I was born in Písek, Czech Republic, and although I later spent long years in Prague, these days Lukáš, our two-year-old Jonášek and I live here together again. Since our family loves hunting down the best day trips around Písek, I have to say honestly that as a base for exploring South Bohemia this town is absolutely ideal — and I won’t hear a bad word said about it.
Thanks to its great location and connection to the D4 motorway, you can reach most South Bohemian landmarks by car within an hour, whether you’re drawn to deep history, sprawling fishponds or the dense forests of Šumava. Písek simply sits right in the middle of the best of it all, and you always have dozens of options to choose from.
Come and drive the Písek region with me — here are 30 places we love, ordered from those just around the corner to full-day adventures. Let’s take a look at where to go to see animals, castles, water and gorgeous views over the countryside.
TL;DR
- Best trip overall: A visit to the majestic Zvíkov Castle combined with a scenic boat cruise to the nearby Orlík Chateau.
- Closest destination: The Jarník lookout tower and the adjoining Písek Hills, which you can easily reach from the town centre on a pleasant walk.
- Best for families with kids: The Fairytale Forge in Selibov and the newly opened Maletice Farm Park, full of animals and attractions.
- For a rainy day: The Protivín Crocodile Zoo, which reliably keeps you entertained in the warmth, or the interesting museums in the surrounding towns.
- UNESCO tip: The little village of Holašovice, famous for its utterly unique and beautifully preserved Folk Baroque architecture.
- Most visited destination: The Hluboká nad Vltavou State Chateau, whose fairytale architecture draws crowds of tourists from all over the world.
- Off-season: While the castles sleep through winter, the lookout towers, zoos and wanders through the Písek Hills run without restrictions all year round.
How to plan day trips from Písek
Písek has an exceptionally strategic location near the D4 motorway, which in practice means that getting toward Prague or deeper south is very quick and comfortable. To keep things organised, I split the trips into shorter half-day ones, roughly within thirty kilometres of town, and longer full-day ones over forty kilometres away, for which we prefer to set aside a whole free day.
When planning any tour of castles and chateaux run by the National Heritage Institute, bear in mind that they’re generally closed on Mondays. This quiet heritage-sector convention applies even to the biggest draws in the area, so save the start of the week for nature, lookout towers or zoos, which tend to have far more flexible opening hours.
South Bohemia is also hugely popular with cyclists, and a dense network of bike trails will safely take you to many destinations along the Otava River. If you rely on public transport, the train gets you nicely to the surrounding towns, but for some more isolated landmarks it’s often better and faster to use the regional bus lines instead.
Where to stay if you want to explore the area
If you’re coming to the Písek region for a weekend or a week, it’s worth staying right in Písek and heading out from there. Most of the destinations in this article are within half an hour’s drive, and in the evening you return to town, where there’s parking, food and a stroll along the riverside.
The best address belongs to Hotel Biograf, a short walk from the main square. It’s been renovated and has long been among the best-rated in Písek. A quieter option is Hotel U Kapličky, with its own restaurant and parking, which you’ll appreciate when you get back late from a trip.
A cheaper choice is Penzion Sport, just a few minutes’ walk from the sports complex and the swimming pool. And if you want to be right in the historic centre, try Hotel Otava, set in a First Republic-era building with murals by Mikoláš Aleš — though rooms are harder to come by, so book well ahead.
💡 Tip: Browse the full range of accommodation in Písek with current prices on the Písek accommodation map — in high season and over long weekends capacity fills up fast.
Trips within 15 kilometres: half-day or by bike
These closest destinations really are just around the corner, and Písek families come here mostly at weekends when they don’t fancy spending too long in the car. You can easily manage them over an afternoon or as a pleasant goal for a cycling trip.
1. The Jarník lookout tower
From the centre of Písek the tower is just 5.1 kilometres away, about a 21-minute drive to the car park. It sits right in the Písek Hills above town, and from the free U Vodáka car park it’s another 1.7 kilometres on foot to the tower itself through lovely woodland.
The climb is free and open around the clock. Nearly a thousand people rate it an average of four and a half stars, and although it’s technically a telecommunications tower, the viewing platform offers a beautiful panoramic view of the town and surroundings — as long as the haze isn’t rolling in.
This trip also combines perfectly with the nearby U Vodáka enclosure, where you can watch fallow deer and mouflon. A short walk from there, by the Živec cabin, you’ll find a popular 3D maze in the treetops, which makes this spot a perfect half-day destination for all ages.
