See the beauties of České Budějovice and Hluboká region from

Join us and see the beauties of České Budějovice and Hluboká region, this time comfortably downstream the Vltava with several stop options, and experience a different, perhaps even more interesting world from the deck of a boat.

The trip can start from the Lanna shipyard near Dlouhý bridge, the starting point of the navigable Vltava. Board the river cruiser Vojtěch LANNA Jr., which will take you to České Vrbné, then onward to Hluboká nad Vltavou and Purkarec, and back to České Budějovice. You can disembark at each of these locations and start getting to know the beautiful area. If you want a more varied journey, take your bicycle or inline skates with you and pick a route combination. In addition, the cruise route is followed by a cycling trail connecting České Budějovice and Purkarec. The boat timetable is available here. 

What to see and experience:

České Vrbné

České Vrbné has a marina, a protective pier and a lock. If you disembark, you enter Lída Polesná’s whitewater center, which features a recently renovated whitewater slalom course. You can hire whitewater equipment as well as bicycles and inline skates. Try rafting or master the whitewater in a kayak or canoe, with the option of being led by experienced instructors.

Hluboká nad Vltavou

A visit to Hluboká nad Vltavou is definitely not a boring choice. Its greatest attractions include the fairytale chateau, which should definitely be on your list of things to see. Right next to the chateau are the Riding Hall and Aleš South Bohemian Art Gallery; the chateau garden with century-old oaks is ideal for a romantic stroll. For fun, adrenaline and relaxation, go to the Hluboká Sport and Relaxation Center and try the adventure mini-golf or the rope center. The kids will surely appreciate the large wooden castle, various climbing frames, slides and other attractions. But that’s not all there is. You can enjoy a horseback ride at the Vondrov Riding Center or discover the animal kingdom in nearby Ohrada Zoo. Enjoy a round of golf at the local renowned golf course, or visit the local open-air bath.

Karlův Hrádek (also known as Karlshaus or Hrádek u Purkarce)

The picturesque ruin of a Gothic hunting castle is situated some 7 km north of Hluboká nad Vltavou. Karlův hrádek, as its name suggests, was founded by King Charles IV as an administrative center for the royal territory. The oldest mention of the castle dates to 1357. However, all mentions of the castle end in the late 14th century, so it can be assumed that it was abandoned. You can reach the castle easily on foot or by bike along the red hiking trail from Purkarec. You can also use the new section of the Hluboká cycling trail from Hluboká nad Vltavou to Purkarec. The cycling trail crosses the beautiful countryside past the “old hunting grounds” and offers a nice walk or ride even for families with children.

Purkarec

Purkarec is an important village associated with the timber rafting tradition on the Vltava. It has a tiny yet interesting timber rafting museum, the Late Gothic Church of St. George, and several farmsteads in the Rustic Baroque style.