We come back to South Bohemia, Czech Republic almost every single year, and I have to admit this corner of the country never stops charming me. It’s a perfect mix of romance, deep forests and ponds that shimmer into the distance in summer, and we always discover something new. Whether we’re wandering Renaissance lanes or soaking up the peace of nature, we always relax wonderfully here.
Maybe it’s the all-pervading calm, or simply the fact that they make the best kulajda (creamy mushroom soup) in the world, but wine so often loses out in our summers to South Bohemian beer and blueberry dumplings. ☺️
If you’re planning where to head this year, I’ve put together a proper guide to the most beautiful spots you definitely shouldn’t miss. I’ve included not only our personal favourites but also practical tips on where to stay, what not to skip with kids, and what to watch out for this year so you’re not disappointed once you’re there.
Summary
- Most beautiful towns: Český Krumlov and České Budějovice are an absolute must, but don’t forget Renaissance Slavonice or historic Tábor either.
- Nature and peace: If you want to escape the crowds, head to the Czech Canada or wander the lesser-known parts of the Šumava mountains.
- For families with kids: Lipno is a safe bet with a huge number of attractions, but Hluboká nad Vltavou with its small zoo works wonderfully too.
- When to go: You’ll get the best weather and fewer people in June; peak spots get very busy over the summer holidays.
- Swimming 2026: Watch out for Orlík, where there’s a swimming ban near Podolsko this year due to cyanobacteria — go for the sand pits or Staňkovský pond instead.
- Big news: The Jindřichův Hradec narrow-gauge railway is running again from spring 2026 — an experience you really shouldn’t miss.
When to Visit South Bohemia
South Bohemia is beautiful year-round, but if you want to enjoy the sights and nature without pushing through crowds of tourists, the ideal time to go is May or June. The days are already gloriously long, nature is fresh and green, and at popular spots you’ll meet just a fraction of the people compared with the peak summer season. In July and August you have to expect the top destinations to burst at the seams, and the beloved Vltava River turns into one big highway full of rafts for paddlers. If you’re heading to the water, keep an eye on the current 2026 swimming quality, because a strict swimming ban is in place at Orlík in the Podolsko area due to an extreme cyanobacteria bloom. Lipno usually only starts to deteriorate in the second half of August, but the sure bet for clean water all summer long remains the Třeboň region with its sand pits or the popular Staňkovský pond, where you can swim without worry even at the end of the holidays.
Especially in Český Krumlov or at Lipno it gets truly incredibly busy during the summer holidays, so if you can, plan your visit to these places strictly for weekdays or early morning hours. The castle courtyards and main car parks usually fill up on the stroke of ten, when the first organised coach tours arrive. On the other hand, the Czech Canada, the low-key Novohradsko region, or the area around Blatná hold on to their absolute calm even in the middle of August, so you can reliably hide there from civilisation. In September the deer rut begins, which is an incredible experience in the Šumava forests, and if you love the autumn atmosphere, definitely don’t miss the October pond harvests. Seeing the harvest of the largest Czech pond, Rožmberk, with your own eyes is literally a social event, and up close you’ll absorb the true South Bohemian tradition. For a relaxed holiday in this region, set aside at least a long weekend, but honestly you’ll have plenty to discover even over a full fortnight.
Where to Stay in South Bohemia
When choosing your base for the holiday, it’s worth thinking carefully about whether you want everything within reach or would rather have peace and quiet in a spot on the edge of the forest. From one well-chosen base around České Budějovice you can comfortably reach almost all the main sights within an hour by car, which is a huge advantage especially for families with kids. We prefer to look for accommodation on Booking.com.
If you crave absolute romance in Český Krumlov, the Garni hotel Castle Bridge is the absolute top choice, offering a stunning view of the Cloak Bridge and the Vltava River right from your bed, with a night for two costing around €105. For families looking for a more affordable option with hassle-free parking right in front of the building — a real rarity in Krumlov — I can warmly recommend Villa Gap apartments, where you’ll feel very comfortable for under €80. At Lipno, a huge family favourite is the Amenity Hotel & Resort Lipno, which has its own maintained beach, bowling and great facilities for kids, and from there you can walk straight to the famous Treetop Walkway. If you’re after a place with a big wet-weather backup, check out the Wellness Hotel Frymburk, which is the only hotel in the wider area with a huge water park right inside the building. Honestly, while researching, I spent so long looking at their water slide that I can already see myself on it. 😅 Another great choice with kids is Landal Marina Lipno, where you have spacious apartments with a kitchen, thanks to which you’ll save a fair bit on restaurant meals.
