A walk along the Vltava river from Hluboká nad Vltavou to Karlův Hrádek: 20 km

• The Vltava cycle route runs for more than 400 km along or close to the Czech Republic’s longest river, from its source in the Šumava mountains to its confluence with the Labe at Mělník. Much of the route is also suitable for hikers (and several sections are used on walks in this guide).
• If touring the area around České Budějovice in South Bohemia and looking for a nice section of the river to walk along, the route described below is a good option. It starts in the attractive town of Hluboká, known for its famous neo-Gothic chateau. A separate short (5 km) walk around the park and chateau area at Hluboká is described here. This shorter walk can easily be tacked onto the Vltava route.
• The Vltava (hiking) trail leads northwards from Hluboká to reach Týn nad Vltavou after 28 km, from where it is possible to catch a bus back to Hlubloká.
• The nicest section of the route is the 10 km between Hluboká and the ruined castle of Karlův Hrádek, where the trail follows a terrace above or directly beside the river. It is tranquil countryside. Karlův Hrádek is a good destination (and picnic spot) . The ruins of this 14th century castle, founded by Emperor Charles IV but abandoned after only a few decades, are surprisingly extensive.
• The proposed route actually returns back to Hluboká on the outbound trail after reaching Karlův Hrádek. To add variety, there is a section of trail which climbs past the Baba hillfort, so this can be taken on the outbound route and for the return journey choose the cycle trail which stays close to the riverbank. Baba hillfort is an unusual Bronze Age fortification, with a double rampart system. Sadly, the site is inaccessible, but the ramparts are visible from the trail.
• Also on the return route, consider the option of touring the chateau park area. The full route described above is 20.2 km long. with 450m of height to ascend-descend. The route up to and down from the Baba hillfort has some relatively steep sections of footpath. If desired, the Baba section can be skipped by just following the cycle trail in both directions.
• There are no refreshments directly on the route, apart from in Hluboká nad Vltavou. In Hluboká town, try the popular 17th century pub, Solidní Šance on the main street, or the nearby JeštěKAFE for excellent coffee and homemade cakes.

Note: click ‘Show on Mapy.com’  to go to a full screen version of the route directly on the mapy.com site. This can be used for on line navigation, saved or exported as a GPX file.

Directions

• Hluboká nad Vltavou can be reached by frequent bus and train connections from České Budějovice. There are various small parking areas below the town (mostly paid)
• From the bus stop just outside Hluboká town centre, join the YELLOW trail heading in the direction of Hluboká n. Vlt. – most
• After 1.2 km reach the road bridge across the Vltava. Here, join the GREEN trail heading in the direction of Pod Janečkem, which is reached after 1.3 km beside the river
• At Pod Janečkem, join the RED trail (part of the E10 long distance route) heading in the direction of Pukarec
• After 2 km, the trail leaves the riverbank and climbs up to the Baba hillfort before descending back to the river (this section is avoidable by staying on the cycle trail directly beside the river)
• From Baba, continue on the RED trail for 5.1 km to reach the ruins of Karlův Hrádek
• Return back to Hluboká, following the cycle trail until reaching the Pod Janečkem junction once more. At Pod Janečkem, join the RED trail and follow this across the park area and return back to Hluboká centre on this alternative route