Above the Vltava, on a distinctive hill, stands the late Gothic Church of St John the Baptist in Zátoň. The town’s history also includes an archaeological area by the river and several named cycling routes. These offer different starting points for planning: you can explore the history of the church and monastery, or choose a cycling tour based on the route descriptions. For cycling routes, it is worth checking the information provided for each one, as a stage length, a route description and a seasonal recommendation answer different questions.

Church and Local History

The church was built on older foundations after 1490 and vaulted in 1510. The two dates refer to different building phases: construction is dated to after 1490, while 1510 marks the vaulting. This distinguishes the date of the vault from the start of the church’s construction. Its location is also part of the description: the late Gothic building stands on a distinctive hill above the Vltava.

A document from 1310 records Zátoň as the southern outpost of the lands belonging to the Benedictine Monastery of Ostrov. An earlier tradition links the town’s history with a wooded area and a chapel dedicated to St John the Baptist. According to this tradition, the chapel was donated to Ostrov Monastery between 1037 and 1055. This early connection remains a tradition and should be distinguished from the documentary reference dating to 1310.

Archaeological Area by the Vltava

The archaeological area of Zátoň lies by the Vltava. It includes areas with confirmed archaeological finds as well as areas where finds can reasonably be expected. The archaeological significance therefore encompasses not only known finds, but also those reasonably expected. Together with the history of the church and monastery, this offers another way to explore the town’s past.

Cycling Routes and Travel Seasons

The seventh stage of EuroVelo 7 runs from Zátoň via Spolí to Český Krumlov and is 17.1 km long. This distance applies to the stage along this route. Check the route conditions before setting out.

The marked Vltavský okruh runs from Lenora via Zátoň to Horní Vltavice. Spring, summer and autumn are listed as recommended seasons for the Vltavská cyklistická cesta. This seasonal recommendation applies to the named route; it is not a general recommendation for all routes. You can therefore consider the course of the Vltavský okruh, the stage length of EuroVelo 7 and the recommended travel seasons for the Vltavská cyklistická cesta separately when planning your trip.

Getting Your Bearings on the Vltava

A specific sequence of landmarks is provided to help you find your way on the river: about 1 km after the bridge in Zátoň, the Vltava widens and forms numerous shallow spots. An island comes next; pass it on the left. Further downstream is the Na Pískárně campsite. The distance is approximate and intended as a guide. River conditions and campsite operations may change; check them if you use this information in your plans.

For an overview of the wider trip: Weather.