2. The Písek Hills
To the edge of this vast forest complex it’s about 9.4 kilometres, roughly a 24-minute drive from the town centre. The Písek Hills aren’t real mountains in the true sense — they’re more of a gorgeous wooded upland that forms the green lungs of the whole region.
You’ll find a huge network of perfectly marked paths and quiet ponds that practically beg for long walks. I highly recommend visiting the Písek Foresters’ Lookout, with seating, a description of the history of local forestry and a calm view down into the valley. Whether you set out on foot from the centre or drive up to the Živec cabin, incredible peace always awaits.
The paths are surfaced and a pushchair rolls along without any trouble. Even in high season you can easily find a corner where you won’t meet a soul all day, whether you’re picking mushrooms, running or just wandering.
3. Putim: Our Animals
The famous little village of Putim is a mere 6.5 kilometres away, a 9-minute drive. The village is known far and wide mainly thanks to the famous novel about the good soldier Švejk, but for local families the big draw is a lovely little zoo called Our Animals (Naše zvířátka).
This small site has completely free entry, and you’ll see kangaroos and cheeky meerkats. The animals are used to people and the place is carefully maintained, so you’ll definitely stay longer than you might expect at first glance. You’ll find current opening hours at nasezviratkaputim.cz.
Once you’ve had your fill of the animals, walk over to the old stone bridge across the Blanice and to the Church of St Lawrence — that village calm simply tugs at your heart, even if you only drop by for half an hour.
4. Selibov: The Fairytale Forge
The trip to Selibov covers a distance of 8.2 kilometres and takes about 9 minutes from Písek’s square. Here you’ll find the wonderful Fairytale Forge (Pohádková kovárna), one of the very favourite family destinations from across the whole wider area, boasting a rating of 4.7 stars from thousands of people.
Inside the historic building, devils, water goblins and adorable fairies await — mainly for younger children, but honestly, adults are left open-mouthed too. The figures are incredibly detailed, and that slightly mysterious atmosphere of old Czech legends fits the place perfectly.
The site also includes a creative workshop for busy hands, and live little donkeys are kept in the yard, which brighten up the visit nicely. Always double-check the opening hours and current entrance fee on their website pohadkovakovarna.cz, since operations can shift a little outside the main summer season.
5. Kestřany: the Upper and Lower Forts
This historic gem lies 8.9 kilometres from Písek, a 13-minute drive. Kestřany is a big name among history lovers, because it’s home to a truly unique pair of medieval forts standing right next to each other — something you’ll hardly see anywhere else in the country.
The grounds of the Upper Fort are usually open in summer from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. and feel like a genuine romantic ruin. Both forts have kept their raw medieval character without needless modern interventions, so you feel as if you’d wandered straight out of some heroic novel and forgotten the way back.
A big advantage of this place is that the crowds don’t pour in and there’s wonderful peace here, so you can fully enjoy photographing and exploring the walls. You’ll find detailed information about the tours and current opening hours on the website kestrany.cz.
6. Maletice: the Farm Park
To the newly built farm park in Maletice it’s 11.2 kilometres, an easy 12 minutes in the car. It’s a relatively new project, but it won the hearts of local families incredibly quickly and is now one of the most popular family destinations within reach of town.
The site is huge and offers plenty of hands-on animals along with giant trampolines where kids can burn off energy in complete safety. Everything is designed so parents can enjoy a coffee in peace while the little ones stay in sight and have fun on the sprawling play equipment. The farm park is put together incredibly cleverly and quickly became a fixture among Písek families. Check the entrance fee and opening hours at farmaparkmaletice.cz.
This destination is an absolute must, especially for families, and you can easily spend a whole afternoon here. If you’re after more ideas like this, be sure to check out our article Písek with kids: 40 tips from a local mum, where you’ll find a heap of other tried-and-tested spots in the area.
7. Řežabinec and the Řežabinec Pools
To this beautiful nature reserve near the village of Ražice it’s 11.3 kilometres, taking around 25 minutes. The Řežabinec pond is one of the most important ornithological sites in all of South Bohemia, and the whole area is strictly protected as a national nature reserve.
A pretty educational trail runs around the water, complete with a wooden bird hide from which you can watch life on the surface undisturbed. I recommend packing a pair of binoculars, because the sheer number of birds nesting or stopping over during migration is truly fascinating.