In Třeboň I recommend staying right by the Svět pond, where the popular Lázeňský dům Aurora is located, offering the famous peat baths and entry to the Třeboň Water World — just bear in mind the base price of around €60 per person is without meals. In České Budějovice an absolute classic is the Grandhotel Zvon with beautiful rooms and an unforgettable view right over the historic Přemysl Otakar II Square. In Hluboká you can feel like true nobility at Hotel Štekl, which lies just 50 metres below the château, so you’ll reach the courtyard well before the first crowds of tourists. For lovers of the Šumava mountains I recommend Penzion Mauritz in Nová Pec with a fantastic homemade cake for breakfast, or Pension Biofarma Slunečná with wholesome organic breakfasts and animals outside. In Tábor there’s the lovely Boutique Hotel Nautilus with its renowned Goldie restaurant. And if you’re after a truly unusual experience, try the Treehouse Česká Kanada glamping in Artolec, where in the morning they hoist breakfast up to you in a picnic basket on a rope, straight into the treetops.
Where to Go on Holiday in South Bohemia, Czech Republic: 15 Most Beautiful Places
Let’s take a look together at the 15 loveliest places you shouldn’t miss when visiting South Bohemia, whether you’re travelling as a couple or with the whole family. I’ve prepared a mix of iconic landmarks, deep forests and picturesque villages, with current 2026 prices and practical advice so you know exactly what to expect this year.
1. Český Krumlov
Český Krumlov is simply a matter of the heart, and Lukáš and I keep coming back even though in summer it’s absolutely heaving and the town bursts at the seams. Wandering the crooked lanes along the Vltava and admiring those incredible Renaissance façades simply never gets old, especially when you pair it with a good coffee in one of the little hidden cafés. The castle is the absolute landmark of the whole valley, and basic admission to the first tour costs 300 CZK (about €12) this year, while a tour of the unique Baroque theatre costs 400 CZK (about €16) and has to be booked well in advance.
If you don’t want to spend on the interiors, the vast castle gardens are completely free to enter and offer a beautiful view of the town full of red roofs. On your stroll, don’t forget to peek into the castle moat, where bears still live — a little controversial these days, but historically an inseparable part of the château. Another big draw is the Revolving Auditorium in the castle garden, which in 2026 features the eagerly awaited The Little Prince, but tickets for the summer season must be bought far in advance online, or you don’t stand a chance. 💡 Tip: Parking in Krumlov can be nerve-racking, but in our experience the P3 car park by the town park is almost always free, costs 40 CZK (about €1.60) per hour, and it’s only a short walk to the centre. If you like a bit of adrenaline, for 450 to 650 CZK (about €18–27) per person you can rent a raft and float through the historic centre right down the Vltava.
2. České Budějovice
We love going to Budějovice just because, in my opinion, it has one of the prettiest and largest squares in the country — the perfectly square Přemysl Otakar II Square. We always sit on a bench by the Samson Fountain and enjoy the relaxed city atmosphere, which is far airier and much calmer than overcrowded Krumlov. While you’re here, definitely climb the narrow steps of the Black Tower — the view over the whole town and the distant surrounding hills is well worth the little effort.
For all beer lovers, a tour of the national Budvar brewery is an absolute must — it lasts a little over an hour, costs 290 CZK (about €12) this year, and must be booked in advance. Tours for individuals usually start at two in the afternoon, and the final beer tasting right in the lager cellars is, of course, only for adults. 😅 Budějovice is also a great starting point for easy cycling trips, as a flat asphalt route along the water begins here. 💡 Tip: We’ve grown very fond of the easygoing Vltava Trail, which runs along the river all the way to Hluboká and is around 8 kilometres long. If you’re looking for a good lunch spot, in the streets around the square you’ll find plenty of great bistros and cafés serving excellent coffee, and we always enjoy the great vegetarian dishes there.
