Post - FemaleAbroad

Cesky Krumlov is one of those places that will simply bewitch you. From the outside, the castle, towering over the picturesque meanders of the Vltava River, looks like a cake decorated with sweet pink frosting. Once inside, you will be enchanted by the unique Baroque Theatre or the famous Masquerade Hall. The Old Town is laced with winding streets and stone burgher houses. Cesky Krumlov pulses with life - whether it be with the groups of canoeists who gather their strength here for the journey onward, art enthusiasts who come to admire the works presented by the famous Egon Schiele Art centre, or visitors to the Seidl Photographic Studio, which features period photographs which take them back in time. The historic center of Cesky Krumlov has been inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Do not miss a tour of the new Castle Museum with its unconventional exhibition. You'll see a model of the castle as it looked in the 16th century, a lapidarian displays of how life used to be, and even a functional historical cinema. The museum is open all year round, except for Mondays during the off-season.

Egon Schiele Art Center, in addition to its permanent exhibition of the graphic works of Egon Schiele and exhibitions on his life and works, also features 20th-century and contemporary art from the Czech Republic and abroad. The galley is located in the historical Old Town.

Seidl Photographic Studio Museum: Experience the magic of the hidden story of the beginnings of photography, the unsettling fate of the pioneers of this craft, and a photographic chronicle of the Czech-German-Austrian border area from the end of the 19th and the first part of the 20th centuries.

Insider Tip

Take advantage of the Cesky Krumlov Card to help you get to know the town better; it is valid for 30 days.

Rent a canoe and ride down the Vltava from Vyssi Brod to Rozmberk Castle or to Cesky Krumlov

During your travels through South Bohemia, be sure to visit some of the area's romantic castles. One of the most charming is the Hluboka Chateau, whose imposing beauty will take your breath away. Another place that virtually breathes magic is the Cervena Lhota Chateau, laying on a rocky promontory in the middle of the castle pong. Hluboka Chateau is close to the city of Ceske Budejovice. It is open all year round.

Insider Tip

Ponds are everywhere you look. Fishing has enjoyed centuries of tradition in South Bohemia. Most of the fishponds are located around Trebon, Jindrichuv Hradec, Ceske Budejovice, and Tabor. The autumn fish harvest is an important event and has a unique atmosphere. The fishing industry has also strongly influenced the character of the culinary specialties in the local restaurants. Pike or eel, especially when washed down with one of South Bohemia's local beers, is not easily forgotten... If you would like to experience the fish harvest for yourself, contact the Trebon information centre. info@itrebon.cz

What's the best way to enjoy the beauty of the South Bohemian landscape with all its colours, flavours, and smells? How about from a raft or bicycle? The Luznice, Vltava and Otava rivers are well known to every rafter. A trip down these rivers on a canoe or raft is an unforgettable experience, and the good news is that there are plenty of rentals in the region. South Bohemia has excellent conditions for cyclists as well. There is a dense network of cycling trails, and plenty of paths through the forests, around the pongs, and winding through the picturesque villages.

Lipno is the largest body of water in the Czech Republic, which is why is is known as the 'sea of South Bohemia' - it is no wonder that this area is a well-known local for lakeside vacations. All throughout the summer season, Lake Lipno is scattered with white sails and boats while surfers ride the waves and fishermen patiently wait for their catch.

There are a number of high-quality and well-marked bicycle trails around Lake Lipno. Try, for example, the bike route along the former Schwarzenberg Navigational Canal, ideal for family bicycle trips. In the winter, the same path is ideal for cross-country skiing. A good place to start is the village of Nova Pec.

Give ice skating on the frozen Lake Lipno a try! In winter, the entire lake turns into an ice skating rink. The route from the village of Lipno to Frymburk is well maintained and stretches for 10km.

Insider Tip

The Lipno guest card provides special offers for your summer and winter vacation.

Sumava is one of the largest contiguous forest ranges in Central Europe and has even been called the 'Green Roof of Europe'. That's why it is no surprise that this southwestern area of Bohemia has been designated a national park. This landscape could even be called mystical in some places. You'll find melancholy bogs looming in the mist, vast mineral plateaus, contemplative moors, Vltava River valleys, glacial lakes, mountain streams with crystal clear water, pastures, and meadows. If you have never walked through the valley of Vydra Creek, you can't say that you have truly been to Sumava. One of the most beautiful routes through the Sumava nature is the Povydri educational trail leading from the settlement of Antygl to Cenkova Pila. You can cover this easy 7.5-kilometre trail with a stroller or in a wheelchair. Bicycles, however, are not permitted.

Insider Tip

Set off for an adventure through Sumava on foot or bicycle, then on cross-country skis in the winter. The trails are well marked and will lead you to all the interesting destinations. Service for cross-country skiers: At www.bilastopa.cz you can check out the current conditions of cross-country trails in Sumava in advance.