This spot is ideal for anyone seeking quiet and a complete escape from civilisation, since it draws nature lovers rather than mass tourists. The trail is also easy and flat, so even older visitors or occasional day-trippers can manage it with ease.
8. The Podolí Bridge
To this engineering marvel it’s 12.1 kilometres from Písek, just a 13-minute drive. The Podolí Bridge, arching over the Orlík Reservoir, is an immensely elegant arch structure built between 1938 and 1942, and to this day it’s a stunning example of the engineering of its era.
The deck boasts a main span of 150 metres and offers a breathtaking view straight down onto the water far below. At designated spots you can safely pull over, drink in the view and snap beautiful shots of the valley the bridge so elegantly crosses.
There’s also often a small refreshment stand open by the bridge where you can grab a coffee, and it all pairs wonderfully with a visit to nearby Zvíkov Castle. On Google Maps the bridge has a fabulous 4.7-star rating from more than two thousand people, proof that the stop is well worth it.
9. Sudoměř: the Žižka Memorial
To this famous battlefield it’s 13.7 kilometres, and you’ll reach it from town in just 18 minutes. Right here, in the landscape among the ponds, the legendary Battle of Sudoměř took place in 1420, where Hussite forces led by Jan Žižka of Trocnov famously triumphed over the crusaders.
Today a monumental stone memorial in the shape of a Hussite warrior stands here, freely accessible and, of course, completely free. The place has a strong genius loci, and information boards let you study in detail exactly how the military tactics of the day, using the muddy ponds, actually worked.
A pleasant route runs around the memorial between the bodies of water, perfect for an afternoon walk, and people rate the place a lovely 4.7 stars. It’s a piece of history set in the typically calm South Bohemian countryside that you’ll simply fall in love with.
10. Protivín
The little town of Protivín lies 14.1 kilometres away, and you’ll get there very quickly in 14 minutes. This town is an incredibly popular destination and hides so many attractions that you could easily spend a whole weekend here, starting with the renowned Crocodile Zoo, rated 4.5 stars from over five thousand reviews.
This zoo runs the largest specialised crocodile breeding programme in Europe and in summer is usually open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Beyond that, you’ll find the delightful Kingdom of Time, an Art Nouveau villa housing a clock museum, complete with an indoor play area and a garden.
Also well worth seeing is a tour of the historic Platan Brewery, and if you have younger children, the indoor entertainment centre Fiziland might just save the day. Check the entrance fees for the individual attractions in advance at krokodylizoo.cz and elsewhere, so nothing surprises you on the spot.
Castles, chateaux and monasteries around Písek
This batch of trips takes a little more time, since the historic sites sit roughly 15 to 40 kilometres away. But they all rank among the absolute best of what you can see in our region.
11. Zvíkov Castle: the “king of Czech castles”
To this majestic castle it’s 26.4 kilometres, roughly a 32-minute drive. Zvíkov is rightly called the king of Czech castles, and its setting on a rocky promontory above the confluence of the Vltava and Otava — now raised by the surface of the Orlík Reservoir — is absolutely iconic.
According to the confirmed 2026 price list, the basic Royal Palace tour costs 180 CZK (about €7.50) for adults, the reduced fee for seniors and youth is 140 CZK (about €5.70) and children pay 50 CZK (about €2). You go around at your own pace, and in about an hour you’ll take in the Gothic arcades and the wonderful Romanesque Hlízová Tower, which you simply have to stop at.
In July and August it’s open Tuesday to Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., closed on Mondays, and expect capacity to sell out often in season. Outside the summer holidays, watch out for the lunch break, when the ticket office is closed between noon and 1 p.m. You’ll find the current price list and opening hours at hrad-zvikov.cz.
12. Orlík nad Vltavou Chateau
The trip to Orlík covers 40.1 kilometres, and from Písek you’ll comfortably get there in 36 minutes. This gorgeous Lobkowicz chateau rises right above the surface of the Orlík Reservoir and is one of the most photogenic aristocratic residences in the entire country.
In summer the chateau is usually open Tuesday to Sunday between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., while Mondays traditionally stay closed. After touring the richly furnished interiors, I definitely recommend walking through the sprawling chateau park, which also hides the monumental tomb of the Schwarzenberg family.
