Golden Trail (Blanice) – 1: From the Border to Prachatice
The Golden Trail cycling route along the Blanice River begins directly at the state border with Bavaria and, especially in the Šumava section, attempts to follow the line of the former “Golden Trail”, specifically its most famous “Prachatice branch”, used historically by packhorses to transport salt into the Kingdom of Bohemia. The route is highly diverse, and without exaggeration, one can say that over these two stages, you’ll experience everything South Bohemia has to offer. Deep Šumava forests and meadows, foothill paths through groves, the Renaissance town of Prachatice, historic ponds of the Vodňany system, and the gold-bearing Blanice River flowing into the Otava. The total length is approximately 93 km, mostly rideable with a trekking bike, though there are two natural sections between Volary and Prachatice where you may need to push your bike. But the beauty makes it all worth it!
ČESKÉ ŽLEBY – SOUMARSKÝ MOST – VOLARY – BLAŽEJOVICE – LIBÍNSKÉ SEDLO – PRACHATICE
Total length
37 km
Terrain
Ascent: 621 m
Descent: 894 m
Interesting places on the route
- České Žleby – Stone fountain.
- Soumarský most – Peat bog.
- Volary – Alpine architecture, museum, church.
- Hus Castle Ruins.
- Čertův mlýn – Gold mine.
- Prachatice – Historic center, Renaissance.
