Vlkov lies on the right bank of the Lužnice and within the Třeboňsko Protected Landscape Area. Deep forests surround the village. To the southeast lies the Vlkovský Pond, which is part of the Třeboňsko pond system. For a nature-focused stay, riverbanks, a pond landscape, a protected sand dune and a landscape of lakes created by gravel extraction all come together. Accessibility and route length are important differences to consider when planning. To the southeast, alongside Vlkovský Pond, are the ponds Vlček and Krajina; all three are at the beginning of the Třeboňsko pond system. The five separate lakes of the Veselské pískovny, on the other hand, belong to a landscape shaped by gravel and sand extraction.
Sand Dune and Protected Nature
The Písečný přesyp u Vlkova Nature Reserve is located near Vlkov. It protects the best-preserved sand dune in the area. Rare species of fungi, plants adapted to sandy conditions and numerous groups of invertebrates occur in the reserve; this is why it is considered a site of European importance. The nature reserve is not open to the public. The protected sandy landscape is therefore an important feature of the area, but not a publicly accessible visitor destination.
The Lakes of the Veselské pískovny
The Veselské pískovny area stretches between Veselí nad Lužnicí, its district of Horusice and the municipality of Vlkov. There are five separate gravel lakes. They were created by gravel and sand extraction between 1952 and 1986. This makes them different in origin from Vlkovský Pond, which is part of the Třeboňsko pond system: here, extraction has shaped the history of the lake landscape.
The Veselské pískovny educational trail is a 7 km circular route around Vlkovská pískovna and Lake Jezero Veselí I. Along the route, 14 information panels cover the history of the landscape and nature in the lake area. The panels are available in Czech, German and English. You can also play the educational game “PÍSEČNOU PLÁŽÍ DO LEDOVÝCH DOB” on the trail. The circular route thus combines its lake landscape with information about nature and history; German is also one of the available panel languages.
Comparing Two Circular Routes
The Okolo Třeboně educational trail is a 39 km circular route with 22 information stops. The difference in distance from the 7 km loop at the Veselské pískovny is clear. The information available can also be compared: there are 14 panels there and 22 information stops here. If you choose circular routes based on their length and the information they offer, these details provide specific points of comparison for your planning.
Recreational Swimming in the Lakes
The Veselské pískovny offer seasonal opportunities for recreational swimming, but they are not officially operated outdoor swimming pools. If swimming is to be part of your stay, take this distinction into account when planning.
Discover more destinations: Přehořov, Sudoměřice U Tábora, Mlýny, Hodětín, Malsice, Smilovy Hory, Libějice, Doubí
For the broader travel overview: Tábor District.
