Free South Bohemia Travel Guide & Mobile App

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South Bohemia
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Explore South Bohemia’s medieval towns, forested Šumava landscapes, historic castles, fishponds and distinctive Czech food traditions.

South Bohemia occupies the broad southern corner of Czechia, stretching from the forested Šumava uplands on the German and Austrian borders across rolling farmland, river valleys and a remarkable landscape of fishponds. The Vltava is the region’s principal waterway, passing through Český Krumlov and České Budějovice before continuing northwards, while the Lipno reservoir creates a large centre for swimming, boating and cycling in the south-west. The region is less densely populated than Prague or Brno, and its spacious countryside gives travel here a measured, landscape-led character.
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České Budějovice, the regional capital, combines a large historic square with a long brewing tradition and serves as the main transport and cultural centre. Český Krumlov, wrapped in a bend of the Vltava, is known for its preserved medieval and Renaissance core, castle complex and Baroque theatre. Elsewhere, Třeboň is surrounded by man-made ponds and avenues, Tábor preserves a strongly Hussite historical identity, and Jindřichův Hradec brings together a castle-palace, a compact old town and the heritage of the narrow-gauge railway landscape.
The region’s architecture reflects several centuries of aristocratic power and rural prosperity. Hluboká nad Vltavou is marked by its nineteenth-century romantic castle, while the villages of Holašovice preserve an exceptional group of South Bohemian Baroque farmhouses. Monasteries, fortified castles and aristocratic estates appear across the countryside, often linked by walking and cycling routes. In the south-west, Šumava National Park offers peat bogs, spruce forests, upland meadows and long-distance trails, with weather and terrain changing noticeably from the lowlands.
Water is central to South Bohemian culture and recreation. The fishponds around Třeboň support carp farming, birdlife and peaceful cycling, while Lipno offers more active lakeside pursuits. Regional cooking includes Třeboň carp, substantial soups such as kulajda, game in forested districts, freshwater fish and fruit-based dumplings. Local breweries, cafés, farm shops and traditional restaurants provide a useful counterpoint to the region’s formal historic attractions.
South Bohemia rewards a flexible itinerary rather than a single-city stay. Český Krumlov and České Budějovice are accessible bases, but the castles, ponds, villages and Šumava landscapes are widely dispersed. A car is convenient for rural touring, while trains and buses connect the principal towns. Travelling outside the busiest summer and festival periods can make it easier to appreciate the region’s quieter streets, woodland paths and small market towns.

When is the best time to visit South Bohemia?

Best: June–August · 23–25°C
Average daytime high and rainfall by month
MonthHigh (°C)Rainfall (mm)
January325
February525
March1030
April1435
May1950
June (best)2360
July (best)2570
August (best)2560
September2050
October1435
November730
December325

Getting to and around South Bohemia

How to get there

Most international visitors reach South Bohemia by rail or road from Prague, which lies outside the region but is the principal international gateway. České Budějovice has direct rail connections with Prague and other Czech cities, while Tábor and Jindřichův Hradec are useful rail arrivals for different parts of the region. České Budějovice Airport is located near the regional capital, although visitors should check current passenger services before relying on it. Road approaches from Austria are convenient through the southern border crossings, and Linz, outside Czechia, can be a practical nearby international gateway for some itineraries.

Transportation

Trains connect České Budějovice with Prague, Tábor, Český Krumlov, Třeboň and other regional towns, while buses serve smaller settlements and many castle destinations. Services are less frequent in rural and border areas, particularly outside the main tourist season. A car is useful for combining dispersed castles, villages and Šumava trailheads, but historic centres such as Český Krumlov and Tábor are best explored on foot. Cycling is well suited to the Třeboň ponds and Lipno area; visitors should use signed paths and expect some forest or gently hilly sections.

Top city travel guides in South Bohemia

The cities of South Bohemia, and the easiest places to base yourself.

Destinations in South Bohemia

Resorts, valleys and scenic spots worth a trip of their own.