3. Hluboká nad Vltavou
Hluboká Château is simply the Czech Windsor, and to me it feels like probably our most romantic château of all. Its snow-white walls and intricate details look absolutely breathtaking in photos, and the tour of the representative rooms for 300 CZK (about €12) instantly transports you to the peak glory days of the Schwarzenberg family. The château is surrounded by a sprawling English park, absolutely ideal for long afternoon strolls beneath the crowns of old trees.
A big advantage of Hluboká is that the whole château complex is open year-round, and in winter there are even special winter tours of the heated interiors, so you can visit outside the main summer season too. Parents with smaller children really appreciate the popular Ohrada Zoo, located near the château right by a large pond. The zoo is great because it’s fairly small, so a two-year-old can comfortably walk around it on their own feet; admission is 180 CZK (about €7.40) for an adult, and children under 90 centimetres get in completely free. 💡 Tip: Head to Hluboká first thing in the morning at opening, because by midday the courtyard and gardens are already bursting at the seams under the onslaught of coach tours. Older kids can then be taken on the special tour of the château kitchens, which costs 180 CZK (about €7.40) and is full of interesting historical gadgets.
4. Lipno
Lukáš and I have a slightly special relationship with Lipno — in summer we tend to avoid it because of the crowds, but in winter we had an absolutely fantastic cross-country skiing weekend here full of snow. The snow-covered Treetop Walkway has an incredible charm, and cross-country skiing along the groomed tracks around the frozen lake is an experience I warmly recommend to all lovers of a real winter. In the summer season Lipno is, of course, the centre of all family fun — there are cable cars, bobsleigh tracks, and the popular Treetop Walkway offers tickets with dynamic pricing, so it definitely pays to plan ahead.
Tickets for the walkway start online at around 190 CZK (about €8), but if you buy them on the spot in peak season, you’ll pay nearly 400 CZK (about €16) for an adult. The views from the 40-metre-high tower over the forested Šumava and the distant peaks of the Alps are priceless in fine weather, and you can shortcut your way down via a great dry slide. If you like cycling or in-line skating, the Lakeside Cycle Trail is an absolute gem — a gorgeous flat asphalt stretch connecting Lipno nad Vltavou and Frymburk, measuring 19 kilometres. 💡 Tip: If you want to avoid the biggest crush in the summer season, choose the quieter Frymburk as your base instead of bustling Lipno nad Vltavou, because you’ll also find gentler beaches with a nicer entry into the water.
5. The Šumava Mountains
The Šumava mountains are simply our great love — its deep forests, waterlogged peat bogs and cold streams reliably recharge us every time. We honestly walked through it even with a pushchair when Jonášek was little, and the routes around Kvilda, Modrava or Knížecí Pláně are made for families with small children — you just need a decent off-road set of wheels. One of the loveliest spots is the modern Kvilda Visitor Centre, where from the observation towers you can watch deer and lynx completely free in their natural forest environment, an absolutely magical experience for the whole family.
Just make sure to get up early and set off in good time, because the main car parks at Kvilda and Modrava tend to be hopelessly full by around nine in the morning during the summer months. If you like slightly wilder, untamed nature, head to the legendary Boubín Primeval Forest, where the four-kilometre circular trail from the little lake offers a glimpse of real wilderness — fallen trunks and mosses. What’s more, you can easily combine this whole trip with a train ride to Kubova Huť, which happens to be the highest-situated railway station in the country. 💡 Tip: Much of the Šumava lies within the strictly protected first zone of the national park, so you may only move around on marked hiking trails — watch out for this so you don’t needlessly disturb nature.
6. Třeboň and the Třeboň Region
Třeboň is my favourite spa town, where time somehow drifts by pleasantly and everything revolves around the shallow ponds and total calm. Our favourite thing here is walking along the dam of the huge Svět pond, where we always buy a tasty snack and enjoy the peace in the shade of the old oaks. Local restaurants everywhere serve their renowned Třeboň carp with an EU protected designation — reportedly a great delicacy for all lovers of traditional fish specialities. The historic centre of Třeboň with its painted Renaissance houses and château is small, but all the more picturesque and pleasant to explore.