The ticket prices aren’t listed across the board, so check the current entrance fee on the official website zamekorlik.cz, and be very careful not to confuse it with zamek-orlik.cz, which is a completely different ruin near Humpolec. Any questions can also go to their phone line: +420 382 275 101.
13. Blatná Chateau
To the Blatná chateau it’s 27.1 kilometres, a pleasant 27-minute drive. It’s one of the best-preserved water chateaux in the country. A moat surrounds it on all sides, and the whole romantic backdrop has roots somewhere in the 13th century.
The biggest draw here, though, is the sprawling chateau park with free-roaming fallow deer you can feed, and they’ve recently even started keeping adorable alpacas. The park is enormous, full of old oaks and threaded with water channels, so you can easily spend half a day here just wandering. This is exactly the kind of trip we love bringing visitors to, because feeding deer from your hand wins everyone over. Buy two bags of feed right at the ticket office — trust me, one won’t be enough.
In season the grounds are usually open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., and inside you’ll find the excellent Oh My Deer Café where you can rest. Check the entrance fees for the chateau and park in advance at zamek-blatna.cz, as they can vary depending on any events taking place.
14. Milevsko Monastery
To Milevsko it’s exactly 28.8 kilometres, which works out to a 32-minute drive. The local Premonstratensian monastery was founded back in 1187, making it the oldest monastic institution in South Bohemia, and to this day it’s a wonderfully calm place for reflection.
In the main visitor season the grounds are open from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. and offer several tour routes that acquaint you with the region’s rich spiritual history. Please check the specific entrance fees for the exhibitions directly on their site klastermilevsko.cz.
When visiting the town, don’t miss the excellent Museum of the Milevsko Masks either, which maps the famous Shrovetide carnival tradition aspiring to a UNESCO listing. It’s a very playful, colourful exhibition that perfectly balances the more solemn atmosphere of the nearby monastery.
15. Strakonice Castle
Strakonice Castle lies 25.6 kilometres away, and you’ll get there from town in a brisk 24 minutes. This sprawling castle complex rises right above the confluence of the Otava and Volyňka rivers and has undergone a very extensive and successful renovation in recent years.
Today its halls house the fantastic Museum of the Central Otava Region with a huge collection of bagpipes, which perfectly maps the famous local bagpiping tradition, and motoring fans will love the exhibition of ČZ motorcycles. You’ll find visitor details and the event programme at hradstrakonice.cz. Strakonice also recently gave the riverside a big makeover, so after touring the castle I recommend just sitting on the bank with a good coffee and soaking up the views of the historic walls.
If you head to Strakonice with kids, you can also try the nearby Bagrárium, aimed at children aged 6 and up, where you get to operate real machines. It’s a smaller venture with just ten reviews, but for little builders the experience is absolutely unforgettable.
16. Bechyně Chateau and the Rainbow Bridge
To the spa town of Bechyně it’s 31.9 kilometres, and the drive along the back roads takes about 39 minutes. The local Renaissance chateau, run by Panství Bechyně, offers beautiful views into the deep valley of the Lužnice River.
The town, though, is famous mainly for the Bechyně Rainbow Bridge (Duha) from 1926–1928, a technical rarity, since it’s the only bridge in the country to carry both road and rail in a single arch a full 50 metres above the river. What’s more, the historic electric railway “Elinka” from Tábor runs right into town — Křižík’s first work of its kind in the monarchy.
Interestingly, this railway has a direct historical link to Písek’s Křižík power plant, so technical history ties together nicely here. During your visit you can also peek into the International Museum of Ceramics, under the wing of the Aleš South Bohemian Gallery.
When we were in Bechyně, what got us most was the view of the chateau from the other side of the valley — only from there do you appreciate how high above the Lužnice it stands. It’s worth walking to the bridge and crossing it in full, because the shots from below and above look completely different every time.
💡 Tip: You can pair Bechyně with the water chateau of Červená Lhota, which lies further east (82 kilometres from Písek, almost an hour and a half). We managed both places in a single day, and the combination makes sense.
17. Kratochvíle Chateau (Netolice)
This Renaissance gem is 36.1 kilometres away, a 34-minute drive. Kratochvíle is a gorgeous Italian Renaissance villa surrounded by a flawless moat, built as a summer retreat by the famous Vilém of Rožmberk.