Best attractions in South Bohemia

South Bohemia’s attractions range from UNESCO-listed historic centres to large areas of protected countryside. Český Krumlov combines a preserved medieval and Renaissance town with a castle complex above the Vltava, while Tábor interprets the Hussite period through its old streets, walls and underground passages. Hluboká nad Vltavou and Jindřichův Hradec provide contrasting aristocratic castle experiences, and Třeboň introduces visitors to the region’s centuries-old fishpond landscape. The village of Holašovice is notable for its group of South Bohemian Baroque farmhouses. In the west, Šumava National Park offers forest walks, peat bogs, cycling and wildlife observation rather than dense sightseeing, while the Lipno area is geared towards boating, swimming and active recreation. Monasteries, museums, breweries and smaller historic towns add cultural depth between the headline destinations. Because the region is spacious, its attractions are best grouped geographically instead of treated as a series of quick day trips from one base.

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Best landmarks in South Bohemia

The castle-palace of Český Krumlov is South Bohemia’s most recognisable historic landmark, rising above a tightly preserved town shaped by the Rožmberk, Eggenberg and Schwarzenberg families. Hluboká Castle presents a very different image: a nineteenth-century romantic remodelling with elaborate interiors and landscaped grounds. The medieval castle complex at Zvíkov stands above the meeting of the Vltava and Otava, while Rožmberk Castle occupies a commanding position in the Vltava valley. In Tábor, the old town walls and narrow streets express the city’s Hussite origins, and the square and urban fabric of České Budějovice reflect its foundation as a royal town. Holašovice’s carefully preserved farmhouse fronts are a landmark of vernacular architecture rather than aristocratic power. Beyond buildings, the Třeboň fishpond system and the forested ridges and peat bogs of Šumava are defining human-shaped and natural landmarks of the region.

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Explore South Bohemia on the map

Plan your trip on one map. See where the top cities, national parks and sights are, and book hotels and experiences in a few clicks.

Best restaurants in South Bohemia

South Bohemian cooking draws on freshwater fish, forest produce, dairy, potatoes and the hearty traditions of Czech cuisine. Třeboň is especially associated with carp from its surrounding ponds, served in restaurants ranging from traditional dining rooms to more contemporary kitchens. Menus across the region may also include kulajda, a creamy soup flavoured with dill and mushrooms, game in forest districts, roast meats, dumplings and fruit-filled pastries. České Budějovice has the broadest choice of cafés, breweries and modern restaurants, while Český Krumlov caters to both visitors and residents with Czech and international dining. Rural inns remain useful places to encounter generous local cooking, although menus vary considerably. Farmers’ shops and seasonal markets can provide cheeses, preserves, honey and baked goods, while local beer is a natural accompaniment to traditional dishes. Tipping is customary rather than compulsory, and asking about ingredients is sensible when ordering regional specialities.

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Best bars in South Bohemia

Evening life in South Bohemia is centred more on pubs, breweries, wine bars, cafés and live cultural events than on a large club scene. České Budějovice has the widest selection, with traditional beer halls, modern bars and venues linked to its student and cultural population. Český Krumlov offers atmospheric pubs and restaurants in and around the historic centre, though the town becomes quieter outside the main season. Tábor and Jindřichův Hradec provide smaller-scale options, including local pubs, cafés and occasional music or theatre programmes. In rural areas, evening entertainment generally means a village pub, a restaurant or a seasonal event rather than late-night venues. Breweries and beer gardens are part of the regional social landscape, but visitors can also find non-alcoholic drinks and quieter cultural activities. Opening arrangements vary, particularly in small towns and outside summer.

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Best nightclubs in South Bohemia

Evening life in South Bohemia is centred more on pubs, breweries, wine bars, cafés and live cultural events than on a large club scene. České Budějovice has the widest selection, with traditional beer halls, modern bars and venues linked to its student and cultural population. Český Krumlov offers atmospheric pubs and restaurants in and around the historic centre, though the town becomes quieter outside the main season. Tábor and Jindřichův Hradec provide smaller-scale options, including local pubs, cafés and occasional music or theatre programmes. In rural areas, evening entertainment generally means a village pub, a restaurant or a seasonal event rather than late-night venues. Breweries and beer gardens are part of the regional social landscape, but visitors can also find non-alcoholic drinks and quieter cultural activities. Opening arrangements vary, particularly in small towns and outside summer.

