The town of Hluboká nad Vltavou is situated closely to České Budějovice in the Czech Republic and is worth the day trip if for nothing other than to visit Hluboka castle. Though the old town and historic center are also worth checking out, as it runs along the Vltava River.
Best time to visit
When putting together your travel plans you should definitely consider visiting in the spring and summer months. This is a great time to go, though it is also high season for tourists, the weather is much better than in winter time when you can see bitterly cold temperatures and snow.
Top things to do in Hluboka nad Vlatavou
Visit Hluboká Castle
Hluboká Castle is like a fairytale. One of the most visited and famous castles in the Czech Republic it was inspired by England’s Windsor Castle. A popular place to visit. You can take a castle tour in either English or the Czech language (which is cheaper, so if you can speak the language or know someone who can, take the Czech tour),
For those that consider themselves a history buff, the castle itself was originally built as a military fortress in the 13th century, which I feel is a common theme in the Czech Republic. Switching hands multiple times, the castle’s last Czech owners were the Malovec family, which was confiscated and sold in 1622 to a Spanish General.
Finally, in 1661 it became the property of the Schwarzenberg family who completely reconstructed the castle in the 19th century. When finished it became something completely different than the other castle’s seen throughout the country.
Walking up to the castle you cannot help but feel like you are about to meet Cinderella and her prince. The perfectly manicured castle grounds consist of the castle gardens, which are some of the most beautiful gardens you will see. Through the castle grounds you walk to the castle gates in the front which opens up to the large yawning mouth of the central archway.
Take a guided tour
With a tour guide you can see take a castle tour of the interior, which is no less spectacular. There is a large inviting courtyard as you enter through the main entrance. The tour will help you gain a deeper understanding of the history surrounding the area and castle.
It also gives you the opportunity to explore the various private apartments and large dining rooms, including a smoking room, designed to mimic the Elizabethan era, with mahogany and gold, which are some of the most beautiful rooms I have seen in any castle.
Days tours will be a in a small group and opening hours are at 9am. Like I said, the main tour is in Czech, but if you cannot speak the language taking that tour will mean you won’t learn anything. Make sure to check out the castle’s website to plan your visit.
Check out the nearby carp ponds
Once you have gotten your fill of this immaculate building head over to the carp ponds. If you are lucky there will be a festival going on, where locals harvest the ponds while onlookers drink fresh beer and eat from the various food stands.
Carp is an important source of protein in the Czech Republic. As bottom feeding vegetarians, carp are easy to raise and therefore can be raised in significant quantity. The Czechs have been raising carp for a long time and it is an important part of their heritage.
Visit the south Bohemian zoological gardens
Near the carp ponds is an adorable little zoo. I really enjoyed walking around this zoo. Much smaller than the Prague Zoo it has the ever-fun kookaburra, which you know I had that silly little kids’ song stuck in my head for the rest of the day.
The Czechs do a good job with their zoos and animal care.
Concluding Thoughts
The entire area can be explored in one day, as the main focal point, really, is the castle. But it is still surrounded by nature, as in much of South Bohemia, and you are given the opportunity to travel at a slower pace. As in all areas in the Czech Republic, it is so steeped in history that no matter where you turn you will find a remnant of the past.
For more day trips in South Bohemia check out my posts on České Budějovice and the Cesky Krumlov castle in the town of Český Krumlov.
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