On the village green in Žabovřesky stands a zvonička, a bell tower that regularly rings the Angelus. This local landmark suits a place whose themes range from community traditions and traces of the past to ponds and wetlands. For a stay, cultural and nature interests can be explored side by side: in the village itself, in nearby Dehtáře and at the Dehtář Dam.
Local History and Traditions
The earliest written mention of Žabovřesky dates to 1334. That same year, Žabovřesky, Dehtáře and Radošovice belonged to the Poděhusy fortress; on 26 May, Jan Lucemburský exchanged them with the Rosenbergs for the border castle of Janovice nad Úhlavou.
The niche chapel of St John of Nepomuk in Žabovřesky is registered as an immovable cultural monument under registration number 35016/3-618. In nearby Dehtáře, at the Žabovřesky–Břehov crossroads, stands a brick wayside shrine dating from the first half of the 19th century.
Archaeological finds also offer insight into the long history of the area around Vosí vrch. Remains of early settlement were discovered at the foot of the hill. Pottery finds from the area date from the Late Bronze Age through the Hallstatt and La Tène periods to the Early Middle Ages.
Another story belongs to local tradition: the Žabovřeský mill is associated with Jan Žižka spending the night there on his journey from Poděhusy Castle to Zlatá Koruna. This story has been passed down as a legend.
Ponds, Wetlands and Birdlife
The name Žabovřesky is associated with a landscape of numerous ponds, pools and wetlands, home to diverse plant and animal life. Nearby Dehtář Pond was filled in 1479, covers 260 hectares and is now used for fish farming and recreation.
The nearby Dehtář Bird Protection Area protects, in particular, the common tern (Sterna hirundo) and the greylag goose (Anser anser). Their main purposes differ: fish farming and recreation are the focus at the pond, while the bird protection area safeguards certain bird species.
Swimming Spot and Trails Around Dehtář
At the Dehtář Dam, accessible from the settlement of Dehtáře in the municipality of Žabovřesky, there is a swimming spot, a small grassy beach, a shallow entry into the water and a small car park. Access and recreation conditions nearby may vary seasonally. If swimming is part of your plans, check conditions before your visit.
Cycle Route 1083 passes through Žabovřesky. At the Dehtář Dam, Cycle Route 1085 runs from Holašovice to Zliv; the yellow-marked KČT hiking trail from Hluboká nad Vltavou to Dubné also passes there. This lets you distinguish between a cycle route through the village and trails by the dam. Check route numbers and markings before setting out by bike or on foot.
Community Tradition
Announcements from 2015 and 2025 document the return of the Masopust carnival in Žabovřesky, organised by the Žábácká mládenecká koleda.
Discover more destinations: Duben, Ledenice, Strýčice, Veselka, Julienhain, Vráto, Hůrky, Tschejkowitz
For the broader travel overview: České Budějovice District.
