South Bohemia for Hikers
UNEXPECTED ANTI-AGING
Šumava for Wanderers: Into the Heart of Wild Nature
Our tip: Stop by one of the mountain huts and enjoy traditional kulajda soup or blueberry dumplings.
This route is perfect for those who want to explore Šumava National Park in detail. Šumava for Wanderers is a network of hiking trails that will take you through the picturesque Šumava forests, mountain meadows and mysterious peat bogs. Anyone who loves peaceful nature and wants to escape the hustle and bustle will fall in love with this route. The trails are well marked and suitable for everyone.
Legendary Hike: The Trails to Prčice
Our tip:The most popular route starts in Prague (70 km), but there are shorter ones too – for example from Milevsko or Sedlčany. It takes place every year in May.
When you say “go to Prčice” in Czechia, everyone knows what it means – and most have done it at least once in their life. The Prague–Prčice Hike is a true legend among walking events. Held annually since 1966, it now offers more than 7 walking and 4 cycling circuits of varying lengths and from different starting points (for walkers, runners, cyclists, parents with children, and seniors).
The destination is always the same: the town of Prčice, where each participant receives a traditional plastic shoe – a symbol that they truly made it. The atmosphere is incredible – thousands of people of all ages, music, stalls, laughter, exhaustion, and joy. It’s the biggest hiking event in Czechia!
In South Bohemia, the “Trails to Prčice” are among the best-known hiking routes. They link the town of Tábor with the charming village of Prčice and offer views of the beautiful South-East Bohemian landscape. It’s perfect for lovers of nature and history, as the trail passes through areas with historic landmarks and scenic countryside. Along the route, you’ll come across old farmsteads and picturesque villages that have preserved their traditional character.
Pilgrimage Trails of Toulava
Our tip: A visit to the Chapel of Our Lady of Sorrows on Svákov Hill near Soběslav is a memorable experience. The chapel is reached via a Way of the Cross carved into stone blocks.
The Pilgrimage Trails of Toulava⬈ offer a beautiful journey through the historical and cultural landmarks of South Bohemia. The route takes you through areas with a deep spiritual history, where you can visit ancient churches and monasteries that are part of the Czech pilgrimage tradition. This network of pilgrimage routes links three important sacred sites: the Baroque pilgrimage church at Klokoty u Tábora, the Romanesque monastery in Milevsko, and the Gothic monastery in Bechyně.
Pilgrims can walk individual routes between these places or take on the entire circuit, which stretches over 100 km.
In the Footsteps of the Hussites
Our tip: Along the way, sample local beer or wine from South Bohemian vineyards.
A new addition to the South Bohemian trail network is the Trail Through the Hussite Lands⬈. The town of Tábor, founded by the Hussites, is the centre of these routes. Pilgrims can visit historic sites and explore the surrounding landscape, which witnessed significant events in Czech history.
Golden Trail
Our tip: We recommend starting or ending your journey in Písek, home to the oldest preserved stone bridge in Central Europe.
The Golden Trail, a historic trade route and today part of the Interreg project, has three main starting points in South Bohemia: Prachatice, Vimperk and Kašperské Hory. Each branch offers a unique hiking experience, combining the natural beauty of the Šumava Mountains with the rich history of the region.
Prachatice Branch: The oldest route of the Golden Trail leads from Prachatice through Volary to České Žleby. It is especially suitable for hikers and offers scenic views of the Šumava landscape.
Vimperk Branch: This route leads from Vimperk to the Strážný border crossing (Philippsreut in German). It passes through protected areas and Šumava National Park, following the historic path once used to transport salt and other goods into Bohemia.
Kašperské Hory Branch: The youngest branch of the Golden Trail was established by order of King Charles IV in 1356. It runs from Kašperské Hory through Horská Kvilda and Kvilda to Freyung and on to Passau.
