Modrava is a good base in winter not just for cross-country skiing, but also for winter walks. The trails along the Roklanský and Modravský streams are some of the nicest in the region.
Category: South Bohemia
*A circular route in Česká Kanada, via the Rožnov bison farm: 15 km to 19 km*
Česká Kanada is a protected park area in south Bohemia well known for its scenic ponds and attractive upland forests. This nice circular route also passes a couple of interesting refreshment spots.
A short stop in the Vysočina brewery town of Kamenice nad Lipou: 1 km
Kamenice nad Lipou is a charming town featuring an ancient linden tree located in the pretty chateau park. Cap the visit with a stop in the superb renovated brewery.
A visit to Chýnovská jeskyně – the most important limestone cave system in south Bohemia: 8 km
The Chýnov cave system, located close to the historic town of Tábor, is one of the most interesting in the country. Combine a visit with a pleasant walk along the nearby nature trail.
A circular route from Čelkavice along the Lužnice river with a visit to Tábor zoo in Větrovy: 10 km
This easy circular route starts with a section along the beautiful Lužnice river and then climbs into the hills to the south of Tábor, where the popular zoo and a nice viewing tower are located.
Short walks near Kozí hrádek, a south Bohemian castle associated with Jan Hus: 1 km to 5 km
Kozí hrádek was one of the last refuges of refrormer Jan Hus before his final journey to Constance in 1414. Visit the unusual ruins and maybe extend the trip with an easy walk in the nearby forest.
*A walk around historic Jindřichův Hradec, once the second largest city in Bohemia: 3 km to 5 km*
Jindřichův Hradec is a gem of a town in south Bohemia, with a really diverse range of architecture in its historical centre, capped with a magnificent chateau. The gastronomic scene is pretty good too!
*A walk around the park and pond at the beautiful Renaissance castle, Červená Lhota: 2 km*
Červená Lhota appears in many calendars featuring beautiful Czech Castles. The reality is even better than the photos – especially now the pond is full again!
*A walk around the remarkable Romanesque castle of Landštejn: 5 km*
Landštejn was once the largest castle in Bohemia and is today an impressive ruin set in Česká Kanada’s picturesque nature park. Visit the castle and take a short scenic walk in the area.
*A walk in the forest and fishpond landscape of Česká Kanada, near Nová Bystřice: 9 km*
The Česká Kanada nature park has many trails exploring its tranquil forest and pond landscape. This easy walk, starting at historic Nová Bystřice, gives a good taste of this interesting park.
A walk around the Jan Žižka memorial in Trocnov (with optional visit to Borovany monastery): 2 km
The short nature trail around legendary Hussite general Jan Žižka’s birthplace in south Bohemia is worth visiting. If driving in the area, consider a stop in nearby Borovany to see the monastery/chateau.
A visit to Zlatá Koruna, one of the best-preserved medieval monasteries in south Bohemia: 2 km
Zlatá Koruna is one of the best-preserved medieval monasteries in Bohemia and definitely worth visiting when on a tour of the area around Český Krumlov.
A short walk to Křížová hora (623 m) above Český Krumlov, along the pilgrimage route: 4 km
The climb up to Křížová hora to visit the Baroque pilgrimage chapel is a popular short walk for those staying in Český Krumlov. There is a fine view from the top!
*Walks around the grand castle/chateau at Rožmberk nad Vltavou: 1 km to 6 km*
Rožmberk castle is spectacularly situated on a rocky outcrop overlooking the river Vltava. This short walk circles around the castle, finishing in the excellent brewery restaurant!
*A walk around the south Bohemian town of Český Krumlov, a UNESCO World Heritage site: 7 km*
Český Krumlov is, after Prague, the most popular tourist destination in the country. Its magnificent medieval historical centre deserves to be explored at length. Here is a suggested walking route!
*The Baroque Křížová cesta in the south Bohemian pilgrimage town of Římov: 5 km*
25 Baroque chapels line the remarkable Křížová cesta pilgrimage trail founded by the Jesuits of Český Krumlov in the countryside surrounding the town of Římov.
The Velký Lomnický nature trail, starting in Lomnice nad Lužnicí: 5 km
This nature trail is an easy and pleasant short walk, especially for those interested in the wetland habitats associated with the south Bohemian fishpond landscape.
