South Bohemia in 4 Days: Castles and Charming Towns

Most travellers to the Czech Republic (often shortened to Czechia) focus on Prague, sometimes adding a quick day trip to Český Krumlov, the country’s most famous UNESCO-listed town. Beyond that, large parts of the country remain surprisingly overlooked. One of them is South Bohemia, a region of historic towns, fairy-tale castles, rural villages and long-standing brewing traditions. That relative lack of attention is actually part of its appeal: fewer crowds, slower travel days, and a strong sense of place that’s easy to experience at your own pace.

After travelling through South Bohemia myself, I put together this 4-day South Bohemia itinerary covering the region’s highlights — from castle towns and UNESCO villages to lakeside scenery and local beer culture. This route works especially well if you enjoy cultural heritage, scenic drives and unhurried exploration. It’s ideal for a long weekend or a short holiday break, and shows a side of the Czech Republic that most visitors never get to see.

DISCLOSURE: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase via one of those links, I will earn a commission at no extra cost for you.

DISCLAIMER: This 4-day trip was part of a press trip, organized by the South Bohemian Tourism Board on invitation by Czech Tourism, where all accommodation, meals and activities were provided by the Tourism Board and their partners. However, all opinions expressed in this post are mine. 

Where is South Bohemia & How to Get There

South Bohemia is the southernmost part of one of the 3 historical and geographical areas in the Czech Republic – Bohemia, Moravia and Silesia. It may sound simple, but the territories of the Czech lands have been part of many duchies, kingdoms, countries and republics, not only witnessing but also taking part in the turbulent history of this part of Central Europe. For the history geeks, I recommend the following further readings on the Duchy of Bohemia, the Kingdom of Bohemia and the Czech lands (click on the names to read more).

Today, South Bohemia is a district in the Czech Republic and its official name is South Bohemian Region.

South Bohemia is easy to reach from Prague, with regular train and bus connections to České Budějovice and Český Krumlov. You can travel comfortably by bus with RegioJet or by train with Czech Railways, including direct connections from Prague to Český Krumlov. Public transport works well for reaching the main towns, but to follow this itinerary fully – especially when visiting castles, villages and rural areas – renting a car in Prague is often the simplest option, as it gives you the flexibility to stop along the way and explore South Bohemia at your own pace.

4-Day South Bohemia Itinerary Overview

This 4-day itinerary takes you through some of the most beautiful corners of South Bohemia, mixing castle towns, quiet villages, countryside drives and lakeside scenery into a route that feels relaxed rather than rushed. It’s designed as an easy road trip with short distances between stops, making it ideal for a long weekend or a short break.

To make planning simpler, I’ve added an interactive map below with all the places included in the itinerary, so you can see at a glance how the route works and adapt it to your own travel style. Day 1 of this 4-day South Bohemia itinerary is marked in purple, day 2 – in red, day 3 – in yellow and day 4 – in green.

Tip: If you don’t have 4 days to explore South Bohemia you can book a day tour out of Prague that include Český Krumlov, Hluboká Castle and Holašovice.

Day 1: České Budějovice & Beer Heritage

České Budějovice

I know it sounds a bit cliché to call a place a ‘hidden gem’, but how do you otherwise call a place that is off-the-beaten track and still so beautiful and undiscovered. I can’t hide that České Budějovice stole my heart and became my favourite place during this South Bohemian trip.

České Budějovice was founded in 1265 by King Ottokar II of Bohemia and enjoyed the privileges of being a royal city. Located at the place where the rivers Vltava and Malše become one, České Budějovice has a very well preserved historical centre where you can find all historical attractions.

The city square, named after its founder Přemysl Otakar II, is quite large and lined up on four sides with arcades. At one corner of the square is located the Town Hall with a beautiful Baroque façade. Just in the middle of the square you will find the symbol of České Budějovice – the Samson Fountain. I loved hanging out near the fountain.

Tip: Go to the square when it’s dark – the fountain and the buildings are nicely lit up.

