Ceske Budejovice Tourist Attractions

The town of Jindrichuv Hradec, east of Ceske Budejovice was established in the first part of the 13th Century by the wealthy Rozmberk family. Located on a major trading route the town grew over the years and was once an important settlement in this area. The castle, for which the town is named, is unique for its variety of architectural styles. Between the 13th Century and the early part of the 17th Century the Jindrichuv Hradec Castle saw numerous additions resulting in baroque, medieval, and Renaissance sections. Of particular note are the Gothic chapel and ceremonial hall with 14th Century paintings depicting the life of St George.Other attractions in Jindrichuv Hradec are the main square, namesti Miru, where visitors will find some of the town's most impressive architecture, including the town hall and two Gothic churches. In the town's District Museum (Muzeum Jindrichohradecka) is an elaborate nativity scene with thousands of pieces. It was built over an 80 year span and designed by Tomas Kryza.

The huge neo-Gothic Hluboka nad Vltavou lies just north of Ceske Budejovice. This grand white castle is one of the biggest tourist attractions in Southern Bohemia and can be visited easily during a day trip from Ceske Budejovice. This old medieval fortress was purchased by the Schwarzenbefrge family in the 1660s. This family renovated Hluboka nad Vltavou extensively in baroque style and developed the beautiful grounds which surround the castle. Another rebuilding saw the castle take on a Gothic Tudor style. Maze hedges and lush foliage create a park like setting. The building is impressive from the outside but has an equally extraordinary inside. Noted for its woodwork, stained glass, and finely furnished rooms, the Hluboka nad Vltavou also contains a large art collection, primarily representing Czech artists. This is a not to be missed sight in Southern Bohemia.

To the east of Ceske Budejovice lies the walled town of Trebon. Established in the 12th Century, the town has a long history. The tradition of fishponds in the surrounding marshy lands developed in the 14th Century to support carp. It was expanded in the 16th Century by the Rozmberk family who incorporate an elaborate system of canals joining the ponds. At its peak, the fishponds numbered up to 6, 000 individual ponds.Trebon suffered a serious damage due to war and fires in the 17th and 18th Century which reduced much of the old architecture to rubble. In the years to follow the town was completely restored and today is a beautiful little town that has not been over run by tourists. Trebon boasts a 14th Century castle, Renaissance and Baroque architecture, particularly around the main square of Masarykovo namesti, as well as spas and bird watching opportunities in the surrounding areas.

The town of Vimperk lies to the west of Ceske Budejovice beside the Sumava Mountains. A steep path from the main square in Vimperk leads to the Vimperk Castle, set high above the town. Some parts of the castle date to the late 12th Century although it has undergone changes and additions over the centuries. The Vimperk Castle was last privately owned by the Schwarzenberg family but is now a museum. There are great views of the surrounding areas.The Vimperk Castle is also the headquarters for Sumava National Park, which surrounds the town. Sumava National Park is the largest national park in the Czech Republic. This park, along with the Sumava Protected Lands and the National Park Bavarian Forest in Germany, form a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.