4 Days in Czech Republic – Castles and Charming Places in South Bohemia

Most people travelling to the Czech Republic (or Czechia, the short version of the country’s name, as officially marketed lately on international level) visit only Prague and might venture on a day trip to the most famous UNESCO site in the country – Český Krumlov, but that would be it. Czech Republic, beyond its capital, remains uncovered and underrated. But hey, that’s a good news, I guess – there are so many beautiful places, waiting to be discovered, fairy-tale castles to be visited, and beer to be tried. Lots of beer. Recently, I travelled around in South Bohemia and here is my 4-day itinerary visiting the best attractions in this southernmost region of the Czech Republic. Do you love slow travel and cultural heritage? Keep on reading – you will fall in love with this place!

This Czech Republic itinerary is perfect for a long weekend getaway or for a short break around the holidays.

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Read more: Do you need more ideas for a 4-day trip in Europe? Check out my suggestions for a short break in Europe.

Where is South Bohemia and 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.

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

You can easily reach České Budějovice (the main city of the region) or Český Krumlov by train and by bus. You can use the services of RegioJet (bus) or the Czech Railways.

Tip: There’s a direct train from Prague to Český Krumlov, or you can take the bus, which stops in České Budějovice.

To be able to cover the rest of the itinerary, the best way is to use a car.

yellowish hay bales in front with rolling green hills at the background and blue sky, the fields in South Bohemia, Czech Republic
South Bohemia – Czech Republic

What to do and see in South Bohemia in 4 days?

On the map below you can find the places of this 4-day itinerary in the South Bohemian Region. Day 1 is marked in purple, day 2 – in red, day 3 – in yellow and day 4 – in green.

Day 1

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. Today, the beautiful city of České Budějovice, located at the place where the Rivers Vltava and Malše become one, 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.

a fountain on a square lip up in the night with beautiful Baroque buildings at the background, the Samson Fountain in Ceske Budejovice, South Bohemia, Czech Republic
Samson Fountain at night – Ceske Budejovice
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 17th century façade of the St. Nicholas Cathedral which was originally built in the 13th 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
a street leading to a square lined up with buildings with colourful facades in pin, orange, green and peach, a street in Ceske Budejovice in South Bohemia, Czech Republic
Ceske Budejovice – street
a street with cobbled stones, colourful buildings on both sides and at the end a white tower of a monastery, the tower of the Dominican Monastery in Ceske Budejovice in South Bohemia, Czech Republic
Ceske Budejovice – Monastery Tower
a fountain spraying water on the foreground with some buildings with arcades behind and a stone tower with a black dome at the background, the Samson Fountain and the Black Tower in Ceske Budejovice, South Bohemia, Czech Republic
Ceske Budejovice – the Samson Fountain and the Black Tower
view through an arch to a square with a beautiful blue building with three towers and a fountain, view to square from one of the arcades in Ceske Budejovice, South Bohemia, Czech Republic
Ceske Budejovice – arcades and the Town Hall

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.

big containers from copper where they brew beer and some green plants in pots, Budweiser Budvar Brewery in Ceske Budejovice in South Bohemia, Czech Republic
Budweiser Budvar Brewery – Ceske Budejovice

Day 2

Day 2 was all about the castles! The first castle on my 4-day Czech Republic itinerary through South Bohemia was the Hluboká Castle.

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 19th century. The woman who built her own fairy tale castle is Eleonora, princes of Lichtenstein, wife of Jan 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.

The castle is open for visitors and you can take one of the 5 tours offered.

a white castle with an intricate structure of terraces and stairs from wrought iron, the backside of the Hluboka Castle in South Bohemia, Czech Republic
Hluboka Castle – intricate staircase
a white fairy-tale like castle at the background with some flowers in red in the foreground, the Hluboka Castle in South Bohemia, Czech Republic
Hluboka Castle, South Bohemia

Hluboká nad Vltavou

When visiting the Hluboká Castle, make sure you stop and have a walk around in the village of Hluboká and Vltavou. 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!

colourful flowers on the foreground, a small square and a church at the background, Hluboka nad Vltavou in South Bohemia, Czech Republic
Hluboka nad Vltavou
a smiling girl tapping beer in a brewery in Hluboka, Pivovar Hluboka in South Bohemia, Czech Republic
Pivovar Hluboka
part of a building painted in orange with a sculpture of two women sitting on an opening in the wall, Urban art in Hluboka nad Vltavou, South Bohemia, Czech Republic
Hluboka nad Vltavou Urban Art

Mitrowicz Castle

After visiting the fairy-tale Hluboká Castle I headed further north to Mitrowicz Castle. This castle was recently renovated and open to public two years ago. 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.

a reddish castle with yellow ornaments around the windows at the background, in front an artsy metal sculpture of two ladies walking two dogs, Mitrovicz Castle in South Bohemia, Czech Republic
Mitrovicz Castle, South Bohemia