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Best shops in South Bohemia

Shopping in South Bohemia is strongest in historic market towns rather than in large luxury retail districts. České Budějovice has the region’s broadest selection of department stores, independent shops, cafés and food retailers, with the main historic square and surrounding streets forming a practical starting point. Český Krumlov offers galleries, craft shops, books, ceramics and locally themed gifts, though prices and quality vary between businesses. Třeboň and Tábor are good places to browse smaller shops alongside regular food outlets and traditional high-street businesses. Regional purchases may include Czech beer, honey, preserves, baked goods, pottery, glass, textiles and products from local farms. Farmers’ markets and seasonal stalls are useful for produce, but schedules change and should be checked locally. Near protected landscapes, choose durable, genuinely local crafts and food products rather than assuming every souvenir reflects South Bohemian manufacture.

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South Bohemia essentials

Currency and Payment
South Bohemia uses the Czech koruna, abbreviated CZK, as does the rest of Czechia. Cards and contactless payments are widely accepted in hotels, larger restaurants, museums and transport hubs in České Budějovice and other principal towns. Cash remains useful for small cafés, rural accommodation, market stalls, local buses and minor admissions, especially away from the main tourist centres. ATMs are available in larger settlements, but carrying a modest reserve of korunas is sensible when travelling through sparsely populated countryside.
Safety
South Bohemia is generally straightforward for visitors, with the usual precautions against unattended belongings in crowded historic centres and transport areas. Outdoor risks are more relevant in rural districts: woodland paths can become muddy, cycle routes may share roads, and weather can change quickly in Šumava. Follow marked trails and local notices around peat bogs, reservoirs and forest management areas. Swim only where permitted, take care on boats and bicycles, and remember that narrow rural roads may be poorly lit after dark.
Emergency Situations
The European emergency number 112 operates in South Bohemia and throughout Czechia; 150 reaches the fire service, 155 medical rescue and 158 the police. The Czech Mountain Rescue Service operates in relevant upland areas, including Šumava, but visitors should not rely on mobile coverage everywhere in the forest or borderlands. Carry identification, note the name of the nearest village or marked trail location, and call 112 if the appropriate service is uncertain or language presents a difficulty.
Do's and Don'ts
Use a quiet voice and follow photography rules in churches, museums and historic interiors, where flash or tripods may be restricted. In villages and protected landscapes, remain on marked paths, close gates and take litter away. Czech dining etiquette is generally relaxed, though tipping is customary when service has been satisfactory and is usually given by rounding up or adding a modest amount. In historic centres, keep vehicles outside pedestrian areas and do not assume that swimming, fires or camping are allowed beside every pond or lake.
Local Tips
The Třeboň basin is particularly rewarding by bicycle, with quiet roads and paths linking ponds, woodland and the town itself. Visit major castles early or late in the day during busy periods, and check which interiors require a guided tour. Šumava is best approached with a map and a realistic understanding of distances, as villages and services can be widely spaced. České Budějovice makes a useful base for regional food and rail connections, while smaller towns offer a slower pace and easier access to local markets and cafés.
Eve, your Evendo local guide

From Eve

Local phrases worth knowing

You don't need to get them perfect. A few words go a long way, and locals appreciate the effort.

