Portraits, family trees, orders and awards give the tour route through Orlík Castle a clear historical profile. It tells the story of the castle and the Orlík branch of the Schwarzenberg family. Anyone interested in the history of the family will find both family connections and an extensive collection here, with different kinds of memorabilia shaping the visit.

Castle Rooms and Park History

The castle interiors have largely been preserved in the condition in which the Schwarzenbergs were forced to leave them in 1948. Four rooms on the first floor are exceptions. Their state of preservation connects the visit with a specific turning point in the castle’s history: the rooms convey not only the history of a family, but also how it had to leave the castle at that time.

Orlík Castle Park also has a history of its own. Its present form as an extensive, landscaped park took shape after 1802 under Karl Filip of Schwarzenberg. There, he established a branch of the family based at Orlík. Promenades were laid out in the park as walking paths through the landscaped grounds. This makes it possible to consider the park’s history and the intended use of its paths together, without mistaking the promenades for a longer hiking route.

The Schwarzenberg Tomb is also located in the park in Orlik nad Vltavou. It is a Neo-Gothic family mausoleum for a branch of the Schwarzenberg family. It was built between 1861 and 1864 according to the wishes of Karl III Schwarzenberg and consecrated in 1864. The mausoleum stands in a landscaped park about 1,500 metres northwest of the castle. The approximate distance indicates its location in relation to the castle, while the dates give the building its own place in the family history.

Walking Route, Aquarium and Hydroelectric Power Station

The Orlík–Zvíkovské Podhradí educational trail starts at Orlík Castle. It follows the left bank of the Vltava to Zvíkovské Podhradí, is about 30 kilometres long and is intended for pedestrians. The route has 15 information panels. It is therefore a longer walking route and a different kind of visit from the promenades in the park. When choosing, the main consideration is whether you are looking for an extended walk along the Vltava or shorter paths through the landscaped park.

Akvárium Orlík offers a natural-history look at freshwater fish from Czech waters. The exhibition includes carp, pike, perch and trout, among other species. Photographs also document the beginnings of the Orlík Reservoir and its earlier surroundings. Another exhibition features live Atlantic salmon and explores the former presence of these fish in Czech rivers up until their extinction in the 20th century. Fish, the history of the reservoir and the history of the rivers are presented as separate themes within the aquarium.

Those interested in technology can plan a tour of the Orlík hydroelectric power station. The tour includes the machine hall and the dam; it lasts about an hour and is available year-round with advance reservation. You can reach the power station by car, bicycle or an excursion boat from Orlík Castle, among other options. The approximate duration provides a clear planning guide, while a reservation is required for the tour. Unlike the castle rooms and exhibitions, the focus here is on the facility’s technology.

Discover more destinations: Vojníkov, Tálín, Vlastec, Slabčice, Mirovice, Stehlovice, Zvíkovské Podhradí, Nevězice.

Back to the regional travel overview: Okres Písek.