For 2026 the confirmed entrance fees apply, with the villa tour costing 220 CZK (about €9) for adults, 180 CZK (about €7.50) for seniors and 70 CZK (about €2.90) for children, while the Grand circuit is 280 CZK (about €11.50). If you just want a stroll, entry to the geometrically precise chateau garden alone costs 60 CZK (about €2.50).
The atmosphere here is incredibly photogenic and the whole place looks like something out of a fairy tale, mainly thanks to the moat that surrounds the villa on all sides. Check the current opening hours on the official website zamek-kratochvile.cz.
18. The ossuary and cemetery in Albrechtice nad Vltavou
For this unassuming yet unique trip you’ll drive 16.4 kilometres, taking just 18 minutes. In Albrechtice nad Vltavou you’ll find the Church of St Peter and Paul with an adjoining cemetery, ringed by a truly unique wall of painted niche chapels that serve as miniature ossuaries.
It’s a very little-known place with a wonderful, quiet atmosphere, freely accessible for free. It only has a few dozen reviews on the maps, but anyone who stumbles upon it leaves thrilled. The paintings in the chapels tell stories and bear moralising inscriptions from the 19th century, making the place a fantastic hidden treasure of the region.
Just be very careful not to confuse this little ossuary with the famous one in Sedlec near Kutná Hora, since search engines often mix them up. The Albrechtice version here is far more intimate, quieter and virtually undiscovered by tourists. You’ll find practical information about the place on the municipal website albrechticenadvltavou.cz.
Water: the Orlík Reservoir, the Vltava and the Otava
South Bohemia’s rivers and reservoirs are a chapter all of their own. In summer they offer great swimming; in spring and autumn, stunning scenery of carved canyons. I recommend planning these trips mainly for days when the weather is nice.
19. Boat cruise Zvíkov ↔ Orlík
To the dock below Zvíkov Castle it’s 26 kilometres, roughly a 32-minute drive. This is where the Orlík boat service departs, which to me is the very nicest trip combination in the whole Písek region, since it links two stunning castles with relaxation on the water.
This year the boats run a regular route between Orlík Chateau and Zvíkov Castle in both directions, operating Tuesday to Sunday, with Mondays off. Be aware that the popular route right up to the dam wall itself is currently not running at all, due to hazardous access.
The fares and exact timetable unfortunately aren’t fixed, so it’s best to check all the information by phone or on the website lodnidopravanaorliku.cz. 💡 Tip: During the holidays the boats are usually full, so I recommend arriving at the dock with plenty of time to spare.
20. The Orlík Reservoir: beaches and campsites
To the shores of this huge reservoir you’ll drive roughly 26 to 40 kilometres, depending on exactly which beach you choose. Orlík is the largest reservoir on the Vltava by volume, and its deeply flooded canyons have a quite unreal atmosphere. The raised water swallowed the valley, and from a boat it looks as if you were sailing somewhere in Scandinavia, not a short drive from Písek.
You’ll find a huge number of natural beaches, well-equipped campsites and boat rentals here, so you could easily spend an entire summer holiday. In the hot months the water is pleasantly warm, though quality can occasionally worsen during August depending on the specific cove.
If you’re after quieter spots, avoid the biggest campsites and try scouting out the smaller coves, which you can often reach only on foot through the forest. It’s an ideal destination for anyone who loves paddleboards or wants to rent a small motorboat and explore the cliffs up close. We love coming here for afternoon paddleboarding — you just need to find a cove without too many boats.
21. Červená nad Vltavou
To this intriguing spot you’ll drive 18.8 kilometres and arrive in 22 minutes. Červená nad Vltavou is a historically very significant point, because it’s exactly here that the Vltava enters its deep canyon, and an impressive former railway bridge arches high above the water.
The place served for years as an important ferry crossing and to this day has a “tramping” atmosphere, kept alive by cabin settlements on both banks. The bridge structure is genuinely photogenic, and the view of it from water level is worth the stop.
Today it’s a very popular stop for cyclists and hikers moving along the river. You can sit down nicely, rest and just watch the flowing water and the boats heading on across the reservoir.
22. Vodňany and its ponds
To this town devoted to fishermen it’s 22.3 kilometres, and the journey takes exactly 22 minutes. Vodňany is practically a synonym for the fishing tradition — the famous Secondary Fishery School is based here, and the whole area is threaded with a dense network of beautiful ponds.
In the centre, don’t miss the Vodňany Municipal Museum and Gallery, usually open Tuesday to Sunday, and to be safe check the entrance fee on the website muzeumvodnany.cz. The local museum brilliantly maps the history of pond-keeping that shaped the whole landscape into its present form.
