National parks Štěpánovice (okres České Budějovice)

A forest monument where centuries-old oaks whisper stories

Imagine a walk through a peaceful oak grove near Třeboň, where mighty old oaks dominate and the air is filled with the silence of the forest. Branské doubí is a protected natural monument with a rare habitat of wet oak forests, where the trees tell history and the landscape has remained almost unchanged for centuries.

What to expect?

Branské doubí is a place where nature sets its own rhythm. Sparse stands dominated by pedunculate oaks, found at various stages of their natural life cycle, create an irreplaceable home for rare invertebrates. Among the most significant are the protected hermit beetle (Osmoderma barnabita) and the massive great capricorn beetle, whose larvae inhabit the wood of old oaks. The forest environment is also an important refuge for birdlife. Species nesting here include, for example, the collared flycatcher, grey-headed woodpecker, middle spotted woodpecker, or little owl. A green-marked hiking trail runs through the entire area, which will delight all lovers of peace and authentic nature walks.

Who is Branské doubí a treasure for?

This natural treasure is intended primarily for those who seek peace in the wild and can admire the beauty of centuries-old trees. It is an ideal destination for hikers, cyclists, and artists, such as photographers or painters, who find constant inspiration in this landscape. The entire area is easily accessible on flat terrain, making it suitable even for visitors with limited mobility. However, due to the protection of the rare local nature, we do not recommend visitors bring dogs.

Where to find Branské doubí and how to get there

It lies about 3 km south of Třeboň, near the village of Branná. The best way to get here is on foot or by bike along the green trail. Parking can be started at Opatovický Mill. The area is accessible all year round and offers an extraordinary connection with the landscape without time pressure.

A timekeeper hidden among oaks

Branské doubí is a place where nature continues its silent story. Every step among the old deciduous trees carries You into a world where the diversity of life and the power of nature prevail beyond human changes.

Soví les – a primeval forest in the heart of Třeboňsko, where nature sings in its own way
Imagine a quiet pine forest on a peat base, where centuries-old trees hide rare bird inhabitants and the scent of moss blends with the fresh air. Soví les, declared a natural monument in 1994, is one of the most valuable sites of the Třeboňsko Protected Landscape Area. A small but rich space where nature has been preserved almost in its original form draws You into a world where peace and silence reign.

 

What You will discover here – a forest with rich fauna and flora

• The forest stands consist of old pines and spruces of various ages, complemented by reindeer moss, bilberry, cranberry, and other plants typical of peat bogs
• In the undergrowth You can also find rarer species such as bog rosemary or stiff clubmoss
• Soví les is home to protected animals – the black stork, white-tailed eagle, black woodpecker, Tengmalm’s owl, or the Eurasian pygmy owl
• A tourist trail with information boards runs through the area, introducing visitors to the local natural values
  
   

For whom Soví les is ideal

• For lovers of nature, silence, and peaceful walks
• For families with children, schools, and photographers
• The area is accessible on flat terrain, suitable also for people with reduced mobility
• Entry with dogs is not recommended due to nature protection
  
   

Where to find Soví les and how to get there
Soví les is located about 2 km southeast of Třeboň and is accessible on foot or by bicycle. You can park Your car on the edge of the village, from where a short walk along the marked path awaits You. The site is accessible all year round and offers a unique opportunity to discover the natural beauty of Třeboňsko away from crowded tourist spots.

Soví les – the breath of time in nature’s embrace
Soví les is not just a tourist destination, but also a rare natural refuge. Every step along its paths is an invitation to slow down, listen, and perceive the rhythm of nature as it has sounded here for centuries.

Nature Reserve Písečný přesyp u Vlkova – the Czech Sahara among forests

On the edge of the Třeboňsko Protected Landscape Area, less than a kilometer northwest of the village of Vlkov u Veselí nad Lužnicí, lies a unique sand dune — a small but remarkable nature reserve with dunes up to 4–6 meters high and an area of about 0.8 ha. Formed by wind-blown sand from the nearby river at the turn of the Pleistocene, it has preserved its original form — a silent fragment of desert in the heart of South Bohemia.
 

What will impress you here – a natural stage in the sand

• Dunes form distinct yellow surfaces without vegetation, where the wind creates characteristic ripples in the sand
• Rare dry-loving plants grow here — such as Morison’s knapweed, grey club-rush, and fine- and rough-leaved fescues
• Home to specialized insects, including the solitary bee Andrena vaga, the beetle Anisoplila villosa, and the wolf spider Arctosa perita
• The area is part of the Veselské pískovny educational trail, which introduces the geology and biology of this site

Who will find inspiration here

• Nature and geology lovers who wish to discover a unique sandy environment
• Cyclists, hikers, and photographers who will appreciate the unusual contrast of desert scenery in a forest setting
• The area is accessible via a flat route — suitable also for visitors with limited mobility
• Access to unpaved dune surfaces is prohibited for nature conservation reasons

How to get here and what awaits you
You can reach the reserve on foot along the yellow tourist trail from Vlkov or Veselí nad Lužnicí. The trailhead offers convenient parking at Veselské pískovny. Nearby you will also find educational boards, lakes for swimming, and peaceful nature perfect for an easy walk.

Písečný přesyp u Vlkova – silence breathing the story of an ancient landscape
This small “Czech Sahara” is a hidden natural treasure, where desert silence and life in the sand create a special symphony. Come here to feel the space, contrast, and ancient history of sand.

Červené blato Nature Reserve – a peatland oasis where the colors of the landscape tell their story

The Červené blato National Nature Reserve, located on the southwestern edge of the Třeboňsko Protected Landscape Area, is one of the largest and best-preserved peatlands in the Czech Republic. Its name refers to the characteristic brown-orange coloration of the water, which gives the entire landscape a unique touch.
 

What you will discover here – nature in its authentic form

• A massive peat layer reaching 7–8 meters, with rich growth of Scots pine, wild rosemary, cotton-grass, and the rare round-leaved sundew
• The area was exploited for peat extraction from the 18th century; today, thanks to natural reclamation, it forms a diverse mosaic of habitats
• An educational trail about 5 km long leads along wooden boardwalks, equipped with 6 information stops, including a rest area and a viewing terrace over the pond
• The reserve is home to rich fauna, especially a variety of butterflies and other invertebrates thriving in specific microhabitats

Who Červené blato inspires

• For lovers of peatlands, natural geology, and peaceful landscapes in their authentic state
• For families with children, schools, and art enthusiasts – the wooden boardwalk and educational panels vividly present natural processes
• The area is accessible on flat terrain, and the educational trail is suitable even for visitors with limited mobility
• Entry with dogs is not suitable, to protect the sensitive environment

How to get here and what you can expect
The reserve is located near the settlement of Jiříkovo Údolí and is accessible via a paved road from the main route between Nové Hrady and Třeboň. At the entrance, there is a small car park and the starting point of the educational trail. The route leads you through peat vegetation, wetlands, and peat ponds in a landscape reminiscent of the tundra.

Červené blato – a place where the color of the world breathes with the history of nature
This reserve is natural proof that even after industrial exploitation, nature can revive and flourish. Every step along the wooden boardwalks leads to waters that tell the story of peat, soil, and history. It is a trip that creates space for both reflection and insight.