Strolling Through the Castle Park Hluboká nad Vltavou
Enjoy a walk through the castle park and learn about the history and present of the park and the Hluboká region.
The South Bohemian town of Hluboká nad Vltavou is mostly associated with its magnificent castle. And for good reason – this architectural gem is truly unique. If you would like to take a break from culture and history after a castle tour, or simply enjoy a romantic stroll under the treetops, visit the castle park. It is also a remarkable historical landmark.
The castle park was created between 1840 and 1871, during the reconstruction of the baroque residence into a romantic neo-Gothic castle by the Schwarzenberg family. The idea of establishing a grand park was especially championed by Princess Eleonora, who even supervised the construction work. The park was built after extensive landscaping on the fields surrounding the castle.
Total length
2.5 km
Duration
1 hour
Terrain
Low
Route description
Start your walk in the formal gardens near the castle, where you can admire an extensive collection of exotic trees. Some unusual species include the catalpa, tulip tree, hemlock, and Kentucky coffeetree. The gardens transition into a vast landscaped park, interwoven with carriage and promenade paths, which provide stunning views of the surrounding countryside, framed by the Blanský Forest and the Šumava Mountains in the south.
You can also follow the new educational trail, which leads through the castle park. The route begins at Hotel Štekl, passes around the castle, and continues into the park. At a total of 10 stops, you will learn fascinating details about the history and present of the park and the Hluboká region. The panels include information about the overall park composition, the landscaping of the Lower and Upper Gardens near the castle (familiar from the famous fairy tale Proud Princess), and surprising viewpoints of the Hluboká landscape. Other panels provide details about the park’s founders, water structures, fauna, and flora. The 2.5 km long trail is physically easy and suitable even for strollers.
Stops Along the Educational Trail:
- Educational Trail of the Castle Park in Hluboká nad Vltavou
- Lower Garden
- Upper Garden
- Park Composition
- Viewpoints
- Gardener Rudolf Wácha
- Birds and Plants
- Pond
- Insects
- Water Tower and Hotel Štekl