For a family walk I can warmly recommend the V Zátiší educational trail around the local ponds, which is very calm and well maintained. Vodňany is famous for its fishing tradition, and the local carp is a name spoken of far and wide in the best restaurants.
South Bohemian towns and full-day destinations
If you don’t mind spending around three quarters of an hour in the car, Písek opens up the chance to visit the very most famous places in all of South Bohemia. Here we’re talking about proper full-day trips.
23. Hluboká nad Vltavou
To our most famous chateau it’s 45.1 kilometres, roughly a 42-minute drive. Hluboká is an absolute phenomenon — with more than 28,000 reviews it’s by far the most visited destination in the wider area, and its Tudor Gothic style draws tourists like a magnet.
The confirmed 2026 entrance fee for the basic State Rooms circuit is 300 CZK (about €12.30) for adults, seniors and youth pay 240 CZK (about €9.80) and children 90 CZK (about €3.70). The chateau also offers other routes, such as the private apartments for 220 CZK (about €9), the lookout tower for 180 CZK (about €7.50), or even a special winter route that runs outside the main season too. You’ll find tour bookings and the current price list at zamek-hluboka.cz.
The whole complex is rounded out by the beautiful Aleš South Bohemian Gallery, housed in the former chateau riding hall, and below the chateau you’ll find the excellent Ohrada Zoo. Set aside a whole day for Hluboká, because the chateau tour itself is only part of the programme and the surrounding park can take a long while to explore. There are then enough cafés below the chateau for you to take a break before heading back.
24. Tábor
To historic Tábor it’s 46.6 kilometres, and you’ll reach it from Písek in 48 minutes. This town is famous for its Hussite history, and the winding lanes around the massive Žižka Square have a one-of-a-kind charm you’ll simply fall in love with.
During your visit, be sure to head to the excellent Hussite Museum and don’t forget to explore the mysterious Tábor underground, which stretches right beneath the medieval houses. Another big draw is the modern exhibition The Tábor Treasure, which presents valuable historical finds from the region.
The town also thrives on great food, with excellent cafés and vegetarian bistros serving fantastic hummus and fresh salads. Lukáš and I are especially fond of the local lanes that wind up and down, and every time we discover some new little shop or stylish bistro. If the town draws you in deeper, we’ve written a separate article of tips on what to see in Tábor.
25. Holašovice
For the Folk Baroque you’ll drive 48.7 kilometres, which works out to a 46-minute drive. Holašovice is rightly inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list, and its huge rectangular village green, lined with fairytale-decorated farmsteads, is among the most beautiful sights in our country.
The architecture of the South Bohemian Folk Baroque here is preserved in utterly unique completeness, and it’s no dead open-air museum but a normally living village. You can wander freely, admire the stucco on the gables and soak up the incredibly peaceful atmosphere of times gone by.
During your visit, I recommend stopping at the local café or walking to the nearby Holašovice Stonehenge, a modern megalithic structure on the hill behind the village. Entry to the village is, of course, free — it’s a public space open to all considerate visitors. You’ll find information about the village and its events at holasovice.eu.
As we strolled the green, what we enjoyed most was comparing the gables of the individual farmsteads — each has a different combination of arches, volutes and painted details, even though at first glance the whole green looks uniform. Count on an hour or two, so you don’t have to rush it.
26. České Budějovice
To the South Bohemian capital it’s 51.1 kilometres, and you’ll be there by car in 49 minutes. Budějovice is a lively city dominated by the iconic Přemysl Otakar II Square, one of the very largest square plazas in the entire country, lined with beautiful arcades. What’s great about Budějovice is that you can blend history with shopping and excellent food. Stop on the square for the renowned coffee and soak up that genuine South Bohemian city atmosphere.
Your steps should lead to the top of the famous Black Tower, from where there’s a fantastic view over the whole city and the distant peaks of Šumava. The city is also known for the Budvar brewery and the great bike trails that wind along the banks of the Vltava and Malše rivers right in the centre. You’ll find the Black Tower’s opening hours and event tips on the tourist portal budejce.cz.
If you want to explore the city in more detail and are looking for tips on good food or hidden cafés, be sure to open our detailed guide to České Budějovice, where you’ll find everything you need.