Day 3

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 18th-early 19th 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.
a light green house with white ornaments on the facade in typical Rural Baroque Style, Plastovice in South Bohemia, Czech Republic
Plastovice – South Bohemian Rural Baroque
an old chapel and an old house in peach colour, houses in Plastovice in South Bohemia, Czech Republic
Plastovice, Podkleti Region, South Bohemia
a blue house with white ornaments on the facade in rural Baroque style, a house in Male Hrastany in South Bohemia, Czech Republic
Male Hrastany – South Bohemian Rural Baroque
a red house with white ornaments around the windows and on the facade and a wooden fence, tree branches in green hanging on the foreground, a house in Male Hrastany, South Bohemia, Czech Republic
Male Hrastany, South Bohemia

Holašovice

Although Holašovice is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the place isn’t touristy. 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.
white house with yellow lines and geraniums on the windows, a wooden water pump in front, Holasovice, Czech Republic, South Bohemia
Water pump in Holasovice
a bench, trees, a street and houses in various colours with ornamented facades, Holasovice in South Bohemia, Czech Republic
Holasovice, South Bohemia
a detail of an yellow house with pink ornaments and hanging pink geraniums from the windows, a house in Holasovice - South Bohemia, Czech Republic
House in Holasovice
a small pond with white houses at the background and hanging green tree branches in the foreground, the pond in Holasovice in South Bohemia, Czech Republic
Lake in Holasovice

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 13th century by the Vítkovci family, then in 14th – 16th century it belonged to the Rosenbergs, who sold it in the 17th century. From the early 18th 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.

a beautiful castle with a round tower an colourful buildings with red roofs seen from top, a view of the castle in Cesky Krumlov, South Bohemia, Czech Republic
Cesky Krumlov Castle

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!

a street with colourful houses with ornaments on the facades and a few people walking around, a street in Cesky Krumlov, South Bohemia, Czech Republic
Cesky Krumlov Street
colourful houses in yellow and orange with cafe terraces on the street and people sitting there, Cesky Krumlov in South Bohemia, Czech Republic
Cesky Krumlov colourful houses

Day 4

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 13th 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.

a yellow-orange building in front of the backside of a white church, Frymburk in South Bohemia, Czech Republic
Frymburk, South Bohemia
a blue anchor, a road and a blue lake, Frymburk and Lipno lake in South Bohemia, Czech Republic
Frymburk and Lipno Lake

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.

a lake with a sailing boat in the middle, at the background green hills and in the foreground yellowish grass, Lipno lake in South Bohemia, Czech Republic
Lipno Lake, South Bohemia
a boat on a pier on a lake with pine trees on the foreground, a boat from the Lipno Line on the Lipno Reservoir in South Bohemia, Czech Republic
Lipno Line cruise on Lipno Lake

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.

view to some mountains with green forests and some pine trees on both sides, view from the Treetop Walkway in Lipno, South Bohemia, Czech Republic
View from the top – Lipno – South Bohemia

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.

a tower with a winding stairs, the structure of the Treetop Walkway tower in Lipno, South Bohemia, Czech Republic
Treetop Walkway – Lipno
a wooden walkway at the level of the forest canopy, Treetop Walkway in Lipno, South Bohemia, Czech Republic
Walking the Treetop Walkway in Lipno
a tower with a winding stairs and a toboggan, the structure of the Treetop Walkway tower in Lipno, South Bohemia, Czech Republic
The Toboggan Treetop Walkway, Lipno

DISCLOSURE: This post contains affiliate links. If you book your hotel using the links below immediately after you have visited my page, I will earn a small commission at no extra cost for you.


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.

rose building with white ornaments, Hotel Budweis in Ceske Budejovice
Budweis Hotel – Ceske Budejovice

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.

a square with colourful buildings, view from Hotel Krucinov Dom in Cesky Krumlov, South Bohemia, Czech Republic
View from Hotel Krucinov Dom – Cesky Krumlov

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.

a modern building with red cladding, Hotel Amenity in Lipno nad Vltavou
Amenity Hotel Lipno

Food to try in South Bohemia

OK. These are not strictly South Bohemian dishes but more like typical for the whole Czech Republic.

  • 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 cornflour dumplings or the own craft beer they were brewing there…

a plate with meat, sauce, bread dumplings and a glass of beer, svicovka
Svickova
  • Bramboráky

This is the Czech version of the potato pancakes. Although they are yammy, 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.

a plate with meat and potato pancake, bramborak with uzene
Bramborak with uzene
  • 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.

a plate with trout and salad
South Bohemian Trout
  • 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.

ice-cream in a package with an orange bear face on it
Misa Ice-Cream

 


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. 


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.

 

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a white castle with flowers in front and overlay text - discover South Bohemia with this 4 day itinerary in Czech Republic

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About Daniela

Daniela is the creator and writer of this travel blog. A writer by nature and occupation and traveller by heart, Daniela will take you to all forgotten corners of Europe and even beyond. She travels with her partner, but his only role is to be the greatest fan of this blog. To learn more, check out the About section.