České Budějovice is a statuary town and the administrative and cultural centre of the South Bohemian region. It is situated in Českobudějovická pánev at the confluence of the Vltava and Malše, in the centre of Europe, near the cities of Munich, Vienna and Prague. It has about 93,000 inhabitants. There are many historical monuments and museums.
České Budějovice is one of the most beautiful towns in the Czech Republic, as evidenced also by the fact, that the town monument reserve was established back in 1980 for the purposes of protecting historical town buildings with preserved early Gothic historical centre. The South Bohemian region is also considered to be the least polluted region of the Czech Republic.
The South Bohemian metropolis also offers a wide choice of tourist attractions. Besides the places where you can see the century-long history, you can also go along the first horse-drawn railway in Europe, try famous South Bohemian carp or great beer.
What to see in České Budějovice
The name of Přemysl Otakar II, who founded České Budějovice in 1265, is connected also with the name of the main square, the Square of Přemysl Otakar II. With the dimensions of 133 x 133 m, it is the largest square in the Czech Republic, and also one of the largest squares in Europe. At its centre, there is the baroque Samson´s fountain; not far from it, there is so-called “erratic boulder” with an engraved cross. The Gothic Black Tower with a Renaissance dome is just next to the square. The largest of its bells, Bummering, weighs 3,700 kg.
Wha
t to know from the history of Budweiser Budvar Beer
Original premium lager, Budweiser Budvar, is known by those who love quality beer for over the world, so – is there a better place for trying it than in České Budějovice?
In the visitor centre of the brewery, it is possible to see the multimedia exposition entitled Příběh budějovického piva (The Story of Budweiser Beer). The highlight of the tour is the degustation of the beer in the lagering cellar. The beer from the tanks is served also in Masné krámy, the most famous pub in České Budějovice.
České Budějovice surroundings
If you are more attracted to seeing the nature, we would strongly recommend you to visit the ruins of Dívčí Kámen, old castle situated on a steep rock above the valley of the Vltava. The castle was built in 1349 by the Rosenbergs. It was their possession for almost the whole period of its existence. Nowadays, it is one of the largest castle complexes in the Czech Republic.
Points of interest
Where to go on a trip in the South Bohemian region? What to see? What to try?
The South Bohemian region offers a wide range of leisure time activities, sports, bike trips, skiing, but also peace and quite and relaxation in nature. No other region can offer so many cycle paths, holiday resords, national parks, castles and chateaux, summer festivals, ski resorts etc.
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Český Krumlov is situated about 20 km from České Budějovice. A maze of old narrow streets, beautiful house gables, romantic corners, an imposing castke above the Vltava, cafés and medieval pubs, exhibitions, concerts, festivals – this all can be found in Český Krumlov. A town with a unique magic atmosphere has been on the UNESCO World Heritage list since 1992.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KLUdizK98Ys
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Lipno is situated 60 km from České Budějovice. Since the construction of the reservoir was finished, the original small village has become a holiday resort. Besides a number of boarding houses, hotels, and camps, there is also a waterpark, bobsleigh track and bike paths, in winter you can visit the Lipno ski resort and ice-rink. Recently, there has been created a tree top trail.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=unKyF0Faoi8
Šumava National park is situated 90 km from České Budějovice. With the area of 680 km2, it is the largest national park in the Czech Republic.
Šumava is an attractive destination for those who look for the magnificence of nature and physical and psychical relax.
https://www.youtube.com/user/jiznicechy