27. The Chýnov Cave
To this underground gem you’ll drive 62 kilometres, roughly a 63-minute journey. The Chýnov Cave is historically the very first cave opened to the public in the Czech lands, back in 1863, and unlike the Moravian Karst you won’t see classic stalactites here.
This cave is fascinating for its steep passages and incredibly coloured marble walls, which play through every shade from white through yellow to deep brown. The tour is a touch more physically demanding due to the many steps, but the experience is definitely worth it.
Since it’s a protected natural formation, always check the current price list and opening hours on the website chynovska.caves.cz, because in winter the cave is traditionally closed to protect the hibernating bats.
28. Český Krumlov
To our most beautiful town you’ll drive 69.9 kilometres, reaching it from Písek in 68 minutes. Český Krumlov, inscribed on the UNESCO list, needs no lengthy introduction — its Renaissance chateau towering above a bend in the Vltava is known to just about everyone, and a visit is simply a must.
The town is full of winding lanes, historic houses and romantic views around every corner, so you can easily wander here all day. Outside the summer holidays there tend to be somewhat fewer people, which does the medieval town’s atmosphere a huge favour. Even when Krumlov is packed with tourists, it simply has something special about it. We always prefer to get up early and walk the centre first thing in the morning, while most people are still asleep in their hotels. You’ll find the chateau tour routes and entrance fees at zamek-ceskykrumlov.cz.
To plan the trip in full, including parking and the best viewpoints, check out our separate article on what Český Krumlov has in store, where we’ve written everything up in detail.
29. Třeboň and the pond landscape
To the heart of the fish-farming country it’s 73.7 kilometres, which corresponds to roughly a 68-minute drive. Třeboň is an incredibly picturesque spa town with a Renaissance chateau and a historic centre surrounded on all sides by the dikes of the famous ponds, headed by the enormous Svět pond.
The flat landscape here is an absolute paradise for casual cyclists and spa guests, and the must-see stops include the monumental Schwarzenberg Tomb, hidden in an English park. Plan the trip for a whole day, because the pace here is infectiously slow and relaxed. You’ll find the chateau tour routes and entrance fees at zamek-trebon.cz.
The cafés on the square are exactly the kind of place where you order one tea and sit there for an hour. And you know what? That’s completely fine, because Třeboň simply sets you to that tempo.
30. Šumava
To the nearest edge of Šumava you’ll drive around 40 to 60 kilometres — for example, you’ll reach Prachatice in 44 minutes. The Šumava National Park offers endless hiking possibilities, whether you head for the mysterious Kašperk Castle, the wild Boubín primeval forest, or all the way to the Lipno reservoir.
Kašperk Castle is one of the highest-lying royal castles in Bohemia, and a rating from over nine thousand people says it all. And if you venture a bit further to Lipno, you may as well turn it into a whole weekend — there are easily two days’ worth of attractions there.
For families planning to head into the mountains even with the littlest ones, we’ve put together a very practical article, Šumava with a pushchair, where you’ll find exact routes you can roll along without much trouble even on small wheels.
What’s open around Písek even off-season
While most state-run castles and chateaux fall into a deep winter sleep from November to March, around Písek you’ll find plenty of places you can happily visit even in the colder months.
- The Písek Hills and lookout towers: Nature never closes. Walks on surfaced paths and a climb up the freely accessible Jarník lookout tower are great even in the frost.
- The Protivín Crocodile Zoo: The indoor heated pavilions full of reptiles run all year round and make an ideal shelter from the sleet.
- Town museums and galleries: The exhibitions in Písek, Tábor or Vodňany are usually open regardless of the summer tourist season.
- The big South Bohemian cities: A visit to České Budějovice, Český Krumlov or Tábor is perhaps even more magical outside summer, since you avoid the biggest crowds on the squares.
- Winter tours of Hluboká: Hluboká nad Vltavou Chateau is one of the few to offer a special heated winter route, so you won’t miss the aristocratic interiors even in January.
Where to go from Písek without a car
Although a car is an undeniable advantage for exploring the smaller villages, you can take plenty of great trips from Písek without one too. Just bear in mind that you simply can’t reach the popular Zvíkov and Orlík castles by train, since the tracks don’t run there and you have to rely on buses, which don’t run all that often at weekends.
The train connection from Písek is, however, absolutely fantastic for trips to the bigger towns, such as Strakonice, Vodňany, Tábor or České Budějovice, which you reach very comfortably and quickly. The local station has been renovated and connections link up fairly reliably, so a full day of city sightseeing by rail makes a lot of sense.
