From České Budějovice to Temelín Nuclear Power Plant
A family-friendly cycling trip from České Budějovice through Hluboká to Purkarec and possibly all the way to explore nuclear energy at the Temelín Nuclear Power Plant
Join us on a scenic cycling trip from České Budějovice, following a picturesque route along the Vltava River, leading through Hluboká nad Vltavou and on to Purkarec. Along the way, you can visit the stunning Hluboká Castle, enjoy breathtaking views over the Hněvkovice Reservoir, ride past the ancient settlement of Baba, and explore the Karvanice Nature Reserve. Adventure seekers can try rock climbing at Ferrata Hluboká, right above the Vltava River. You can also visit the Karlův hrádek Castle ruins, explore the Rafting Museum, and, if you're up for it, continue your journey to Temelín Nuclear Power Plant, where you can learn about nuclear energy production.
Total length
34 km
Duration
3 hours
Terrain
Asphalt, paved paths
Recommended period for visiting
Spring to autumn
Difficulty level
Medium difficulty
Marking
YES – on designated cycling routes
How do you get to the start
České Budějovice is well connected by public transport and offers plenty of parking spaces.
How to get back
Temelín Nuclear Power Plant’s visitor center is located near a bus stop.
From Purkarec, you can opt for boat transport.
Route description
Starting in České Budějovice (parking near Dlouhý most), follow Vltavská Cycle Route to Hluboká nad Vltavou, keeping to the left bank of the Vltava River. After passing the Sports and Relaxation Complex, continue along Vltavská Cycle Route to Purkarec (with an optional detour to Karlův hrádek Castle). The cycle path is fully paved.
- The section České Budějovice – Hluboká nad Vltavou is flat.
- The section Hluboká nad Vltavou – Purkarec consists of alternating climbs and descents.
- The route features information boards on local flora and fauna, as well as covered rest areas.
Extending the Trip to Temelín
If you wish to continue your journey to the Temelín Nuclear Power Plant, follow Cycle Route 1091 from Purkarec, then switch to Cycle Route 1095, passing Býšov, and finally take the main road towards Temelín Nuclear Power Plant.
In favorable conditions, it is possible to avoid most of the main road by following dirt paths, crossing it only near Temelín.
Return Options
- The return journey to České Budějovice follows the same route.
- If you’re feeling tired or want to add variety to your trip, you can board the regular boat service Vojtěch Lanna Jr., which also transports bicycles (schedule available here).
- If you opt to visit the Temelín Nuclear Power Plant and prefer not to cycle back to Purkarec, you can take the yellow line of the Cyklotrans transport system, which accommodates bicycles and returns to České Budějovice (schedule available here).
Interesting places on the route
České Budějovice – Visit the historic center with Přemysl Otakar II Square, Samson’s Fountain, the Black Tower, the Old Town Hall, Piarist Square, and many other attractions.
Experience the thrill of wild rapids by rafting or canoeing at the Lída Polesná Whitewater Park in České Vrbné.
Bavorovice – The center of the village is a heritage zone, where you can see traditional Blata-style farmhouses, a blacksmith’s forge with a bell tower, and a chapel from the 18th century.
Hluboká nad Vltavou – Discover the majestic Hluboká Castle, enjoy sports, adrenaline, and fun at the Sports and Relaxation Complex, the golf course, or the outdoor swimming pool, visit Zoo Ohrada, or go horse riding at the Vondrov equestrian center.
Take a scenic ride through beautiful nature around Staré obora, stretching from Hluboká nad Vltavou to the Gothic ruins of Karlův hrádek. Within Staré obora, you’ll find Baba Nature Park, home to the remains of a Celtic oppidum settlement.
Karlův hrádek – A freely accessible, romantic Gothic castle ruin, built in the 14th century by Emperor Charles IV as a personal retreat.
Purkarec – A former rafting village. Visit the Rafting Museum, where you can learn fascinating details about raft construction, rope-making, the clothing of raftsmen, and their tools, through historical documents, photographs, models, and everyday objects.
Býšov – A fortress from the late 14th century, once the residence of brothers Arnošt and Kunín of Býšov. Visit the museum exhibitions, which showcase the history of the fortress, life in medieval strongholds, the archaeology of the Vltavotýnsko region, and the distillation industry in Bohemia.
Temelín Nuclear Power Plant – Visit the Temelín Nuclear Power Plant Information Center, located in the Renaissance château Vysoký hrádek. Here, you can explore a technical multimedia exhibition on nuclear energy and physics, which provides interesting insights not only about Temelín and its operations but also about the field of nuclear energy. The visitor center also features a large park with playgrounds and a pond.