If you walk a little further along the dam, you’ll come across the Schwarzenberg Tomb in Domanín, an amazing architectural gem in the middle of a park that you can visit for 110 CZK (about €4.50). We always love strolling through the park around the château and occasionally take a sightseeing cruise on Svět, which lasts fifty minutes and reliably runs every day through the summer. The whole Třeboň landscape is completely flat, so it’s a real paradise for casual cyclists — just rent a bike and set off on countless well-maintained trails. 💡 Tip: If you come here in autumn, definitely check the official dates of the pond harvests, because seeing the traditional harvest of the largest pond, Rožmberk, up close is a spectacle you won’t easily find anywhere else in the country.
7. Orlík and Zvíkov
Orlík and Zvíkov are probably the finest sight of all the South Bohemian castles — both look straight out over the water, and in summer the whole scene looks a bit like a fairy-tale backdrop, just without the dragon. Zvíkov Castle sits on a steep rocky promontory right at the confluence of the Vltava and the Otava, and according to many visitors it has one of the most beautiful settings in the country, with basic admission this year working out at 120 CZK (about €5). Orlík Château, which once stood high on a cliff and is now reached by the raised waters of the reservoir, is surrounded by a beautiful park full of peacocks.
A huge advantage is that in the summer season a regular boat service runs between Orlík and Zvíkov, which is an absolutely great way to see both historic gems from a completely different perspective right from the water, without having to drive between them. But what you really need to watch out for this year is the water quality in the reservoir itself, because for summer 2026 there’s a strict swimming ban near Podolsko due to an extreme bloom of health-hazardous cyanobacteria. 💡 Tip: The Zvíkov castle complex is fairly large, and with a pushchair you’ll struggle to reach some of the historic parts over the cobbles, so if you’re coming here with small children, pack a baby carrier instead.
8. Písek
The town of Písek very often stays in the shadow of more famous Krumlov, but in my view that’s a huge shame, because it has incredible charm and far fewer tourists in its streets. Its greatest pride is the oldest stone bridge in the country, dating back to the thirteenth century and even older than Prague’s Charles Bridge, so a walk across it has a wonderful historic atmosphere. For all families with kids, a visit to Písek is an absolute must thanks to the Sladovna, a huge centre of illustration and hands-on interactive exhibitions, where adults pay 150 CZK (about €6) and children are reliably entertained for hours on end.
The youngest children under six have a special area at Sladovna called Pilařiště for 120 CZK (about €5), but during the holidays it can get really busy, so it’s better to book time slots online in advance. Písek also has a beautifully maintained, clean riverfront along the lazily flowing Otava, where you can take a calm stroll or sit down in one of the local cafés and simply watch the river. 💡 Tip: A short drive from Písek lies the famous Provincial Stud Farm, an amazing architectural monument full of beautiful animals, and if you love horses, definitely check the current dates of their guided tours.
9. Tábor
Lukáš and I love visiting Tábor — this town on a hill has an amazing atmosphere full of crooked lanes and deep Hussite history. The old town around Žižka Square is literally a stone maze, in which we love getting lost, and we always discover some new romantic nook or lovely café with excellent espresso. A big event of 2026 is that the Hussite Museum right on the square offers its permanent exhibitions completely free — you only pay to enter the mysterious underground for 120 CZK (about €5), which winds its way beneath the whole historic centre.
When we were here with Jonášek, we obviously couldn’t skip the local Lego Museum, which is smaller in size but an absolute paradise full of bricks for little builders. If you have a sweet tooth, definitely head to the Museum of Chocolate and Marzipan, where they have beautiful creations and in the little workshop you can make your own chocolate praline, which reliably keeps kids entertained. 💡 Tip: If you plan to visit several attractions at once with the family, ask at the ticket desk about the good-value three-in-one ticket for the Chocolate Museum, the Lego Museum and the nearby Hous Mill, where you can handle film-set armour.