6 phrase groups · English, local and pronunciation

Basics
EnglishLocalSay it
HelloAhoj[ahoy]
GoodbyeNashledanou[nash-le-dah-no]
YesAno[ah-no]
NoNe[neh]
Please/You're welcomeProsím[pro-seem]
Thank youDěkuji[dye-kwee]
Excuse me/SorryOmlouvám se[om-lou-vahm seh]
How are you?Jak se máš?[yak seh mahsh]
Fine. And you?Dobře. A ty?[dob-zheh. ah tee]
Do you speak English?Mluvíš anglicky?[mloo-veesh an-gli-tskee]
I don't understandNerozumím[neh-roh-zu-meem]
Eating & Drinking
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to see the menu, pleaseChtěl bych vidět menu, prosím[kht-yel beek vid-yet meh-noo, pro-seem]
I don't eat meatNejím maso[ney-eem mah-so]
Cheers!Na zdraví![nah zda-ree]
I would like to pay, pleaseChtěl bych zaplatit, prosím[kht-yel beek zap-lah-tit, pro-seem]
Emergencies
EnglishLocalSay it
Help!Pomoc![poh-mots]
Go away!Jdi pryč![jdih pritch]
Call the Police!Zavolejte policii![zah-vo-lay-teh poh-li-tsi-ee]
Call a doctor!Zavolejte doktora![zah-vo-lay-teh dok-toh-ra]
I'm lostZtratil jsem se[ztrah-teel ysem seh]
I'm illJsem nemocný[ysem neh-mots-nee]
Shopping
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to buy...Chtěl bych koupit...[kht-yel beek koh-pit]
I'm just lookingJen se dívám[yen seh dee-vahm]
How much is it?Kolik to stojí?[koh-lik toh stoh-yee]
That's too expensiveTo je moc drahé[toh yeh mots drah-eh]
Can you lower the price?Můžeš snížit cenu?[moo-zesh snee-zit tseh-noo]
Time & Numbers
EnglishLocalSay it
What time is it?Kolik je hodin?[koh-lik yeh ho-deen]
It's one o'clockJe jedna hodina[yeh yed-na ho-dee-na]
Half past (10)Půl (10)[pool (10)]
MorningRáno[rah-no]
AfternoonOdpoledne[od-po-led-neh]
EveningVečer[veh-cher]
YesterdayVčera[vcheh-rah]
TodayDnes[dnes]
TomorrowZítra[zee-trah]
1Jedna[yed-na]
2Dvě[dvyay]
3Tři[tree]
4Čtyři[ch-ti-ree]
5Pět[pyet]
6Šest[shest]
7Sedm[sedm]
8Osm[oh-sm]
9Devět[deh-vyet]
10Deset[deh-set]
Transport & Directions
EnglishLocalSay it
Where's a/the...?Kde je...?[kdeh yeh...?]
What's the address?Jaká je adresa?[ya-kah yeh ah-dreh-sah]
Can you show me (on the map)?Můžeš mi to ukázat (na mapě)?[moo-zesh mee toh oo-kah-zat (nah mah-peh)?]
When's the next (bus)?Kdy jde další (autobus)?[gdyh ydeh dal-shi (ow-to-boos)?]
A ticket (to ....)Jeden lístek (do ....)[yeh-den lee-stek (doh ....)]

History of South Bohemia

Early settlement and medieval south Bohemia

South Bohemia has been inhabited since prehistoric times, with archaeological evidence of farming communities, fortified settlements and later trading activity. Medieval colonisation expanded during the Přemyslid period, when towns, churches and agricultural estates developed along the Vltava and Lužnice valleys. České Budějovice was founded in the thirteenth century as a royal town, strengthening Bohemian control over an important southern communications corridor. The region’s rivers, forests and market routes helped shape a settlement pattern that remains visible in its towns and villages.

The Rožmberk and Rosenberg legacy

From the twelfth century until the early seventeenth century, the powerful Rožmberk, or Rosenberg, dynasty dominated much of southern Bohemia. Their principal seat at Český Krumlov grew into one of the region’s most important political and cultural centres, while castles including Rožmberk protected routes through the Vltava valley. The family supported monasteries, towns and artistic projects, leaving a legacy of castles, churches and urban buildings. Český Krumlov’s historic centre is now recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage site.

