*Routes along the romantic Židova strouha canyon starting in Bechyně: 11 km to 30 km*

• The Židova strouha (Jewish canyon) is a stream flowing into the Lužnice river 2 km south of the historic town of Bechyně. The footpath along the stream is considered one of the most attractive trails in South Bohemia, appearing frequently in glossy travel magazines. The trail follows the stream through a romantically rugged canyon, lined with rock towers and caves.
• The main challenge with this walk is that it requires fording the stream up to 16 times (!!) over the course of the trail. The crossings are usually on small steppingstones or slippery logs, temporarily placed to assist hikers. This is therefore not a walk to be attempted after heavy rains, when the stones are fully submerged. Even in dry conditions, good balance is needed (as well as waterproof boots). The stream itself is shallow, so the crossings will not be an issue for those happy to get their feet wet! It is definitely a time-consuming trail, but worthwhile for the attractive terrain and challenge of crossing the stream without getting wet!
• Židova strouha is best approached from Bechyně (2.6 km from the town centre). Once there, there are a couple of route options. The (YELLOW marked) trail beside the stream runs for around 7 km, before leaving the stream to cross open countryside for a further 7 km to reach the town of Týn nad Vltavou. From Týn, a bus can be caught back to Bechyně. This ‘one way’ route is therefore approximately 17 km long.
• For an even more demanding, but very rewarding option, it is possible to return back to Bechyně from Týn along the Lužnice river following the main RED trail, which is itself very attractive. This creates a superb 30 km circular route. However, as the route along the Židova strouha is time-consuming due to the multiple stream crossings, this full route through Týn should not be underestimated. It is a very long trip.
• A more manageable circular route of just 11 km, which takes in the best part of the Židova strouha, is shown in the map below. This only follows the stream for a little over 2 km before taking the cross-country BLUE trail through Nuzice village to re-join the Židova strouha close to the confluence with the Lužnice. This shorter route allows access to the most dramatic section of the canyon – and still involves 11 stream crossings, so provides plenty of adventure!
• Taking this shorter route along the Židova strouha allows time to explore Bechyně, one of the oldest and prettiest towns in South Bohemia, perched on a rocky crag overlooking the river. A separate 5 km walk around the town and on both sides of the Lužnice river is described here. This can easily be combined with the Židova strouha walk.
• The 11 km Židova strouha walk shown below is partly on forest footpaths, which can be muddy after wet weather, and partly on asphalt roads or meadow footpaths. As mentioned above, this is a walk best done in dry conditions, when the stream is not in full flow, due to the number of stream crossings involved. There is 250m of height to ascend-descend on the route. It is a walk for the sure-footed, which is why I have graded it ‘black’ even though there are no dangerous sections.
• After completing the loop there are many refreshment options in Bechyně town, mostly lining the main square. For some especially good ice cream, try Cukrárna & Gelateria Veis on the northeastern corner of the square.

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

• Bechyně has a wide range of bus connections arriving at its bus station, which is close to the regional train station. The train station has a large car park. The train station is 1 km from the main town square, where there is also paid parking.
• From the main square, join the YELLOW trail heading in the direction of Židova strouha
• After leaving the main square, descend the steps to the river Lužnice, cross the river and follow the YELLOW trail to reach the confluence of the Židova strouha stream with the Lužnice after 2.6 km
• Continue on the YELLOW trail, crossing the stream multiple (10) times before reaching the Žid. strouha – Pod Hodonicemi trail junction
• At the junction, if continuing all the way to Týn nad Vltavou (another 12.5 km) continue on the YELLOW trail
• If taking the (much) shorter return route to Bechyně, turn off the YELLOW trail and join the BLUE trail, which climbs out of the stream valley to reach Nuzice village after 1.6 km
• From Nuzice, continue on the BLUE trail for a further 1.2 km. The trail descends back down to the Židova strouha to rejoin the YELLOW trail
• Return back on the YELLOW trail towards Bechyně (the first stream crossing needs to be navigated once more!)
• On approaching Bechyně, either return back to the town center on the YELLOW trail, or take a more circuitous tour to enjoy different viewpoints of the town