Oemau lies at the foot of the 870-metre-high Kohout, the highest peak in the Soběnovská vrchovina Nature Park, known locally as the Slepičí hory. You can explore the landscape via specific trail destinations: the Údolím Černé Nature Trail leads from the Soběnov Reservoir to the Soběnov hydroelectric power station, while the Slepičí Hory hike connects the Černá, the reservoir and the ruins of Sokolčí. There is also a church with Gothic origins and a climbing area. Nature, local history and active excursions therefore offer different focal points.
Landscape and Reservoir
The Soběnovská vrchovina Nature Park around Oemau contains remnants of mixed scree forest. The Soběnov Reservoir is the oldest still-operating reservoir in South Bohemia. It is accessible year-round, and admission is free; check the latest access information before travelling.
Hiking Trails and Route Options
The Údolím Černé Nature Trail is 3 kilometres long and has nine stops. It leads from the Soběnov Reservoir to the Soběnov hydroelectric power station. The longest version of the Paměti Slepičích hor circular route is 54 kilometres long and connects 17 stops with information boards. The route length highlights the difference between the short nature trail and the extensive circular route. The Paměti Slepičích hor cycling route is marked with cycle-tourism signposts bearing the route logo.
Another hike, Slepičí Hory, descends to the Černá, joins the Údolím Černé Nature Trail and passes the Soběnov Reservoir and the ruins of Sokolčí. From Oemau, the route leads towards the ruins in the direction of Děkanské Skaliny, via the turn-off to the U dubu mill and onto the green-marked Údolím Černé Nature Trail. Water conditions can affect the final approach; check the situation locally.
Church and Castle Remains
St. Nicholas Church stands in the northern part of the village, near the village square, on elevated ground. It was originally Gothic, was remodelled in the Baroque style in the mid-17th century and was repaired in 1853. Its Gothic origins are evident in the tower. The sequence of dates reveals several distinct phases of construction: the tower points to the older origins, while the Baroque remodelling and repairs place the church’s later history in context.
The clearly visible remains of Sokolčí Castle lie on a rocky promontory above the Černá stream. Its position above the river makes it a distinct landmark in the landscape, separate from the church in the village.
Climbing and Rallying
The Sokolčí climbing area has a granite wall 25 metres high and 70 metres wide. It offers face climbing, crack climbing and chimney climbing. Check route conditions and protection on site. The Český Krumlov Rally is also a recurring highlight: every year, special stages start and finish in Oemau. Dates and event details may vary; if you want to plan your trip around the rally, check the specific dates.
Discover more destinations: Friedberg, Dluhoste, Sirnin, Chunzen, Subschitz, Priethal, Theresiendorf, Zwickau.
Return to the main travel overview: Okres Český Krumlov.