The Hussite movement and Tábor

Tábor became a major centre of the Hussite movement during the religious and political upheavals of the early fifteenth century. Founded in 1420 by radical Hussite supporters, it was named after Mount Tabor and organised as a fortified community with an influential military and religious role. The movement challenged the authority of the Catholic Church and the monarchy before being defeated at the Battle of Lipany in 1434. Tábor’s street plan, town walls and underground passages preserve the physical memory of this formative period.

Fishponds, estates and early modern prosperity

From the late Middle Ages into the early modern period, South Bohemian landowners transformed wet lowlands into extensive systems of fishponds. The landscape around Třeboň became especially associated with carp farming, supported by engineered channels, dams and specialist management. Aristocratic estates also expanded forestry, agriculture and brewing, while monasteries and towns remained important economic institutions. This combination of managed water, woodland and estate production created a distinctive countryside that is still central to South Bohemia’s economy, scenery and culinary identity.

The Schwarzenbergs and nineteenth-century transformation

After the decline of the Rožmberks, the Eggenbergs and later the Schwarzenbergs became the leading aristocratic families in large parts of the region. Their estates influenced forestry, architecture, farming and town development, with Hluboká nad Vltavou transformed into a romantic nineteenth-century residence and Třeboň remaining an important administrative centre. Industrialisation arrived more gradually than in northern Bohemia, but railways, brewing, food production and timber processing connected South Bohemia more closely with Prague, Austria and the wider Czech lands.

Twentieth-century borders and modern regional identity

South Bohemia experienced major political changes after the creation of Czechoslovakia in 1918, the wartime occupation and the post-war expulsion of most German-speaking inhabitants from the borderlands. The communist period brought nationalisation, restricted border access and large infrastructure projects, including the Lipno reservoir. Since 1989, historic town centres, castles and villages have undergone extensive restoration, while cross-border cooperation with Austria and Germany has strengthened. Tourism, conservation and outdoor recreation now complement the region’s traditional agriculture, forestry and brewing.

South Bohemia in Photos

Browse through our photo collection highlighting the charm and character of the destination.

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Evendo: Your Ultimate Travel Guide to South Bohemia

Discover the best of South Bohemia with Evendo, your 100% free app-based travel guide covering attractions, landmarks, shops, bars, restaurants, and more.

  • Detailed information on attractions, landmarks, shops, bars, nightclubs, restaurants, hotels, tours, experiences, and activities
  • Rich content including images, descriptions, local tips, maps, and contact details
  • Easy booking for hotels, tours, tickets, and experiences
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More about the Evendo app

Explore South Bohemia with Evendo, the free travel guide app that helps you discover attractions, landmarks, restaurants, and book experiences effortlessly.

  • Comprehensive travel essentials and local advice
  • History of South Bohemia
  • User-friendly navigation and 'Near Me' feature
  • Curated local tips for an authentic experience
  • 100% free with no in-app purchases or additional costs
  • Global coverage with information on over 7,000 destinations

Welcome to South Bohemia, a captivating region in Czechia where history, culture, and natural beauty converge. With Evendo, your journey through this picturesque destination becomes seamless and enriching. The app provides detailed information on the best attractions, landmarks, shops, bars, nightclubs, restaurants, hotels, tours, experiences, and activities, ensuring you don't miss out on anything.

Discover iconic landmarks like the Český Krumlov Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and the charming town of Třeboň, known for its serene fishponds and Renaissance architecture. Savor local cuisine at renowned restaurants such as Laibon in Český Krumlov and Masné krámy in České Budějovice. The app also offers rich content, including images, descriptions, local tips, maps, and contact details, making it easy to plan and organize your trip.

With Evendo, booking hotels, tours, tickets, and experiences is a breeze. You no longer need to search for what to see, do, and experience—it's all in one place. The app features comprehensive travel essentials, a history of South Bohemia, and tons of local advice to ensure you get the most out of your visit. The easy-to-navigate interface and the 'Near Me' feature help you explore the region like a local, finding hidden gems around you.

Download Evendo today and embark on an unforgettable adventure in South Bohemia. And remember, Evendo also covers over 7,000 other destinations worldwide, making it your go-to travel companion wherever you go.

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