Discover Písek District

In Písek District, cycling and hiking routes, protected areas, water destinations and historic buildings offer a variety of highlights.

Cycling and hiking

Route 1149 connects Písek with Zvíkovské Podhradí and Zvíkov and is 19 kilometres long. For cycling, Route 1225 follows the Sedláček Trail from Písek via the gas pipeline footbridge and Varvažov to Orlík. As a hiking route, the 25-kilometre-long Sedláček Trail follows the Otava River from Písek to Zvíkov. This lets you compare two cycling routes with different destinations with a riverside hike. At 74 kilometres, the Písek Ridge Trail is a longer hiking route: it includes a cultural and historical section, a section along the Otava, and a final stage through the Písek Hills to the Jarník lookout tower.

At Jarník, the viewing platform stands 35 metres high. From there, views stretch towards the Bohemian Forest, the Novohradské Mountains, Kleť, the Písek region and Brdy. The viewpoint is the destination of the final stage of the Písek Ridge Trail, while also offering an overview of the landscapes mentioned above.

Landscape and nature destinations

The Písek Hills have been a protected area since 1973 and are used for hiking and cycling. At 633 metres, Velký Mehelník is the highest peak in the range. Many bird species find nesting habitat in the V Obouch Nature Monument; a permanent population of Eurasian otters also lives there. These destinations are especially appealing to travellers who want to make nature and the landscape the focus of their stay.

At Němec Pond, a small island can be reached by a footbridge. Archaeological finds indicate that it was the site of a fortified settlement dating from the 15th century. A visit combines a walk to a distinctive landscape feature with a concrete insight into the area's history.

Orlík Reservoir and Zvíkov Castle

At Orlík Reservoir, you can enjoy boat trips, water sports, fishing and summer recreation. Divers can search at a depth of around 60 metres for the submerged church of the former village of Těchnice. A boat trip runs from Zvíkov Castle to nearby Orlík Chateau; this service may vary depending on the season. Check the sailing times in advance if you plan to take this trip.

The early Gothic Zvíkov Castle rises above the confluence of the Otava and Vltava rivers. Areas open to visitors include the Royal Palace, the royal bedchambers, the Knights' Hall, the Crown Hall and the Chapel of St. Wenceslas. Which areas are accessible may depend on the season and tour programme.

Historic buildings and culture

Písek is home to the Kamenný most, the oldest surviving stone bridge in Bohemia and an important medieval monument. In its fish and fishing exhibition, the Prácheň Museum displays fish from Czech rivers, ponds and reservoirs in several aquariums. Check the current exhibition offer before your visit.

Milevsko Monastery is considered the oldest and largest monastery in South Bohemia and houses the region's only Romanesque basilica. Stops on guided tours include the Basilica of the Visitation of the Virgin Mary, the abbey chapel, the Paradise Courtyard, the cemetery church of St. Giles, former prelature rooms and the Baroque library in the Latin School. The operator may adjust the tour programme. You can reach the monastery by car, by train followed by a three-kilometre marked footpath, or via cycle route 1059.

Vráž also offers a cultural and historical point of interest: Vráž Spa is housed in a Neo-Gothic chateau in the Otava Valley, surrounded by forest and an English-style landscaped park. The chateau and park are a cultural monument.

Beer from Čížová

At the Čížová Brewery, beer tastings or purchases are available on site by arrangement. The local beers are neither filtered nor pasteurised. As arrangements may change, confirm your visit with the brewery in advance.

Discover more destinations: Mirovice, Bernartice U Milevska, Cervena, Cimelice, Cizova, Drahenicky, Jestrebice, Kucer, Milevsko, Nová Ves U Protivína, Oslov, Písecká Smoleč, Pisek, Protivin, Putim, Varvazov, Zebrakov, Radvánov, Jickovice, Vadkovice, Záluží, Pametice U Pisku, Vusi, Cerveny Ujezdec, Luckovice, Obora U Cerhonic, Chyšky, Mišovice, Boudy, Albrechtice Nad Vltavou, Drhovle, Hrazany, Hrejkovice, Jetětice, Kestřany, Vlksice, Kluky, Kostelec Nad Vltavou, Předotice, Ražice, Sepekov, Skály, Tálín, Veselíčko, Rakovice, Zhoř, Božetice, Branice, Cerhonice, Nerestce, Dolní Novosedly, Přeštěnice, Vojníkov, Zběšičky, Horosedly, Smetanova Lhota, Kožlí, Králova Lhota, Křenovice, Křižanov, Květov, Lety, Dobev, Minice, Myslín, Nevězice, Paseky, Okrouhlá, Olešná, Podolí I, Probulov, Přeborov, Vráž, Stehlovice, Vlastec, Temešvár, Vrcovice, Zbelítov, Zvíkovské Podhradí, Chrást, Slavkovice, Štědronín-Plazy, Orlik Nad Vltavou, Kovářov, Slabčice, Ostrovec, Mirotice, Borečnice, Záhoří and Písku.

For the regional travel overview: South Bohemian Region.