Equestrian Trails – On Horseback in Budějovicko – Lišov

Total length

50 km (2 stages: 18 km and 7 km + return trip)

Duration

approx. 3.5 hours

Terrain

• Paved (forest/field) paths
• Unpaved (forest/field) paths
• Gravel
• Asphalt

Recommended period for visiting

All year round

Difficulty level

Easy

Marking

Yes

How do you get to the start

Depending on accommodation – accommodation available directly on the route in Lišov
Route 1 can be completed as a partial loop combined with part of Route 2. Route 2 follows the same return path.

Route description

Route 1: Lišov – Červený Újezdec

The Lišov – Červený Újezdec horseback riding trail runs not only through the romantic and smooth landscape of the Lišov region but also showcases pristine nature, deep forests, and the pleasant murmur of a stream.

The total length of the trail is 6.7 kilometers. The equestrian trail is marked in green, both on maps and along the route. Riders can follow green circular signs within a white square, which they are likely familiar with.

To help with navigation, three information boards are placed at key points along the trail. The first board is located at the beginning of the route, where the green horse trail splits from the red one. The second board is in Libníč by Schwarz Pond, where the trail turns right. The final board is at the end of the trail in Červený Újezdec.

The equestrian trail starts in Čechova Street in Lišov, where it diverges from the existing red trail. It passes through U Horního Street, part of Topolová Street, and Větrná Street, before turning off onto picturesque forest paths leading to the edge of Libníč village. The trail continues to the village of Jelmo before winding through another beautiful forest path to Červený Újezdec, where the trail ends. The surface is suitable for horseback riding, and there are resting areas along the way for both horses and riders.

Route 2: Horseback Riding Trail Petrovice – Červený Újezdec

The horseback riding trail runs from Petrovice to Červený Újezdec with a total length of almost 18 kilometers. It is the first marked equestrian trail in the Lišov area, near České Budějovice.

The trail was officially opened on May 5, 2012. It starts in Petrovice, passing through Slavošovice, Zvíkov, Lišov, and ending in Červený Újezdec. The marked route is designated in red, connecting to another red-marked trail ending in Petrovice. Additionally, several horse stables have been linked along the route, benefiting both stable operators and horseback riders.

Originally, the trail was planned to be 27 kilometers long, extending to the Hluboká nad Vltavou area. However, the trail had to end in Červený Újezdec due to difficulty obtaining landowner approvals, rather than outright refusal from landowners.

Besides being a riding trail, it also serves as an educational path, enhancing its importance. There are five information boards along the route, detailing important Czech horse breeds, including:

• The Old Kladruber Horse
• The Silesian Noriker
• The Hucul Horse
• The Czech-Moravian Belgian Horse
• The Czech Warmblood

The trail offers a mix of open fields and cool forest sections. Most of the trail is along quiet roads with minimal traffic, enhancing the experience.

The trail has minimal elevation gain, making it easy to navigate, with only gentle slopes.

Several ponds, such as Vlkovický, Zvíkovský, Výskok, and Koníř, line the route, offering places for rest, watering horses, and relaxation.

Where to Stay: Hipostation Stáj u Středu Evropy

The Stáj u Středu Evropy (Stable at the Center of Europe) is located in Lišov, making it an ideal base for exploring the equestrian trails in the area.

About 2 km southeast of the stable and Lišov, you’ll find the Základní nivelační bod Lišov, also known as the Center of Europe, from which the stable gets its name. This landmark is also worth visiting.

The hipostation offers accommodation for both horses and riders. Horses have access to pastures with shelters, enclosed by electric fencing, with hay and water readily available. Riders can camp in tents or use basic accommodations in the shared clubhouse, which includes sanitary facilities and a small kitchen.

Contact:
Iva Baxová Chmelová
Žižkova 108
373 72 Lišov

📞 Phone: +420 602 148 868
📧 Email: iva.chmelova@atlas.cz
🌐 Website: www.kone-lisov.cz
📌 Facebook: www.facebook.com/stajustreduevropy

Where to Stay: Jezdecká stanice Stáj Hůrky

The Jezdecká stanice Stáj Hůrky is located in Hůrky, a village about 3 km from Lišov in the České Budějovice region. This newly established stable is still under development. Currently, horses can be stabled, while riders must bring their own tents. The stable plans to expand accommodation options for riders and introduce horseback riding lessons in the future.

Accommodation is still under development, and updates will be provided as available.

Contact:
Alena Šolcová
Hůrky 122
373 72 Lišov

📞 Phone: +420 731 061 215
📧 Email: a.solcova95@seznam.cz
📌 Facebook: www.facebook.com/StajeHurky

This content was created as part of a Bachelor’s thesis on "Equestrian Tourism in South Bohemia" by Pavla Kortusová, DiS.

Interesting places on the route

Route 1

Větrník Hill – 568 m above sea level

This hill of the Lišov Ridge is covered with forest. On Větrník, there is a 7.5-meter-high pyramidal stone pillar, which has stood there since 1865. The view from here, especially in good weather, is breathtaking.

Schwarz Pond

A small pond with a green water sprite statue located between the villages of Libníč and Jelmo. A great place for a short rest for both riders and horses.

Route 2

Zvíkov Fortress

This preserved Gothic fortress was built in 1406, according to a plaque embedded in the wall. Originally a two-story structure, it ceased to serve as a noble residence in the mid-16th century and was repurposed for agricultural use. It was burned down in 1622, and in 1718, it was reduced by one floor and used as housing and a granary. Some Gothic portals and arrow slits have been preserved.

Koníř Pond

A popular summer swimming spot. It features a dock, a small sandy beach, picnic seating, wooden play equipment for children, and other facilities. Every year, the "Běh kolem Lišova" (Run Around Lišov) race starts and finishes here, and it is part of the South Bohemian Running Cup.

Vlkovický Pond

This pond lies between the villages of Vlkovice and Slavošovice and is one of the oldest ponds in the Czech Republic. It dates back to around 1400, when it was most likely established by Jan Tožic z Tožic. In 1516, it was listed among the major ponds of the famous pond-builder Štěpánek Netolický. Later, Jakub Krčín renamed it "Pamatuj" (Remember), but this name never caught on. Covering an area of 105 hectares, it is fed by the Miletínský Stream and several smaller tributaries.