Around České Budějovice: From Lišov to Hluboká

Total length

20,4 km

Duration

5 hours 45 minutes

Terrain

Paved surfaces, forest paths, asphalt/paving

Difficulty level

Moderate

Marking

Yes

Route description

In Lišov, follow the blue tourist trail, which leads along 5. května Avenue past the Schwarzenberg hospital, where you will find the tourist information center. Continue on the blue trail to Čankov Hill, where there is a lookout point. At the crossing with the Pod Vávrou trails, stay on the blue marking, which takes you through Jelmo.

If you want to visit the former spa town of Libníč, follow cycle path 1243 and then straight on 1107, which joins the blue trail again. Otherwise, continue on the blue trail through Mojský Forest and Fencl’s spring to Borek, where there is a public transport stop. After passing through Borek, enter the area of former kaolin mines — for example, the Orty natural monument.

Continue past Hrdějovice village, passing Träger’s Cross, and arrive in Hosín. Here you will find the dominant church of St. Peter and Paul standing on a hill overlooking the area. After passing the railway stop, you will walk about 200 meters along a road. Here you can visit the glassworks “U Hluboké.”

The blue trail leads you to the river, where on the left side you will see the navigation lock and on the opposite side the protected port of Hluboká. Above the port rises Hluboká Castle. About 200 meters below the weir on the right side is the monument to Záviš of Falkenstein. Continue on the blue trail across the bridge, where you can stop for ice cream, and then along the riverside promenade past the swimming pool. Here you leave the blue trail, which leads around the golf and sports area to the railway station, and follow the yellow trail to the town center. Following the yellow trail, you reach the bus stop and cycle paths leading to the town square, where you can visit the local church, brewery, or head up to the castle.

Interesting places on the route

Schwarzenberg Hospital: Built by Prince Schwarzenberg in 1675–1676 as a three-wing building facing the main street. The princely coat of arms is still visible on the facade. The hospital served former Schwarzenberg employees, who until the 20th century were obliged to wear blue and white uniforms and attend church on Sundays in these clothes. Since 1936, the building has been used for cultural and educational purposes and today houses the city library and museum.

Libníč: Silver mining took place here in several tunnels from 1571 to 1801. Thanks to the source of sulfur-iron water, there was a spa here from the late 17th century until the spring disappeared after more than 200 years. The village features historic buildings, such as houses with rural Baroque features and the Zátková villa with its park. Spa traditions are revived today with local festivals.

Borek swimming area: A natural swimming pond in U Studánky street. Water purity is maintained by biological filtration lagoons without chemicals, making it suitable for allergy sufferers. There is a paddling pool and playground for small children and a natural pool with a depth of up to 3.6 meters, a resting pier, and diving board for older visitors.

Orty Natural Monument: An area of former kaolin mines with a complex of hand-dug underground tunnels that now serve as a refuge for eight species of bats. The tunnels are closed to the public.

Church of St. Peter and Paul, Hosín: A pseudo-Romanesque church built of yellow chamotte bricks and stone, oriented south. It has the shape of an isosceles cross with three apses at the end. The western facade has an open porch decorated with coats of arms of former local lords. The church tower is square with two small towers on the northern facade. The marble and sandstone altar is dominated by statues of the saints to whom the church is dedicated.

Monument to Záviš of Falkenstein: A Czech nobleman associated with Hluboká nad Vltavou, surrounded by many legends.

Hluboká Swimming Pool: A modern pool on the left bank of the Vltava River, below Hluboká Castle. It features a large irregular-shaped pool with a depth up to 1.4 meters and 25-meter lanes, plus a children’s pool with a depth up to 0.5 meters. The grassy area between the river and the pool is available for relaxation. Other attractions include a waterslide and massage beds.

Hluboká Port: Opened in 2017, the port serves short- and long-term mooring for boats navigating the Vltava. It includes an information center, rental for boats, pedal boats, and bikes. Tickets for sightseeing cruises can also be purchased here.

Hluboká Castle: One of the most famous castles in the Czech Republic, offering summer and winter tours. Visitors can enjoy views from the castle tower or the lookout above the port. The castle garden invites for romantic walks, and the nearby Alš South Bohemian Gallery housed in the castle riding hall offers unique cultural experiences.

Hluboká Sports and Recreation Area: After the hike, you can relax on grassy areas or enjoy activities such as a rope park, mini golf, beach volleyball, playground, cocktail bar, and restaurant.