If you take the street at the opposite corner of the Town Square, you’ll find yourself in front the austere 17^th century façade of the St. Nicholas Cathedral which was originally built in the 13^th century. And there, right next to the cathedral, stands the Black Tower – another iconic site in České Budějovice. For beautiful views of the city, you should climb the tower. The viewing platform is located at 46 m and the tower is exactly 72,25 m high. It was built in the 1550s and served as a watchtower.

Read more: My complete travel guide to České Budějovice. 

Budweiser Budvar Brewery

If you are in České Budějovice, you have to take the Budweiser Budvar Brewery tour. Beer is so important for the Czech culture and what a better place to learn how beer is made and hear about the longstanding traditions of the Czech lands in beer brewing, than in one of most famous breweries – the Budweiser Budvar. Without saying, brewery touring comes together with beer tasting, be prepared.

The tours are given daily in 3 languages: in Czech at 2 pm, in German at 2:20 pm, and in English at 2:40 pm. In the summer months (July and August) there’s a second tour in the morning at 10 am in Czech, 10:20 am in German, and at 10:40 in English.

You have to book a spot on the tour in advance. More information you can find on their website: www.budejovickybudvar.cz.

Day 2: Fairytale Castles Along the Vltava

Hluboká Castle

Born out of the fancy of a woman, Hluboká Castle comes out as of a fairy tale with its white façade and rich ornamentation, standing in the middle of a beautiful English park. The initial castle was built around 1250 and subsequently, it was expanded and rebuilt a few times. Today’s look the castle has thanks to the renovation carried out in the second half of the 19^th century.

The woman who built her own fairy-tale castle was Eleonore, princes of Lichtenstein, wife of Johann Adolf II from the famous Schwarzenberg family. The couple attended the coronation of Queen Victoria at Windsor and I can imagine that one would have loved to have a summer residence in a romanticist style after seeing the fine examples of the Gothic Revival, an architectural style, which was mostly popular in Britain and USA.

You can visit the castle with a tour and there 5 tours to choose from. In winter, however, there’s only a basic tour. You can check the times of the tours on the website of the castle: www.zamek-hluboka.cz

Hluboká nad Vltavou

When visiting the Hluboká Castle, make sure you stop in the village of Hluboká and Vltavou and have a walk around. I thought it’s absolutely adorable.

You can stop for lunch at the Solidní Šance Restaurant and then visit the adjacent microbrewery Pivovar Hluboka and try one of their craft beers. They are very good, trust me!

Mitrowicz Castle

After visiting the fairy-tale Hluboká Castle I headed further north to Mitrowicz Castle. This castle was recently renovated and is open to public. It’s not that spectacular as the Hluboká Castle, but still quite charming and elegant. The first chateaux was built on this place in 1565. The property changed hands quite a few times during its almost 500 years of history and each new owner was rebuilding the castle, fortifying it, or at the end just neglecting it, after the property was nationalized in the 1940s.

Previously known as Koloděje nad Lužnicí Castle, the Mitrowicz Castle can be booked as a wedding location and has its very own chapel. You can also spend the night in the castle, which I was very lucky to do.

Note: The Mitrovicz Castle doesn’t seem to be open as of 2026 when I was updating of this post. If things change, this information will be updated, too.

Bechyně Castle is a good alternative stop if Mitrowicz Castle is closed. The castle sits high above the Lužnice River and can be visited on a guided tour, with interiors open Thursday to Sunday in June and September, and Tuesday to Sunday in July and August. Even if you don’t join a tour, the views from the castle area and the historic town of Bechyně make this a worthwhile stop.

Day 3: UNESCO Heritage & Český Krumlov

Day 3 from my short trip in South Bohemia was dedicated to the pastoral beauty of the region and its two UNESCO World Heritage Sites – Holašovice and Český Krumlov.

Plástovice and Malé Chrášťany

Plástovice and Malé Chrášťany are two small villages I stopped by on the way to Holašovice. All three villages are part of the so-called Podklety region where there are still preserved villages with the typical 18^th-early 19^th century rural look and feel, characteristic of Central Europe.

