The Czech region of South Bohemia is characterized by its beautiful natural landscape. For centuries, people have lived in the region without destroying its natural beauty. Industrialization has largely passed the region by, and so the region continues to produce outstanding craftsmen, artisans and artists to this day.
The cultural and historical heritage of the region is correspondingly large, and so venerable towns, historical monuments and authentic villages nestle in the beautiful landscape of South Bohemia. The cultural richness of the region results not least from its border location. Before the 2nd World War, citizens of German origin lived in South Bohemia for several centuries, who were deeply rooted here, and the Austrian nobility also exerted great influence on the region for many centuries.
Natural paradise South Bohemia
South Bohemia has a high landscape value, as numerous protected areas ensure that the natural landscape is preserved. Extensive pine forests, peat bogs, ponds, picturesque valleys and the rugged mountain landscape inspire visitors.
The South Bohemian Basin with its beautiful towns and numerous ponds covers a large area of the region. In addition, the Bohemian Forest, the Gratzen Mountains, the Chicken Mountains and the Bohemian-Moravian Highlands attract visitors. There is a lot to discover for nature lovers and so the region is also a popular destination for an active holiday. In particular, the Sumava Biosphere Reserve and the Trebonsko and CHKO Blansky les Protected Landscape Areas are characterized by their high recreational value. There are wonderful places that invite you to enjoy the peace and quiet and the peaceful atmosphere. The entire region is criss-crossed by wonderful hiking trails, so that very individual hiking tours can be planned.
South Bohemia’s most beautiful old towns
Budweis
The historic city centre of České Budějovice is particularly charming. If you go on a discovery tour here, you will take a little architectural journey through time, because architectural pearls from the Middle Ages, Renaissance and Baroque can be found here. From the remains of the city wall to the Dominican monastery with the church of the Sacrifice of the Virgin Mary, there is a lot to discover. From the 17th century onwards, the city was a German-speaking enclave and this is also reflected in the sights of the city. Numerous entrepreneur villas from the 19. and the beginnings of the The 20th century are well worth seeing and were architecturally influenced by German and Austrian architecture. When it comes to historic České Budějovice, a visit to the České Budějovice Brewery is not to be missed, as brewing dates back to the 13th century.
UNESCO World Heritage Český Krumlov
Český Krumlov’s historic old town was already placed under monument protection in 1963. In 1992, the old town was also listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. There is a lot to discover in the narrow, winding streets of the old town. Particularly beautiful is the old market square with its fountain, which is bordered by neat town houses and commercial buildings. The most famous building in the city is Cesky Krumlov Castle, which was designed on the model of Prague Castle and is now the second largest historical building in the Czech Republic. A highlight is the baroque palace theatre with its stage technology preserved in its original condition. Other sights in the old town are the Cloak Bridge, the Minorite and Poor Clares Monastery, the Marian Column and many more.
Other listed city centres
In addition to the old towns of České Budějovice and Český Krumlov, the historic centres of Třeboboře, Neuhaus, Zlabings, Prachatice and Tabor are also inspiring. In all these cities, the historic core is very well preserved and there are numerous sights, so a visit to the cities is worthwhile in any case.
Castles and villages worth seeing in the region
UNESCO World Heritage Site Hollschowitz
South Bohemia in the Czech Republic is characterized not only by cities worth seeing, but also by beautiful villages. Hollschowitz in particular is an attraction for tourists from all over the world, because the small village, which belongs to the municipality of Jankov, presents itself with beautiful farms in the South Bohemian peasant baroque. In addition to the farms, the plague column also bears witness to the history of the place and the region. Around the village square are 17 farms, all of which are very well preserved.
Frauenberg Castle
Frauenberg Castle is considered the most beautiful castle in the region. The castle originated from Kamyk Manor, which was converted into a Renaissance castle in the 1580s. Later, the castle was redesigned in the style of Romanticism. The work was completed in 1871 and the Tudor Gothic chateau has since become one of the most impressive buildings in South Bohemia. It is worth visiting the castle, because inside the castle you will also be amazed by numerous works of art, valuable pieces of furniture, coffered ceiling, a neo-Gothic chapel and much more.
Rothlhotta Castle
The Renaissance moated castle Rothlhotta catches the eye thanks to its red color. The castle was built on a rock in an artificially created pond. The building was first mentioned in 1465 and was transformed into a Gothic fortress in 1530. In the course of history, there have been smaller and larger changes. In the middle of the 19th century, the gables were adapted to the neo-Gothic style and a castle tower was added to the building
