník) allowed for intense fish farming and export of fish throughout Central Europe, including the famous "Třeboň carp" (carp is the favorite fish of the Czechs, they cook it in many ways, throughout the year, and at Christmas in particular). You can walk through these beautiful landscapes along marked paths, starting from Masarykovo náměstí square in Třeboň and passing through Rožmberk, Hodějov, Smítka, Klec ponds and many others (campground addresses, information and maps at the tourist office in Třeboň). These tours are not difficult and can be done on foot, by bike, and some ponds, in the summer season, can be crossed by canoe. Enough to vary the pleasures of discovery of this beautiful region!

The vault of this family is located on the other side of the Svět Pond, in a beautiful park. The vault-chapel is a rather pretentious pseudo-Gothic ensemble, which is due to the architects Schmidt and Deworetzky who built it in 1877. The members of the Schwarzenberg dynasty who died after 1785 are buried here. The surrounding park is an ideal place for a picnic. You can walk around the Svět Pond (12 km). This walk is a popular romantic activity for the locals.

If you want to be scared, you can access the middle of the swamp by a wooden footbridge of about 300 m long. From the end of the footbridge, you will have a view on a marshy lake whose peat reaches 7 m thickness! This path, practicable from May to September, allows a very original intrusion in the natural park. Another, less impressive, swamp is accessible about 3 km from Kvilda, called the Jezerní stat lake swamp.

This path will take you through the valley of the Vydra River, from Čenkova Pila to Antýgl. It is 7 km long, one of the most beautiful trails in the region, and also one of the easiest. It can be walked both in summer and winter (in winter, only for the very brave), and allows you to admire all the flora and fauna of the region. The rocks falling from the surrounding hills form vertiginous waterfalls. On the left bank of the Vydra river, one should not miss the very surprising rock formations named Baba (old), Panna (virgin) and Mnich (monk).

7 km east of Tábor (take the train to Chýnov and then 3 km on a marked road), the Chýnov cave will delight stalactite and stalagmite lovers. The passage is narrow, but the visit is easy. It is very beautiful! As is often the case when visiting caves in the Czech Republic, the times we indicate are only indicative and can change depending on the weather or the breeding season of the bats. Please check the website for more information.

It was named after the last bear killed in the Šumava on November 14, 1856. A commemorative plaque has been placed at the crime scene. The trail starts near the village of Ovesná. It is 15 km long and passes through two beautiful forests. At the foot of the first one, surprising rock and vegetation formations have been given evocative names. Halfway along, there is a magnificent view of the Šumava Mountains. From here you can admire the Deer Lake and the Schwarzenberg Canal.