Although, Plástovice and Malé Chrášťany aren’t that famous as Holašovice, they are pretty much worth the visit – cute and sleepy, as if the time has stopped, hidden in the South Bohemian marshlands, they are welcoming mostly lost tourists.

Tip: If you can’t get enough of those cute little places, here are some more villages to visit: Vodice, Záboří, Břehov, Čertyně, Dobčice, Krnín, Lipanovice, Mahouš, Rojšín, Třešňový Újezdec, Vitějovice, Zbudov, Zvěřetice.

Holašovice

Although Holašovice is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the place isn’t touristy at all. You might meet the occasional fellow tourist walking around, but the place steel keeps that special pastoral atmosphere characteristic of the villages of the period. To give you an idea of how tiny the village is: there are only 23 homesteads and the population is 140 people.

I loved the colourful facades with decorated gables and the small patch of green in the middle of the village, instead of the usual square.

Holašovice is the village with the best-preserved architecture in the so-called South Bohemian Rural (or Folk) Baroque style.

Read more: Use my complete guide to Holašovice to plan your trip. Read this post for more UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Czechia.

Český Krumlov

The top attraction in Český Krumlov is its castle. It’s the second biggest castle complex in the Czech Republic after the castle in Prague (both are UNSECO World Heritage Sites). The names of some of the most famous families in the history of Bohemia are connected with Český Krumlov.

The castle was built in the 13^th century by the Vítkovci family, then in 14^th – 16^th century it belonged to the Rosenbergs, who sold it in the 17^th century. From the early 18^th century until its nationalization in 1947 the castle was owned by the House of Schwarzenberg.

Besides the castle, you can visit also the Minority Monastery, which was recently beautifully restored. I loved walking around in the garden – it was one of those quiet places in the town where you can escape the crowds. Another landmark in Český Krumlov is the St. Vitus Church that dominates the old town.

The best way to spend your time in Český Krumlov is to wander the tiny streets of this fairy-tale town. Try to take small, side streets away from the crowds and you will discover a quiet, almost sleepy place that will enchant you. Look up at the façades of the houses and you will spot elements like those on the houses from Holašovice, but richer and more elaborate. Then go down to the river and stroll along its banks.

Český Krumlov is undeniably as beautiful as touristy. If you want to have an unspoiled experience, my advice will be to visit the town in the evening or in the morning. Or even better – stay a few days there or spend at least one night. The town turns into pure magic when it gets dark and the streets get empty! Now it’s all yours!

Day 4: Lipno Lake & Šumava Foothills

After an early morning stroll through the almost empty streets of Český Krumlov I headed further south to Frymburk. After so many cute little places and a bunch of castles it was time to discover something different. Day 4 was all about nature!

Frymburk

Frymburk is a very small town on a peninsula jutting out into the Lipno Dam Lake. It’s got one street with cute houses and a green patch instead of a square, lined up with cafes and restaurants and a lovey church from the 13^th century. My advice – spend a bit of time there as this place deserves attention, or why not make it a destination for your holidays in South Bohemia?

Frymburk offers a lot for the outdoorsy travelers or holidaymakers. At the other side of the lake is the Šumava National Park, where you can hike, or you can take the Lipno Bike Trail that goes around the lake. You can fish or sail on the lake, or just like me take a cruise with the Lipno Line.

Cruise on Lipno Lake

Lipno lake is an artificial reservoir lake created after the Vltava River was closed by a dam near the village Lipno nad Vltavou in 1960. There’s also a hydroelectric plant to utilize the water power of the dam. The lake is 42 km (26 mi) long and has an area of almost 50 km² (19 sq mi).

I took a cruise on the lake with the Lipno Line. The company operates two lines: one serves a trip between Frymburk and Lipno, which instead of directly connecting the two places makes first a detour further to the west in the lake and comes back again to Frymburk and then continues to Lipno nad Vltavou. The second line operates on the whole lake connecting Horní Planá with Černá v Pošumaví and Frymburk and Lipno nad Vltavou. I took the first option from Frymburk to the resort place Lipno nad Vltavou.

