Kamýk Nad Vltavou: Culture, History and the Vltava Valley

If you are looking for a hotel in Kamýk Nad Vltavou, start by asking what you want your stay to revolve around: a late-summer festival, historic buildings or paths through the countryside. The town lies in a valley shaped by the Vltava; deep forests, meadows and fields surround Kamýk.

Castle and festival traditions

Kamýcké prášení is an annual historical festival celebrating the old customs and traditions of Kamýk nad Vltavou. It is regularly held in late August or early September. The programme includes a historical procession through the town and contemporary performances near Vrškamýk Castle. If you are planning your trip around the festival, check the exact event dates in advance.

The former Vrškamýk Castle once served as a summer residence for the earliest Bohemian rulers. The ruins of Kamýk Castle, also known as Vrškamýk or Hunec, have visitor facilities and an information trail. Its foundations were archaeologically surveyed and stabilised in 2009 and 2010. Kamýk Castle is open to the public at all times; whether the observation tower and souvenir sales are available depends on the operator’s capacity. Check on these two offerings before your visit.

Historic buildings and places of remembrance

Manský dvůr No. 2 is a large, largely authentically preserved historic complex with partly preserved cellars and two remodelled wings. Its oldest masonry dates from the Late Gothic period. Several portals and Gothic plasterwork on the northern perimeter wall have been preserved. The complex underwent extensive remodelling during the Renaissance and acquired sgraffito decoration and distinctive vaults. Its structural elements illustrate different phases of building history, and the individual details cannot be reduced to a single period.

The Church of the Nativity of the Virgin Mary is one of the most significant monuments in Kamýk nad Vltavou. In Nový Kamýk, the still-preserved Church of the Nativity of the Virgin Mary retains substantial parts of its original 13th-century Early Gothic form. These include a rectangular chancel with a rib vault and massive stone ribs.

The Jewish cemetery lies nearby, in the cadastral area of Dražkov. It served the Jewish communities of Dražkov and Kamýk nad Vltavou and preserves around 300 Baroque and Neoclassical tombstones, as well as a historic mortuary. The cemetery is outside the town itself and adds a distinct historical context to the destination’s architectural history.

Paths through the Vltava Valley landscape

A green-marked route from Kamýk nad Vltavou leads to the grounds of Vrškamýk Castle in about 20 minutes. The circular hike “Between the Kamýk and Orlík Reservoirs” also starts and ends in Kamýk nad Vltavou. The descriptions use different reference points: the green-marked route names a destination and an approximate time, while the circular hike lists the town as its starting and ending point. Route conditions can change; check them before setting off.

For cyclists, EuroVelo 7 passes through Kamýk nad Vltavou. The Vltavská cyklistická stezka is designated as a named stage from Kamýk nad Vltavou to Prague. This provides different route options: one route passes through the town, while another is designated as a stage with Prague as its endpoint.

More traces of the town’s history

The Kamýk Bridge is also part of the history of crossing the river at this location. Its first piers were built in 1887, and an iron structure was added on top. As part of the Vltavská čára defensive line, a total of 64 structures were built here in a very short time. These topics broaden the picture of Kamýk to include the history of transport and defence alongside its religious and noble buildings.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Cetyně, Osečany, Pouste, Vystrkov, Milešov, Křešín, Tušovice, Drásov.

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