Soaking up Culture and Nature in South Bohemia

České Budějovice 

I'm impressed. What a magnificent square. Surrounding me are grand buildings painted in shades of yellow, orange, green, blue, and pink. At the center of the square stands a large, stately fountain. It's the largest square in the Czech Republic. Clearly, this city flourished in prosperous times. Founded in the 13th century as a royal city, České Budějovice thrived due to its strategic location on the salt trade route between Prague and Linz. Later, this route was replaced by Europe's first horse-drawn railway. Some of the buildings I see on the square even date back to the 13th century.

I walk around the square and then into the narrow streets surrounding it. One of these streets is home to the Dominican monastery and the salt warehouse from 1531. The beautiful historic center is perfect for strolling through the streets, followed by relaxing at the square with a coffee or lunch featuring Czech specialties. Of course, beer is a must. The Czechs are champions of beer drinking. In České Budějovice, you'll find one of the country's important breweries: Budweiser Brewery. When you're in the city, it's worth taking a tour here to taste the beer.

After lunch, I rent a bike. There are various cycling options around České Budějovice. I use the Mapy app to download the cycling routes. My first ride is a 24-kilometer route around the fish ponds. The first few kilometers of the ride take me through the outskirts of the city. I pedal hard to get onto the rural route quickly. Cycling through small villages, I eventually reach the fish ponds. I wasn't sure what to expect from this. Around me, I can see huge pools surrounded by lush greenery and tall trees. Rows of beautiful old trees line the lanes as well.

^{Photo: Pavel Balek}

For bird enthusiasts, this is paradise. On the islands in the water, I spot many waterfowl. As I round the bend, I see two men at work. I cycle past them and watch as they scoop large carp out of the water. I was told earlier that the ponds are used for carp breeding, a practice common in many parts of the Czech Republic. Carp is a staple on the menu during Christmas.

^{Photo: Pavel Balek}

After my ride around the ponds, I decide to continue cycling for a bit. From České Budějovice, it's only about twenty minutes to Hluboka Castle. Along the way, I can already see this fairytale castle sitting atop the hill in the distance. This castle is the most famous in the Czech Republic and is inspired by Windsor Castle in England. At the foot of the hill, I park my bike and walk up to explore the castle.

Picturesque Český Krumlov

When you're in South Bohemia, you simply can't miss the beautiful town of Český Krumlov. The historic center of Český Krumlov has been on the UNESCO World Heritage List since 1992. Upon arrival, I immediately sense the town's charming atmosphere. I stay in an old hotel with vaults and passageways. After dropping off my suitcase, I head straight into town. Within a hundred meters, I find myself on the main bridge of the town, gazing at the immense castle perched on the rocks. Below me, I hear the rushing waters of the Vltava River.

Directly to the right of the castle stands a beautiful tower. Later, a guide refers to this tower as a psychedelic tower, and I immediately understand why. Adorned with the most colorful paintings, the tower dates back to the 13th century, just like the earliest sections of the castle. Incidentally, there's a story about this castle involving the illegitimate son Don Julio, who allegedly mutilated his girlfriend with a knife before throwing her out of the window into the Vltava River. Miraculously, she survived the fall by landing on a pile of garbage. To hear more intriguing stories, a visit to the castle is definitely worth your while.

An old city like this is steeped in history. It feels as though I've traveled back in time as I stroll through cozy, Renaissance-style streets. There are plenty of charming restaurants and hotels to be found. During my stay, I enjoy a delicious lunch at Bistro Topinka. The hosts are friendly people serving Topinka’s; typical Czech sandwiches. For a spectacular dinner experience, one can dine at the wooden tables of the restaurant Krčma Šatlava. Here, meat and fish are roasted over a large open fire.

^{Photos: Bistro Topinka}

For those staying in Český Krumlov, it's a good idea to purchase a Český Krumlov Card for 17 euros. For a family with up to three children, the card costs 34 euros. With this card, you'll have free access to many interesting places in the city, such as the old monastery, various museums, and the castle tower.

Kvítkův Dvůr and its Wooded Surroundings

There's plenty to explore in the surrounding area of the town, too. I take a lovely walk to an old farm called Kvítkův Dvůr. The farm is located along a former pilgrimage route, just a half an hour's walk from the city. At the farm, I speak with the owner who tells me that part of the farm is 800 years old. I extend my walk and take a detour through the forest. It's delightful to stroll among the tall spruces and breathe in the pure forest air.

The Český Krumlov area offers many hiking trails. In the vicinity, you can also hike the long-distance Goldsteig trail. If you're seeking activities to get your adrenaline pumping, you can try the nearby Via Ferrata, rafting or canoeing on the Vltava River, or racing down a mountain on a scooter.

Tip: If you're traveling from České Budějovice to Český Krumlov or vice versa, consider making a stopover in the UNESCO village of Holasovice.

^{Foto: Holasovice}

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This blog was created based on a press trip in collaboration with the Czech Tourist Board. For more information, visit the tourist board's websites: http://www.visitczechia.com/nl-NL and http://www.jiznicechy.cz/en.