10. Jindřichův Hradec
Jindřichův Hradec is a kind of secret love of ours on the border of South Bohemia and the Vysočina highlands — a gorgeous, airy historic town with a huge château mirrored in the surface of Vajgar pond. Don’t miss the famous Krýza Nativity Scene, the largest mechanical nativity in the world, listed in the Guinness Book of Records — I’m fascinated by how intricately the nearly 1,400 figures are hand-crafted. And now the absolute best news for 2026 that everyone has been waiting for: the Jindřichův Hradec narrow-gauge railway is running again!
From spring, historic trains operated by Gepard Express set off once more towards Nová Bystřice; you buy tickets conveniently straight from the conductor, the whole route costs 55 CZK (about €2.30), and it’s an experience we definitely won’t miss on our next visit. The slow journey through the deep forests of the Czech Canada is romance of the highest calibre. The château in Jindřichův Hradec is the third largest in the country, and its Renaissance arcades and the unique Rondel music pavilion are well worth seeing with your own eyes on one of the guided tours. 💡 Tip: The steam trains on the narrow-gauge line run mainly on Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays, so plan your day-trip itinerary accordingly, or you’ll miss the puffing engine.
11. The Czech Canada and Landštejn Castle
When Lukáš and I really want to switch off and escape all the city bustle, we head straight to the Czech Canada, because those deep forests and dark ponds hidden among the trees have an almost mystical atmosphere. The region’s absolute landmark is the ruin of Landštejn Castle, a mighty stone fortress in the middle of the forests, from whose tall tower there’s an incredible view over the wide surroundings, with admission this year costing 140 CZK (about €5.70). This border region is absolutely ideal for hiking and easygoing cycling far from cars.
All the trails here lead through pristine nature with an absolute minimum of civilisation, and at times you really feel like you’re somewhere in a deserted Nordic wilderness. We love discovering the strange granite rock formations scattered across the forests on foot, such as the well-known Devil’s Backside, reached by a very pleasant forest trail. For families with smaller children there are the great Grasel Trails around Nová Bystřice, which offer fun tasks for kids big and small completely free — you just pick up a game map at the local info centre. 💡 Tip: Don’t forget good shoes and proper insect repellent, because the forests of the Czech Canada are beautiful but all the wilder, and around the water there tend to be quite a few mosquitoes in summer.
12. Slavonice
Slavonice is a huge historical favourite of ours — it’s rightly called a Renaissance pearl, and I have to fully agree, because you won’t easily see such a well-preserved historic square anywhere else in the country. The houses with rich, incredibly detailed sgraffito on their façades look freshly cut from a history textbook, and we always manage to sit for hours on a terrace here, quietly admiring those beautiful sixteenth-century patterns.
A huge point of interest is that beneath the whole square hides the tangled Slavonice underground; we walked through it and it’s a decent bit of adrenaline. The guide gives you wellies, a raincoat and a torch, and on the shorter route for 80 CZK (about €3.30) you sometimes have to crouch a little or squeeze through a narrow passage. It’s definitely not for the claustrophobic, but the experience is absolutely perfect and one of a kind. 😅 On the very edge of town you’ll also find a fortress complex from the 1930s, which lovers of military history will fully appreciate, because the local concrete bunkers are beautifully restored and open to the public. 💡 Tip: If you love original ceramics and art, definitely pop into the local craft workshops, because they make lovely handmade pieces here that work as a great souvenir from your travels.
13. Holašovice
Lukáš and I dropped into Holašovice a little out of curiosity on our way south, and we were absolutely swept away by how beautifully the traditional rural architecture has been preserved here to this day. It’s a style known as folk Baroque — gorgeously decorated white farmsteads built side by side around a huge grassy village green with a little pond, and it’s no wonder the whole village is rightly listed by UNESCO. Entry to the village itself is, of course, free, but bear in mind these are ordinary lived-in houses full of local residents.
So please don’t peer into people’s windows and respect their privacy, even though those beautifully painted gables sometimes really tempt you to photograph them. Just above the village lies the so-called Holašovice Stonehenge, a large circle of huge stones said to have strong positive energy, with a lovely view over the wide countryside. Every year on the last July weekend, the traditional Folk Festival takes place, when the village green comes alive with old crafts and music, but be prepared for huge numbers of people and parked cars. 💡 Tip: If you want to enjoy Holašovice in real peace and photograph the farmsteads without crowds of tourists, you have to arrive here by half past nine in the morning at the latest, before the first organised coaches reach the green.
