Sparkling fish ponds and deep blue lakes cover the flat landscape like a mosaic. You are in the South Bohemian region where the Vltava River twists through the forest before reaching the massive Lipno reservoir. Fairy tale towns like Český Krumlov sit on sharp river bends surrounded by high stone walls. The architecture here is a mix of colorful gothic houses and grand renaissance palaces. The Rožmberk pond is so large it feels like a small inland sea with its own waves and sandy shores. You can see the silhouettes of white swans floating against the backdrop of ancient red brick water gates.
The southern border rises into the misty ridges of the Šumava Mountains. You can find hidden villages where time seems to have stood still for decades. The Hluboká chateau looks like a white wedding cake with its ornate towers and green gardens. Thousands of ponds create a unique ecosystem where storks nest on top of old brick chimneys in every village. Visit the stone ruins of the Dívčí Kámen castle to see how the forest is slowly claiming the medieval walls. The local tradition of fish farming means every town has a historic tavern serving fresh trout and carp.
Road trips in this area are filled with views of water and ancient stone. You can rent a canoe for a quick trip down the river or hike to the ruins of a forest castle. Local taverns serve fresh carp and heavy dumplings in village squares. It is a land of soft hills and deep water that has inspired artists and kings for centuries. Drive the narrow roads of the Třeboň region to see the complex network of canals built by medieval engineers. The sunset over the Lipno reservoir is a spectacular end to a day of exploring the deep southern woods.
South Bohemian (region) highlights
- Český Krumlov Castle: This massive complex sits on a rock above a sharp bend in the river and features a famous round tower. It is the architectural highlight of any Vltava river scenic drive and feels like a fairytale movie set.
- Hluboká nad Vltavou: This white neo gothic chateau was inspired by Windsor Castle and is surrounded by vast English style gardens. The drive to the castle through the South Bohemia pond district offers views of many historic fish lakes.
- Rožmberk Pond: The largest man made lake in the country was built by medieval engineers and looks like a small sea. You can drive along the massive dam walls which are lined with ancient oak trees and stone gates.
- Lipno Reservoir: This huge body of water is a center for sailing and features a popular treetop walk with views of the Alps. The road following the southern shore offers endless views of the water and the distant forest ridges.
- Třeboň Squares: This town is the heart of the fish farming region and features a beautiful renaissance square and a large chateau. It is a very flat and easy area for driving with many quiet roads through the marshlands.
- Šumava Border Ridges: Drive to the source of the Vltava river to see the high altitude peat bogs and the remains of the Iron Curtain. This area is rugged and wild with many small mountain villages hidden in the deep green.
- Jindřichův Hradec: This town features a massive castle on a pond and a unique narrow gauge railway that still runs old steam trains. It is a very charming stop with a large historic center and many colorful houses.
- Tábor Old Town: Explore the labyrinth of narrow streets built by the Hussite warriors to confuse their enemies during the middle ages. The central square features a massive cathedral and several historic tunnels you can visit underground.
- Zvíkov Castle: Perched on a high promontory where the Vltava and Otava rivers meet, this fortress offers some of the best river views. The drive to the castle takes you over high bridges and through quiet forest stretches.
- Holašovice Village: This site features a perfectly preserved square of south bohemian folk baroque farmhouses with colorful gables. It is a living museum of rural life and a very quiet spot for a short afternoon visit.
The local Four
History of South Bohemian (region)
In the fourteenth century the powerful Rožmberk family began a massive engineering project that would transform the marshy lowlands of the South Bohemian region into a labyrinth of thousands of fish ponds. This unique aquatic landscape was designed to provide food for the kingdom and created a network of canals and dams that still functions perfectly today. Driving through the pond district feels like navigating a sea of silver mirrors reflecting the ancient oaks and white gables of the local farms.
The Vltava river serves as the winding blue spine of the region flowing past the towering walls of medieval fortresses and romantic renaissance palaces. This waterway was the primary route for transporting salt and timber and it remains the cultural heart of the south where towns like Český Krumlov look like they have been frozen in time. The riverside roads offer a dramatic journey through deep canyons and past the white stone towers of the most beautiful chateaux in the country.
The spirit of the South Bohemian region is found in the folk baroque architecture of the villages and the quiet endurance of the rural life that has flourished here for a thousand years. It is a land of fairy tale atmospheres and vast horizons where the Šumava mountains rise in the distance like a dark green wall. A road trip through the south is an exploration of a landscape where every pond and every castle tells a story of a family that once ruled like kings.