*A 19 km tour of the fishpond complex created by Mikuláš Ruthard, starting in Chlum u Třeboně*
This circuit is one of the more interesting routes in the Třeboňsko region as it passes not just a series of scenic ponds, but also crosses attractive pastures and through old villages.
The ‘nelesní krajina’ nature trail in the Šumava meadows above Kvilda: 4 km to 6 km
Kvilda is an excellent base for exploring the central Šumava area. A short nature trail exploring the development of Kvilda’s hillside pastures starts from the iconic church at the village centre.
An easy circuit in the hills above Borová Lada, including a visit to Chalupská slať: 14 km
Follow this circuit on easy trails in the low hills close to the pretty Šumava village of Borová Lada, for some good views and a stop at the famous Chalupská slať peat bog nature trail.
*A short visit to Chalupská slať, the largest peat bog pond in Bohemia, from Borová Lada: 3 km*
Chalupská slať is probably the prettiest and most interesting peat bog lake in the country. It is an easy and quick trip from the nearby resort village of Borová Lada.
*The Modrava-Filipova Huť nature trail along the cascading Filipohuťský stream: 4 km*
This is a short but pretty circular walk starting in the Šumava resort village of Modrava, ascending beside the cascading Filipohuťský stream and returning via a high meadow and forest trail.
A short walk along the Vchynicko-Tetovský canal, starting at Hradlový bridge: 4 km (extendable)
The remarkable 14 km Vchynicko-Tetovo canal was built at the end of the 18th century by Prince Schwarzenberg to help transport timber to Prague. An interesting nature trail runs its entire length.
*A walk around Velhartice, a hidden gem in the Šumava foothills: 2 km to 6 km*
Velhartice is home to a super Gothic-Renaissance castle. Visitors can explore the different sections, dine at the excellent on-site restaurant, and follow a nature trail through the historic town and river valley.
Poledník viewing tower (1315m) and Prášil lake, starting at Prášíly: 18 km
The former radar station on Poledník summit (now a viewing tower) is a popular hiking destination in north Šumava. Take a pleasant circular route, also passing Šumava’s highest glacial lake.
*Highlights of central Šumava – a full day circuit through Kvilda, Modrava and Rokyta: 28 km*
This walk visits the best sites near Kvilda and Modrava, including some of Šumava’s prettiest mountain streams and peat bogs – there are also some good refreshment stops along the way!
*Along the Roklanský stream from Modrava (with visit to Tříjezerní slať): 5 km to 11 km*
Walk beside the lovely Roklanský stream from Modrava and take a small loop in the hills to visit the Tříjezerní slať peat bog. Finish the easy route with refreshments at the Lyer brewery!
An easy walk beside the Hamerský stream starting at Antýgl or Horská Kvilda: 8 km
Hamerský potok is one of Šumava’s prettiest streams, especially in its final section as it cascades down from the Horská Kvilda meadows to join the Vydra river at Antýgl bridge.
Easy walks to Jezerní slať peat bog and (optionally) the Kvilda deer park: 3 km to 9 km
A nice gentle walk when visiting Kvilda is to follow the cycle path northwards to reach a classic Šumava peat bog nature trail, possibly stopping at the deer on the way back.
A visit to Zvíkov, the ‘king of Czech castles’, starting in Zvíkovské Podhradí – 4 km
Zvíkov is one of Bohemia’s most important early Gothic castles. Take a short walk from the nearby village to visit this spectacularly sited castle and maybe stop in the brewery for refreshments!
A short walk in the forested landscape near the spa chateau of Vráž: 6 km
On a tour of South Bohemia, consider a stop in Vráž (just a few km north of Písek) to visit the chateau and follow one of the trails in the attractive forests bordering the Otava river.
A tour around the historic South Bohemian town of Písek: 4 km
Písek, situated on the banks of the river Otava, is famous for its 13th century stone bridge – the oldest in the country. Spend half a day exploring the old town and visit the exceptional museum!
A short walk around Blatná and the park area behind the famous water castle: 4 km
Blatná castle is one of the best preserved ‘water’ castles in Bohemia. It is an architectural gem of South Bohemia. A tour around the park, with its friendly deer is highly recommended.