14. Červená Lhota Château
Almost everyone knows Červená Lhota Château from classic Czech fairy tales, and it’s probably the most iconic water château in the country, its striking red colour contrasting beautifully with the surrounding green nature. This year, though, a big surprise awaits you on the spot, because the pond around the château has been completely drained since 2022 due to a damaged dam, and sadly there’s still no water in it even in the summer season of 2026.
If you were looking forward to romantic little boat rides around the château, this year it simply won’t be possible, so plan for that in advance so you’re not disappointed on the spot, because the château now stands a little sadly on dry ground. Even so, it’s definitely worth a visit — the classic tour of the first floor comes to 180 CZK (about €7.40), and the historic interiors are really beautifully and richly furnished. The château is fairly small overall, so touring it doesn’t take much time, and it’s an absolutely ideal short stop when driving between Jindřichův Hradec and Tábor. 💡 Tip: Although there’s no water here this year, the maintained park around the château is still open and freely accessible, so you can at least take a pleasant walk along the grassy banks of the dry pond.
15. Bechyně
The town of Bechyně, proudly perched on a high steep cliff right above the Lužnice River, is an amazing and peaceful place with a rich history and a very strong spa tradition. An absolute technical rarity is the local giant reinforced-concrete bridge, aptly nicknamed the Bechyně Rainbow, over which not only ordinary cars pass but which also has train rails built right into the road — a great unique feature in the country. Bechyně is also renowned far and wide for making quality ceramics, because it’s home to the oldest ceramics school in Bohemia, and beautiful artistic pieces can be admired in the museum and bought right there.
Bechyně Château itself is currently in private hands, but in the summer season it offers very interesting tour routes that take you deep into the rich history of the Rožmberk family. Bechyně simply doesn’t bubble with hectic bustle, and that’s exactly the point. It’s a place where you grab a coffee, stroll along the lookouts high above the river, and don’t rush anywhere. 💡 Tip: Definitely go and see the fabulous viewpoint by the old monastery, from where you’ll get the absolutely most beautiful view of the deep forested Lužnice valley and the surrounding steep slopes.
South Bohemia With Kids: The Best Family Tips
South Bohemia is absolutely perfect for travelling with kids, especially if you have a little one at home who refuses to walk yet wants to see everything. 😅 I’ve prepared an overview of the best things to do here with children, whether you have little explorers with a pushchair or older teens who won’t be impressed by just another château.
The Treetop Walkway and Lipno With Kids
Lipno is without debate the main family epicentre of the whole region, and the famous Treetop Walkway is a huge draw — buy tickets strictly online in advance, because the prices are dynamic and start from 190 CZK (about €8), and you’ll also skip the long queues at the ticket desks. Kids will be thrilled by the huge slide that shortcuts your way down from the tall tower, and the whole walkway is fully wheelchair-accessible too.
Right next to the walkway lies the popular Kingdom of the Forest, a huge play area full of trampolines and climbing frames, where you can easily spend half a day, and it’s worth considering a season pass for 990 CZK (about €41) if you’re staying for a longer holiday. For older kids and adults there’s the Slideland bobsleigh track a short walk away, where you can test both the toboggan run and the mountain track for around 80 CZK (about €3.30) per ride.
If the weather happens to turn bad, Aquaworld Lipno is a great wet-weather option — they have a wild river as well as a safe paddling pool, and admission for two hours comes to 311 CZK (about €13) for an adult.
Chasing Animals: Zoos, Bears and Crocodiles
Small children simply love animals, and Hluboká Zoo right by the pond is made for them — it’s fairly small, so a two-year-old can comfortably walk around it on their own feet, admission is a pleasant 180 CZK (about €7.40), and three hours will be enough for the whole visit. Another plus is the lovely outdoor restaurant terrace right next to a big playground, where you can enjoy a coffee in peace while the kids romp safely.
If you have braver reptile lovers at home, head to the Crocodile Zoo in Protivín, where they have the largest crocodile exhibition in all of Europe and at weekends there’s a very popular guided feeding, for which the family ticket comes to 650 CZK (about €27).