For cycling lovers there’s a lovely, easy bike trail running straight out of town along the Otava River, along which you can reach many interesting destinations entirely without a motor. If you want to make the trip easier, many regional buses also offer bike transport on special trailers during the summer season.
Where to next
If you’re interested in more tips for travelling around our homeland, or you want to explore Písek truly in depth, take a look at these tried-and-tested guides:
- What to see in Písek: 39 tips from a local
- Where to holiday in South Bohemia
- 8 trips around South Bohemia
- Where to holiday in the Czech Republic
Frequently asked questions
What are the best day trips from Písek?
The best choice for a day trip is combining a visit to Zvíkov Castle with a boat cruise to nearby Orlík Chateau. If you’re looking for more urban sightseeing, I definitely recommend heading to historic Tábor with its amazing underground tunnels, or to the romantic Hluboká nad Vltavou Chateau with its adjacent zoo.
Where to go for a weekend in the Písek region?
On weekends, shorter trips to the nearby Písecké hory (Písek Hills) combined with a climb up the Jarník lookout tower and a visit to the U Vodáka game enclosure are very popular. Another beautiful stop is Putim with its petting zoo, or the monumental Podolský Bridge, which offers a fascinating view over the Orlík reservoir.
What to do with kids around Písek?
Families with children absolutely love the Fairy Tale Forge in Selibov, where you can see devils and water goblins, or the newly built Farmapark Maletice with giant trampolines. Another great choice is Krokodýlí ZOO (Crocodile Zoo) in Protivín, which is open year-round and children are usually absolutely thrilled by it.
How far is Zvíkov from Písek?
The majestic Zvíkov Castle lies approximately 26 kilometers from Písek and the drive takes about 32 minutes of relaxed driving. The castle towers on a rocky promontory above the confluence of the Vltava and Otava rivers and represents one of the most popular and beautiful tourist destinations in all of southern Bohemia.
Is there a boat service from Zvíkov to Orlík?
Yes, regular boat service between Zvíkov Castle and Orlík Chateau operates, with boats running in both directions from Tuesday to Sunday. Be aware, however, that boats usually have Mondays off, and I recommend checking the exact schedule and current prices in advance on the carrier’s official website.
What’s the best trip within 15 minutes from town?
In just fifteen minutes you can reach the beautiful village of Putim with its popular petting zoo, or Kestřany, where you’ll find an absolute gem in the form of two preserved medieval fortresses standing right next to each other. Another quick option is Protivín with its clock museum and renowned zoo.
Where to go for free around Písek?
You can visit the Jarník lookout tower in the Písecké hory (Písek Hills) completely free of charge, the freely accessible Naše zvířátka petting zoo in Putim, or the Hussite battle memorial by the ponds in Sudoměř. There’s also no admission fee to the unique outdoor ossuary with painted chapels located in Albrechticích nad Vltavou.
What’s open in the area during winter?
While most state-owned castles and chateaux close outside the summer season, you can visit Krokodýlí ZOO (Crocodile Zoo) in Protivín year-round, as well as the city museums in Tábor and Strakonice, and of course the Písecké hory (Písek Hills). An exception among chateaux is Hluboká nad Vltavou, which offers a special winter tour circuit.
Tips and Tricks for Your Vacation
Don’t Overpay for Flights
Search for flights on Kayak. It’s our favorite search engine because it scans the websites of all airlines and always finds the cheapest connection.
Book Your Accommodation Smartly
The best experiences we’ve had when looking for accommodation (from Alaska to Morocco) are with Booking.com, where hotels, apartments, and entire houses are usually the cheapest and most widely available.
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
Good travel insurance will protect you against illness, accidents, theft, or flight cancellations. We’ve had a few hospital visits abroad, so we know how important it is to have proper insurance arranged.
Where we insure ourselves: SafetyWing (best for everyone) and TrueTraveller (for extra-long trips).
Why don’t we recommend any Czech insurance company? Because they have too many restrictions. They set limits on the number of days abroad, travel insurance via a credit card often requires you to pay medical expenses only with that card, and they frequently limit the number of returns to the Czech Republic.
Find the Best Experiences
Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace where you can book guided walks, trips, skip-the-line tickets, tours, and much more. We always find some extra fun there!