A 16 km (extendable) circuit beside the reservoir to the south of Orlík nad Vltavou
A rugged nature trail runs for 25 km beside the scenic Orlík reservoir between the two famous chateau of Zvíkov and Orlík. This is a circular route using the northern section of that trail.
A walk from Neznašov village to the Vltava and Lužnice river confluence viewpoints: 5 km
This short walk follows an educational trail starting in the old village of Neznašov, close to Týn. It tours a promontory offering good views over the Vltava and some local historical monuments.
A riverside walk between Týn nad Vltavou and Koloděje nad Lužnicí: 10 km to 15 km
A pleasant walk to explore the confluence of the Vltava and Lužnice rivers near Týn nad Vltavou, with a nice riverside section to reach Mitrovicz castle at Koloděje nad Lužnicí.
*Routes along the romantic Židova strouha canyon starting in Bechyně: 11 km to 30 km*
The Židova strouha footpath follows a rugged gorge near historic Bechyně. It is one of the most interesting and fun trails in South Bohemia. Come prepared for a potentially wet adventure!
A walk around the South Bohemian town of Bechyně, perched above the Lužnice river: 5 km
Bechyně is one of the oldest and prettiest towns in South Bohemia. A circle around the town following the trails on both sides of the Lužnice river is definitely worth doing.
A short walk around the UNESCO World Heritage listed Holašovice village: 1 km
Holašovice is known for having a unique collection of late 19th century farmhouses showcasing the ‘folk Baroque’ style of architecture. It is definitely worth a quick detour to walk around the very pretty village!
A tour of the historical old town center in České Budějovice: 4 km
České Budějovice may be best known today as the home of the original Budweiser beer, but the old town (which dates back to 1265) is definitely worth exploring on a short walk.
A tour of the Veselské pískovny (sandpit lakes) from Veselí nad Lužnicí: 12 km to 14 km
There are many ponds and lakes to discover in the Třebonsko protected nature area. The Veselské pískovny are some of the best for swimming due to their sandy shores, but the route is a nice walk too!
A walk along the Vltava river from Hluboká nad Vltavou to Karlův Hrádek: 20 km
The Vltava cycle and hiking trail to the north of Hluboká is a very pretty section of river and worth exploring. Don’t miss a stop at the romantic 14th castle ruins of Karlův Hrádek.
*A walk around the fairy-tale chateau and park at Hluboká nad Vltavou: 5 km*
From a distance, Hluboká chateau might appear to belong in a Disney theme park, but in reality this spectacular neo-Gothic castle and its English-style park are well worth visiting.
A visit to Kunžvart castle and the prehistoric ritual site on the slopes of Strážný (1115m): 6 km
The stone tower of Kunžvart is a remnant of possibly the highest castle in the country. It is an easy walk through attractive prehistoric forests from the Šumava border village of Strážný,
*A visit to Boubín (1362m) in Šumava, the highest wooden lookout in the country: 9 km*
Take this popular easy walk from Kubova Huť to the viewing tower on Boubín, Šumava’s 5th highest mountain. The route passes through one of Europe’s oldest primeval forest areas.
Walks from Sušice to the Svatobor lookout, returning along the Otava river: 10 km to 15 km
If approaching Šumava region via Sušice, take the time to stop and make the ascent to the sacred mountain of Svatobor, with its famous lookout tower. There are various options for ascent and descent.
*From Kašperské Hory to Sušice via Kašperk castle and Sedlo lookout: 14 km*
Two iconic Šumava attractions are the majestic Kašperk castle and the enigmatic Sedlo summit, with its viewing tower and Celtic hillfort. Visit both together on this super one way trip.
Walks to Giant’s Castle in the Šumava hills – a remarkable prehistoric monument: 3 km to 19 km
Obří hrad (Giant’s Castle) is the highest hillfort in Bohemia and offers superb views over the Šumava mountains. Take the scenic trail from historic Kašperské hory to this astonishing Celtic monument.
A walk from Albrechtice in Šumava to the Sedlo lookout and Celtic hillfort: 3 km
Sedlo mountain (905m), located between Kašperské Hory and Sušice in the Šumava foothills offers a superb view from the wooden lookout tower and the remains of an important Celtic hillfort to investigate.