A brand-new option for families is the sprawling Maletice Farm Park near Písek, where you’ll find adorable alpacas, donkeys, popular bouncy trampolines and a giant hay maze, with a daily family ticket bought online costing 799 CZK (about €33).
When It Rains: Sladovna, Museums and Water Parks
Rainy days can really test you on holiday, but in South Bohemia there are plenty of wet-weather options, with the absolute number one being Sladovna Písek with its hands-on exhibitions, where children under six can let off steam in the interactive Pilařiště for 120 CZK (about €5), while older kids pay 150 CZK (about €6). During the summer holidays, though, you have to book time slots strictly online in advance, or you won’t get in at all due to capacity.
In České Budějovice a rainy situation is saved by the large indoor play centre Hopsárium, where kids have giant climbing frames and trampolines at their disposal for 269 CZK (about €11) — just don’t forget to bring them clean socks. If you’re staying closer to Tábor, the Museum of Chocolate and Marzipan will reliably save you, where in the creative workshop kids can model their own creations and you can easily kill a couple of hours.
And as I already mentioned, Aquaworld Lipno or the large pool with a slide at Wellness Hotel Frymburk are an absolute safe bet when it’s bucketing down outside.
Around South Bohemia With a Pushchair
With a pushchair you need smooth asphalt and an absolute minimum of elevation, and that’s exactly what the Lakeside Cycle Trail at Lipno offers on the stretch from Frymburk to Přední Výtoň, a beautiful and safe flat route 19 kilometres long that you can turn back on at any time. The route is nice and wide, and along the way you’ll find plenty of spots to rest or have a snack with a view straight over the lake.
Very pleasant pushchair walks are also offered by flat Třeboň, where the popular loop called the Around the World Trail is 12 kilometres long but is completely level, and all the forest paths are beautifully maintained. It takes you all the way to the famous Schwarzenberg Tomb, and you spend almost the whole time in pleasant shade under the trees.
Around České Budějovice there’s the great Vltava Trail towards Hluboká Château, which measures 8 kilometres, is flat as a table, and the right bank of the river offers a quieter gravel path safely far from all cars.
Practical Tips: Paddling, Swimming and Transport
If you’re planning to head out on the water, the Vltava is an absolute classic, but in July and August it turns into a paddling highway. An hour’s float through Krumlov will cost you roughly 450 to 650 CZK (about €18–27) per person; if you want to rent a raft for a full-day trip from Vyšší Brod, expect a price of around 1,100 CZK (about €45) per person. For families with kids, a much calmer option is the Otava River, where renting a family raft for the day costs around 1,500 CZK (about €60) and you won’t meet such crowds.
As for swimming, 2026 brought complications on the Orlík reservoir, where a strict swimming ban is in place near Podolsko due to a high occurrence of cyanobacteria, so definitely don’t go in the water there. Water quality at Lipno usually holds up until mid-August, but if you want an absolute guarantee of clean water all summer, head to Staňkovský pond or the sand pits in the Třeboň region. Always check the current status in advance on the portal koupacivody.cz.
Parking in tourist centres tends to be a challenge; in Český Krumlov I recommend using the park-and-ride car parks P1 to P3, where you’ll pay from 40 to 60 CZK (about €1.60–2.50) per hour, with P3 by the town park most often having free spaces. If you’re spending your holiday at Lipno, definitely get the Lipno.card, which gives you discounts on parking, cable cars and entry to the main attractions — a real relief for the family budget. And if you’re renting a car to explore the region, it’s worth comparing prices in advance.
Where to Eat in South Bohemia
South Bohemian cuisine is hearty and a little earthy, exactly the kind you’ll appreciate after a full day out. Here I always treat myself to a proper kulajda with mushrooms and a poached egg, and it wouldn’t be complete without South Bohemian pastries or blueberry dumplings, which almost everywhere makes in season. The local speciality number one is, of course, Třeboň carp with an EU protected designation; locals go for it and for the renowned carp chips to Šupina and Šupinka right in Třeboň.
