Discover Olešná: the Vltava, bridges and trails

If you are looking for a hotel for a trip to Olešná, it helps to consider the character of the destination: water, bridges and churches shape the themes that can be distinguished geographically here. The landscape ranges from the built-up area to sights in the surrounding area.

Between the Vltava and the Velký potok

Olešná developed in a valley around the Velký potok and on the banks of the Vltava. The small stream flows through the built-up area; the Vltava forms the western boundary of the municipality. This boundary covers the right bank along the river section from kilometre 183.4 to 185.5. The stream, settlement development and municipal boundary thus describe different geographical aspects of the same place.

The Vltava and the Orlík Reservoir are considered to be the area's main potential for recreational use. Existing hiking and cycling trails run along the reservoir banks in the Olešná area. Those interested in waterside landscapes will therefore find not only a connection to the river, but also trails along the reservoir.

Bridges and architectural history

Nearby, the Podolský Bridge spans the Vltava on the Písek–Tábor road. It was built between 1939 and 1943 and is 510 metres long. The railway bridge near Červená nad Vltavou is also nearby. It was built between 1886 and 1889 and is 253 metres long. The two structures can be distinguished by their construction dates and dimensions: the railway bridge was built earlier, while the Podolský Bridge is longer. Olešná itself also has a heritage-listed bridge over the Velký potok.

Churches, viewpoints and trails

The Church of St John the Baptist near Chřešťovice is in the surrounding area on the left bank of the Vltava and dates from the 14th century. In the past, people travelled there from Olešná by ferry across the river. Another church in the surrounding area is the Church of St Bartholomew. It dates from 1190 and was moved in 1960 above the flood level because of the construction of the Orlík Reservoir. The two churches thus represent different chapters of history: the medieval building near Chřešťovice and the relocation associated with the construction of the reservoir.

The Skály viewpoint is about one kilometre south of Olešná and offers views of the Vltava in the Orlík Reservoir. Mount Tábor (Burkovák) is five kilometres to the southeast; it is considered a Celtic place of worship as well as a Bronze Age and Hallstatt-period burial site. The two destinations offer different points of interest: Skály looks out over the waterside landscape, while Tábor is associated with cultural and burial history.

The Písecká Smoleč–Strouhy–Podolsko tourist route also passes through the Olešná area. It leads to the most attractive places with natural sights. The municipal development programme for 2021–2027 lists sports courts and a children's playground at the Skalica sports complex in Olešná. In the wider area, the Orlík Reservoir is particularly popular with people interested in water sports and sailing.

Discover more destinations: Temešvár, Oslov, Záhoří and Písek, Lety, Skály, Varvazov, Křižanov, Vlastec.

Back to the overview of destinations: Písek District.