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. Stop for a night or two and take the opportunity to explore the unique pond, marsh and forest landscape of the Třeboňsko protected nature area. Several of the best walks in the area can be started from Třeboň, but the historical town itself is worth spending some time exploring.
• The town was originally founded in the 12th century and became prominent during the 15th and 16th centuries when under the control of the Rožmberk noble family. The Rožmberks were responsible for the dramatic expansion of the network of fish ponds in the area, which was until that time mostly a marsh and swamp landscape. The large pond of Svět (meaning ‘world’) was constructed directly adjacent to Třeboň’s historical center by the legendary 16th century pond-builder Jakub Krčín. The 12 km flat walk around the pond is one of the more popular hikes in the area.
• The highlights of Třeboň include the colorful Masaryk town square lined with Renaissance and Baroque buildings, the majestic Renaissance chateau (open to the public for tours), the medieval town fortifications, including four exceptional town gates, the 14th century Augustinian monastery and the neo-Gothic brewery Bohemia Regent brewery which was originally founded in 1379 ( also open for tours). A full circle of these highlights, including short sections beside the Svět pond and the Chateau park area, can be done in around 3 km. It is completely flat and is suitable for strollers.
• Třeboň can be reached by train or bus in around 2 hours 40 minutes from Prague (note the closest station to the town center is Třeboň lázně). There are a few (paid) parking areas around town, but they are small and often full in holiday periods and weekends. The town is particularly busy in July and August, when many cyclists descend on the region.
• Třeboň has a number of attractive small hotels and pensions directly in the old town, which are worth investigating if exploring the area. The highly regarded Bílý jednorožec (White Unicorn) is particularly recommended – it also has a fine restaurant. Other eating spots worth looking out are the café in the castle courtyard or the café/wine bar Klenbách (much more peaceful than those on the main square) and the excellent Italian ice cream shop on the corner next to the Hradecká brána (castle gate) at the eastern edge of the square.

Directions

• A walk around Třeboň can be started from any spot. If arriving at the bus station (or parking at one one of the small car parks at the northern edge of town) take the GREEN hiking trail for 700m to reach the Hradecká brána (the gateway on the eastern side of town). This is also the first gateway reached when walking from the Třeboň lázně train station
• Enter the town through the archway, and traverse Masaryk square to reach the chateau area on the western edge of the square
• Pass through the gate to enter the chateau main courtyard. Cross the courtyard and enter the park area
• Explore the small park area at leisure and then leave the park at the southwest corner to reach the roadway that runs along the dam beside the Svět pond
• Follow the road along the dam for 400m to reach the statue of the pond-builder Jakub Krčín by the lakeshore
• Return back to the chateau park to view the medieval walls and re-enter the town center through the Novohradská brána (the southern gate). The brewery entrance is on the right side
• Continue through the second gateway (Svinenská brána). Just after passing through the arch, turn right onto Rožmberská street – where most of the historical boutique hotels are located
• Rožmberská street ends close to the Hradecká brána and from there take Husova street which leads to the Augustian monastery complex – the final stop on the itinerary