When it comes to cafés, Lukáš and I have a few tried-and-tested favourites. In Český Krumlov drop into Kolektiv café a short walk from the Barber’s Bridge, where they make excellent coffee in a lovely minimalist space. In České Budějovice we love Fér Cafe with homemade cakes, and in Třeboň don’t miss a coffee in the Château Pharmacy, a combination of café and small museum you won’t easily find elsewhere.
And one classic to finish: a South Bohemian evening goes hand in hand with Budvar beer, whether you taste it on a brewery tour or in a pub by a pond. If you’re driving, almost everywhere will pour you an alcohol-free version too, so you won’t miss out on the flavour.
Where to Go Next
If South Bohemia won you over, definitely read our detailed guide Český Krumlov: 20 Tips on What to See and Do, where you’ll find all the details about this magical town. A short drive from Krumlov also lies České Budějovice: 28 Tips on What to Do and See, which offers far more than just the famous square and beer.
For lovers of history and monuments, we’ve put together What to See in Tábor: 19 Tips — you simply have to walk through this town full of crooked lanes. And if you’re travelling with family, check out our special Šumava With a Pushchair: 17 Tips, where you’ll find tried-and-tested flat routes without roots.
Frequently Asked Questions
To finish, I’ve written up answers to the questions you most often have about a holiday in South Bohemia. You’ll find everything here from the best dates to swimming to tips on where to hide from the crowds.
When is the best time to visit South Bohemia?
You’ll experience the best weather and fewest crowds in June or early September. During the summer holidays in July and August, major hotspots like Krumlov or Lipno are very crowded, so plan your visit to these popular destinations for early morning hours or on weekdays.
Where to go with small children and a stroller?
For families with a stroller, the flat Třeboňsko region or the paved Jezerní cycling trail at Lipno are ideal. Another excellent choice is the Hluboká ZOO, which is small enough for a child to walk around completely on their own, or a visit to the deer and lynx enclosures at Kvilda in Šumava, where there are log-paved pathways.
Where can you swim safely in South Bohemia?
In 2026, definitely avoid Orlík in the Podolsko area, where there is a strict ban due to algae blooms. The cleanest water is consistently found at Staňkovský pond in the Třeboňsko region or the numerous gravel pits around Veselí nad Lužnicí, which stay clean until the end of summer. Always check the water quality online beforehand.
What to do in South Bohemia when it rains?
Great rainy-day options include the giant Sladovna in Písek, full of interactive exhibits for children, the large Hopsárium play centre in České Budějovice, or Aquaworld at Lipno. For those with a sweet tooth, I warmly recommend the Museum of Chocolate and Marzipan in Tábor with its own creative workshop.
How many days should you allocate for a holiday?
For a quick taste, a long weekend in one area like Třeboň or Krumlov is enough. But if you want to tour the most beautiful monuments and also enjoy some nature and hiking, plan at least a week and choose a strategic base somewhere in the middle near České Budějovice.
Are there any new features in the region for 2026?
The biggest novelty is the return of the Jindřichův Hradec narrow-gauge railway, which from spring onwards is running again to Nová Bystřice with the Gepard Express. Also, the Hussite Museum in Tábor is now offering free admission to its permanent exhibitions. Note that the pond at Červená Lhota is unfortunately still drained this year due to a damaged dam, so you won’t be able to take romantic boat rides around the château.
Where to look for accommodation away from the tourist crowds?
If you want real peace and quiet, avoid the overcrowded centres of Krumlov and Lipno nad Vltavou during the summer holidays. Try looking for accommodation in the deep forests of Česká Kanada, in the understated Novohradsko region, or around the picturesque town of Slavonice, where even in mid-August you’ll find half-empty forest trails and absolute tranquillity. Frymburk is also an excellent and considerably quieter alternative to busy Lipno.
Where can I find the most beautiful historic towns?
Besides the famously well-known Český Krumlov, you definitely shouldn’t miss Renaissance Slavonice with its richly decorated sgraffito house facades. Jindřichův Hradec also has a beautiful historic centre with a monumental château, and Tábor is absolutely unique thanks to its Hussite history and winding streets. Písek also offers a great historic atmosphere without the tourist crowds, with the oldest stone bridge in the country.
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!