A walk to the magnificent Kašperk castle, highest royal castle in Bohemia: 3 km
Kašperk castle is probably the most stunningly situated medieval castle in Bohemia. Take the short but challenging circuit over Pustý hrádek for one of the best views in the Šumava region.
Walks to two splendid Vysočina chateaux: Pacov and Kámen – 2 km to 14 km
If touring the Vysočina region, take a moment to stop by and walk around two (relatively unknown) castle-chateaux: Pacov and Kámen. The gardens at Kámen are really splendid especially in late spring.
An easy 3 km walk around a jewel of the Vysočina region – Pelhřimov
Pelhřimov may not be top of the list of famous places to visit in Vysočina, yet the lovely town square is full of superb Renaissance and Baroque architecture. It is definitely worth a stop for a quick walk!
A tour around the old town walls and medieval streets of Tábor: 5 km
Tábor is famous for its connections to the 15th century Hussite movement. The medieval town and nearby Jordán lake are very attractive and worth exploring on foot on this easy walk.
*A circular tour along the Lužnice from Tábor, with a visit to the Klokoty pilgrimage site: 11 km*
If visiting the famous Hussite town of Tábor, consider extending the trip with a varied walk along the scenic Lužnice river, lined with old mills, returning to Tábor via the pilgrimage church of Klokoty.
*Nové Hrady and walks in the beautiful Terčino valley: 5 km to 10 km*
The attractive border town of Nové Hrady is worth of visit for its variety of architecture, but the highlight of a walk in the area is the exceptional landscaped park in Terčino valley, created by the Buquoy family.
An easy walk along Rožmberk dam, near Třeboň: up to 5 km
Rožmberk dam, the longest in Europe, created Central Europe’s largest fishpond in the 16th century. Admire this remarkable engineering feat from the scenic trail that runs for 2 km along the dam.
*A full circle around Rožmberk, the largest fishpond in Central Europe : 18 km to 20 km*
As well as being the largest fishpond in Central Europe, Rožmberk is one of the most scenic lakes in the country. Undertake a full circuit to enjoy different perspectives of this famous Renaissance pond.
*A short walk around the park area at Chateau Orlík: 6 km*
Orlík is one of the most famous and striking of the many chateaux that dot the Bohemian landscape. A walk in the rugged park area offers some excellent views of the chateau and Orlík reservoir.
A short walk to the best viewpoint over Zvíkov, the ‘king of Czech castles’ – 3 km
Zvíkov is one of Bohemia’s most popular medieval fortresses. Before visiting this super castle, take a short walk to this little known viewpoint overlooking the Orlík reservoir.
*Walks to the summit of Klet’ (1084m), the highest point in Blanský les: 6 km to 10 km*
The view from the summit of Klet’ is worth the 400m ascent of this famous Bohemian mountain. Good food in the mountain hut, ancient rock towers and attractive beech forests create a super trip.
*Dívčí kámen castle and Třísov Celtic oppidum – a 5 km tour*
This short trip captures the best features of walking in Bohemia: romantic medieval ruins, craggy rocks, an ancient hillfort and an atmospheric restaurant, all in a lovely forest setting near Český Krumlov.
Walks through the Stará a Nová Řeka nature reserve, the ‘heart of Třeboňsko’ – 5 km to 15 km
The Stará a Nová řeka nature reserve is one of the best examples of the protected wetland areas in Třeboňsko. A popular flat trail follows the course of the ‘new river’ through this unusual landscape.
*A complete circle of ‘the world’ – a 12 km tour around Třeboň’s famous Svět fishpond*
One of the best walks in South Bohemia is the full circuit of the panoramic Svět lake, constructed in the 16th century by the Rožmberk family as part of a huge complex of fish ponds.
A short tour around the lovely South Bohemian town of Třeboň – 3 km
Třeboň is a jewel of a town, well worth visiting on any tour of Southern Bohemia. Start one of the longer Třeboňsko walks from here but also make time to explore this very pretty historical town.
*Černá hora (1316m) and the Vltava source from Kvilda: 15km – 19km on easy terrain*
This fine 19km round trip on easy paths from Kvilda visits the viewpoint on Černá hora (1316m), and circles back via Bučina, with its well known terrace restaurant and extensive views.