Cycling along the Otava
The Sedláček Trail makes the Otava the guiding thread of a hike: the route follows the river for 25 kilometres from Písek to Zvíkov. Cyclists can take a 35-kilometre route numbered 1225, which is also intended for shared use by hikers and cyclists. A shorter cycling connection is route 1149: it links Písek with Zvíkovské Podhradí and Zvíkov over 19 kilometres. The different distances refer to different routes and activities—useful when deciding in advance how far you want to travel on your outing.
The Písecko–Blatensko–Strakonicko–Vodňansko tourism area also promotes the Sedláček Trail for hiking and cycling. For a longer hike, consider the 74-kilometre Písecká hřebenovka. Its sections cover cultural history and the Otava; the final stage runs through the Písecké hory to the Jarník lookout tower. This gives you a choice between a riverside route and a longer hike with several themed sections.
Protected areas, ponds and viewpoints
The Písecké hory have been a protected area since 1973 and offer opportunities for hiking and cycling. At 633 metres, Velký Mehelník is their highest peak. Another vantage point is the Jarník lookout tower: from its viewing platform, 35 metres above the ground, you can see the Šumava, the Novohradské Mountains, Kleť, the Písek region and as far as the Brdy Mountains.
Smaller natural sites also bring landscape and history together. A small island in the Němec pond is accessible via a footbridge. Archaeological finds date a fortified settlement there to the 15th century. Numerous bird species nest in the V Obouch Natural Monument; a population of Eurasian otters also lives there permanently. If you would like to explore nature and cultural history together, you will find two different points of interest here: a protected habitat and an island of archaeological significance.
Bridges, castles and exhibitions
In Písek, the Kamenný most is one of the most outstanding historic structures: it is the oldest surviving stone bridge in Bohemia and an important medieval monument. The Prácheň Museum’s fish and fishing exhibition offers a different insight into the region’s waters. In several aquariums, it displays fish from Czech rivers, ponds and reservoirs.
The early Gothic Zvíkov Castle stands above the confluence of the Otava and the Vltava. Depending on the season and tour programme, areas open to visitors include the Royal Palace, the royal bedchambers, the Knights’ Hall, the Coronation Hall and St. Wenceslas Chapel. Which rooms you can see may therefore change with the season and programme. From the castle, visitors can take a boat to nearby Orlík Castle; this trip may be subject to seasonal availability.
Water and more to discover
Boat trips, water sports, fishing and summer recreation come together at the Orlík Reservoir. Diving is another activity described here: at a depth of around 60 metres, divers can search for the submerged church of the former village of Těchnice. The approximate depth and the fact that visitors must search for it are important—there is no guarantee that the church will be seen on every dive.
Those interested in monastic history can reach Milevsko Monastery in several ways: by car, by train followed by a three-kilometre marked walking trail, or via cycling route 1059. The monastery is considered the oldest and largest in South Bohemia and the site of the region’s only Romanesque basilica. Guided tours include the Basilica of the Visitation of the Virgin Mary, the abbey chapel, the Paradise Courtyard, St. Giles Cemetery Church, rooms in the former prelature and the Baroque library in the Latin School. The tour operator may change the programme.
Local brewing traditions and architecture also go hand in hand: beer was already being brewed in the château building in Čížová in 1629. At the Čížová Brewery, tastings or purchases on site are available by appointment. The local beers are neither filtered nor pasteurized; as brewing practices can change, it is best to check in advance for the latest information.
Vráž Spa is located in a Neo-Gothic château in the Otava Valley, surrounded by woodland and an English-style park. The château and park together form a cultural monument. For another outing, Crocodile ZOO Protivín can be reached by train or bus; local parking is also available.
Discover more destinations
Mirovice, Bernartice U Milevska, Cervena, Cimelice, Cizova, Drahenicky, Jestrebice, Kucer, Milevsko, Nová Ves U Protivína, Oslov, Písecká Smoleč, Pisek, Protivin, Putim, Varvazov, Zebrakov, Radvánov, Jickovice, Vadkovice, Záluží, Pametice U Pisku, Vusi, Cerveny Ujezdec, Luckovice, Obora U Cerhonic, Chyšky, Mišovice, Boudy, Albrechtice Nad Vltavou, Drhovle, Hrazany, Hrejkovice, Jetětice, Kestřany, Vlksice, Kluky, Kostelec Nad Vltavou, Předotice, Ražice, Sepekov, Skály, Tálín, Veselíčko, Rakovice, Zhoř, Božetice, Branice, Cerhonice, Nerestce, Dolní Novosedly, Přeštěnice, Vojníkov, Zběšičky, Horosedly, Smetanova Lhota, Kožlí, Králova Lhota, Křenovice, Křižanov, Květov, Lety, Dobev, Minice, Myslín, Nevězice, Paseky, Okrouhlá, Olešná, Podolí I, Probulov, Přeborov, Vráž, Stehlovice, Vlastec, Temešvár, Vrcovice, Zbelítov, Zvíkovské Podhradí, Slavkovice, Chrást, Štědronín-Plazy, Orlik Nad Vltavou, Kovářov, Ostrovec, Slabčice, Mirotice, Borečnice, Záhoří and Písku
For the main travel overview: South Bohemian Region.