Treetop Walkway

I have to confess that this was my first treetop walk and I had a real blast. I have always loved bird views and I seize each opportunity to get on top of a tower or other structure that would allow those amazing 360 degrees views over a place. The journey to the top is mostly exhausting, climbing hundreds of stairs or taking a lift to the top where you stay closed and don’t see a thing. But treetop walkway was different! You can actually enjoy the journey to the top and gradually go up above the forest canopy. Each step uncovers a new perspective of the forest as you climb slowly among the trees until you reach the top, where the eye can soar as far as the Alps.

You can reach the Lipno Treetop Walkway from Lipno and Vltavou by bus, by chairlift or by walking. I took the chairlift on the way up and walked through the forest on the way back. Alternatively, if you have a bit of adventure in you, you can jump on a push scooter and dart downhill.

The structure of the Treetop Walkway is pretty amazing. The walkway is 650 m long and it leads to a 40 m high nonagonal watch tower. On the way back there are two options: you either slide down the 52 m long toboggan that’s spiraling around the centre of the tower or you chicken out and walk the same route back down to the starting point. I chose the second option. Well, I traded the adrenaline rush for a different perspective of the forest. Or at least that was my excuse.

For more information – visit the website of Treetop Walkway.

Where to Stay in South Bohemia?

In České Budějovice I stayed in Hotel Budweis – a full of character old mill turned into a hotel, located at a corner of the historical city centre on the Malše River. The interior is not pretentious, but comfy and I loved the building and the beautiful location – perfect to explore the city.

Click here to check the prices and the availability of Hotel Budweis.

If you take my advice to stay in Český Krumlov for the night I can highly recommend you the place where I stayed – the Krčínův Dům Hotel. It’s a lovely hotel in a beautiful building located on a small square in the old historical centre.

Click here to check the prices and the availability of Hotel Krčínův Dům.

In Lipno nad Vltavou I stayed in the Amenity Hotel. The hotel is located directly on the lake. It has an indoor swimming pool and a very good restaurant.

Click here to check the prices and the availability of Amenity Hotel.

Food to Try in South Bohemia

Food is an important part of travelling through South Bohemia, with hearty Czech classics, local fish dishes and, of course, excellent beer playing a central role. Meals here tend to be simple and filling, often tied to regional traditions and seasonal ingredients, making it easy to experience local culture just by sitting down at a pub or restaurant.

Tip: In Český Krumlov you can book a food tour to try the most iconic Czech dishes.

• Svíčková na smetane: You can’t visit South Bohemia (and of course the Czech Republic) and not try one of the iconic dishes of the Czech cuisine – svíčková (pronounced “sveech-covah“): sirloin beef in cream sauce. It’s served with the Czech variant of bread dumplings – knedlíky, cranberry jam and a slice of lemon. During my stay in the Czech Republic I’ve eaten it quite often and you will get everywhere a decent one, but my favourite was the one I ate at the Ecofarm Horní Chrášťany (unfortunately the website is only in Czech). Was it because of the corn flour dumplings or the own craft beer they were brewing there…

• Bramboráky: This is the Czech version of the potato pancakes. Although they are yummy, they can be very greasy. Should always drink a beer with them.
• Uzené: That’s smoked meat. It’s mostly served with potato pancakes and sauerkraut. This is the one I had at the Solidní Šance Restaurant in Hluboka nad Vltavou paired of course with beer from the next-door brewery.

• Trout: When in South Bohemia you have to try the trout. More locally sourced food than that you won’t find – the fish comes from local fish farms.

• Míša ice-cream: This was my personal discovery. The ice-cream with a smiling bear is one of the surviving heritages from the communist era. The original Míša ice-cream is with frozen quark covered in chocolate – super tasty. I tried also some other fruity variations, but the traditional quark one was my favorite one.

Was I able to convince you how beautiful South Bohemia is? Have you been there? Share below your experience! Do you have questions about the places in the itinerary? Let me know and I will be happy to give you more details.