Toulava Lužnice Valley Trail
The Toulava Lužnice Valley Trail⬈ is one of the most beautiful hiking routes in South Bohemia. Rightly so, it is listed among the best walking trails in Europe and holds the Best of Europe label. The route takes you through the picturesque landscape along the Lužnice River, where peaceful nature meets historical points of interest. The trail is ideal for hiking enthusiasts who want to enjoy not only natural beauty but also discover the cultural and historical treasures of the region.
The Lužnice Valley Trail begins in Planá nad Lužnicí and ends just beyond the confluence of the Lužnice and Vltava rivers in Týn nad Vltavou. The total length of the trail is 55 km, and it is divided into four day-long stages.
Our Tip for a Trip:
Lužnice Valley Trail
Stage 1: Planá nad Lužnicí → Tábor
Set off on the first stage of the Lužnice Valley Trail through the picturesque Toulava region. The route will take you through beautiful nature, past historical landmarks, and end in one of the most charming towns in South Bohemia – Tábor.
Length: approx. 11 km
Difficulty: easy to moderate, full-day trip
Start: in Planá nad Lužnicí on a beautifully maintained riverbank with wooden jetties, perfect for a moment of relaxation.
Continue towards Sezimovo Ústí, where you’ll pass weirs in the Soukeník area and arrive at the villa complex of Edvard Beneš, including his memorial and tomb. Crossing the footbridge over the Lužnice, you carry on along the trail, passing the Hýlačka Lookout Tower. It offers beautiful views of the town of Tábor and the river valley. The path then leads through Pintovka Forest to the Švehla Bridge – the gateway to Tábor.
Finish: Tábor! The town deserves a full day on its own. Visit the Hussite Museum, Kotnov Castle, the Chocolate Museum, or simply enjoy the atmosphere of the winding streets in the old town. We recommend staying overnight to recharge for the next stage of the trail.
Czech Canada Trail
Our tip: Stop in Jindřichův Hradec and try the local beer and traditional South Bohemian pastries.
The Czech Canada Trail takes you through one of the most picturesque natural areas in South Bohemia. The route leads through a landscape full of forests, ponds, and hills, offering the chance to admire the region’s rich flora and fauna. Along the way, you’ll also come across historical landmarks – such as the ruins of Landštejn Castle – that enhance the enchanting atmosphere of the region. This trail is ideal for hikers seeking peaceful nature and hoping to discover the hidden gems of the Czech countryside.
The Czech Canada Trail measures 120 kilometres and, thanks to the character of the landscape, is divided into 8 stages. It begins in Jindřichův Hradec and leads via Nová Bystřice, Staré Město pod Landštejnem and Slavonice all the way to Dačice. Each of the eight day stages has something unique to offer and is full of discoveries – such as the U Jakuba Lookout Tower or a boulder known as the Devil’s Ass.
South Bohemia Looks Great from the Saddle
Our tip: On your cycling trip, make a stop in Třeboň to sample the renowned fish specialities and explore the château. The educational trail Around Třeboň is well worth it.
South Bohemia offers cyclists a wide range of cycling routes of varying difficulty. Among the most famous is the Vltava Cycle Route, which follows the course of the Vltava River and is ideal for a relaxed ride with stops at cultural and natural landmarks. If you're in the mood for a bigger challenge, set off on EuroVelo 13 (a long-distance route that follows the line of the former Iron Curtain) or EuroVelo 7, known as the Sun Route. In Czechia, it follows the Vltava River from its source to its confluence with the Elbe.
Fancy Some Relaxation?
South Bohemia has something to offer even for golf lovers. Among the most popular golf courses is Golf Resort Hluboká, with views of the romantic château Hluboká nad Vltavou, or Golf Svachova Lhotka near Český Krumlov, which is part of an experience resort featuring a brewery, distillery, and wellness facilities. Another option is the more intimate, yet historically one of the oldest clubs in Czechia – the Bechyně Golf Club, which also offers wellness.
