Castle Route in the Budějovicko Region - 4 Castles
Set out on a journey to explore four castles along this scenic route. The trail takes you through some of the most famous locations, such as Hluboká nad Vltavou, the interactive visitor center of the Temelín Nuclear Power Plant – Vysoký Hrádek, Mitrowicz Castle, situated at the confluence of the Lužnice and Vltava Rivers, and Bechyně Castle.
Total length
86 km
Duration
8 - 9 hours
Terrain
paved surface, asphalt
Recommended period for visiting
spring to autumn
Difficulty level
high physical demand, suitable for e-bikes
Marking
Yes
How do you get to the start
Hluboká nad Vltavou is accessible via public transport and offers parking facilities.
How to get back
The route is designed as a loop, but you can also return by bus from Bechyně if needed.
Route description
HLUBOKÁ NAD VLTAVOU – PURKAREC – JE TEMELÍN – HNĚVKOVICE - TÝN NAD VLTAVOU – KOLODĚJE NAD LUŽNICÍ – BECHYNĚ – BŘEZNICE – HORNÍ KNĚŽEKLADY – PONĚŠICE – HLUBOKÁ NAD VLTAVOU
Interesting places on the route
Sport & Relaxation Area Hluboká – A multi-activity area featuring cycling trails, a golf course, a rope park, and more.
Hluboká Castle & Brewery – One of the most famous neo-Gothic castles in the Czech Republic, often compared to England’s Windsor Castle. The adjacent brewery offers traditional Czech beers and local gastronomy.
Temelín Nuclear Power Plant: Vysoký Hrádek Castle – The interactive visitor center is housed in a historical chateau and provides a fascinating multimedia exhibition on nuclear energy and physics.
Hněvkovice Hydroelectric Power Plant – A modern hydroelectric facility located on the Vltava River, contributing to the region’s energy supply.
Hněvkovice Castle – A small historic chateau, once part of the Schwarzenberg estates.
Hněvkovice Mill – A well-preserved traditional water mill, a symbol of the region’s historical river economy.
Týn nad Vltavou
- Museum with exhibits on the region’s history, culture, and the Vltava River.
- Revolving auditorium – A unique open-air theater experience.
- Underground tunnels – Discover hidden passages beneath the city.
Towpath trail – A historic path once used by draft horses to pull rafts upstream.
Mitrowicz Castle – A Baroque chateau located at the confluence of the Lužnice and Vltava Rivers. Currently undergoing reconstruction, with limited access.
Bechyně Castle – A Renaissance castle with a rich history, connected to Petr Vok of Rožmberk. The castle overlooks the Lužnice River, offering breathtaking views.
Židova Strouha – A picturesque natural gorge, a perfect spot for a short scenic detour.
Poněšice Distillery – A local distillery producing fine spirits using traditional Czech techniques.
