Where to go on a trip Střelské Hoštice

Refreshment in the heart of Pootaví that will not disappoint

As all roads supposedly lead to Rome, for all pilgrims and travellers exhausted by the summer heat, they should rather lead to Horažďovice. It is precisely in this unassuming yet picturesque small town between Strakonice and Klatovy that the fully equipped Aquapark Horažďovice awaits visitors, reliably refreshing every lover of water fun. The dawn of the new millennium brought various expectations to people, but for Horažďovice, the year 2000 was memorable primarily because the local aquapark opened its doors then. To enable the complex to keep pace with the times, it underwent a thorough renovation twelve years later, bringing not only new water attractions but also a modern wellness centre.

Water Fun and Relaxation All Year Round

A great advantage of the Horažďovice aquapark is the fact that it is completely indoor, meaning it can be fully enjoyed 365 days a year regardless of the whims of the weather. The heart of the entire facility is a spacious swimming pool surrounded by large windows that let in pleasant daylight. Anyone seeking a proper dose of adrenaline will be reliably lured by the 62-metre-long water slide. Even the youngest visitors will find something to their liking. Two slides, a water toadstool, and even special children's massage jets await them in the children's pool, allowing even little ones to try out what adults do. The offer of water fun is complemented by a whirlpool bath, a wild river, a globular water fountain, a counter-current, air grates, water spouts, a water mushroom, and air beds with massage jets.

More Than Just Swimming: Wellness, Fitness and Swimming Courses

The range of services by far does not end there, however. Thanks to the wellness zone, after frolicking in the water, visitors are treated to a classic Finnish sauna procedure, a steam bath, an infra-sauna, a solarium, selected massages, or a well-deserved rest in the relaxation zone. For those for whom water activities are not enough, a fully equipped fitness centre with dumbbells, machines, exercise bikes, elliptical trainers, and a functional zone with tatami mats, suspension systems, expanders, or medicine balls is prepared. Effective water exercise can also be utilised. In addition, a swimming school for all age and weight categories operates here, where basics are learned or technique is perfected, and the popular baby swimming with the assistance of parents and kind instructors is also not missing.

Discover the Magic of Horažďovice and Šumava

Is a holiday being planned and a place to rest one's head being considered? Horažďovice can be chosen as a base for trips. In the town itself, a choice of hotels, guesthouses, or apartments can be made, or cottages and chalets in the surroundings will be encountered. Should the capacity be full, great facilities can also be found in nearby Strakonice, Kašperské Hory, Sušice, Srní, or Kvilda. Furthermore, the local stay can be easily combined with discovering natural beauties. Národní park Šumava is less than an hour's drive away from here. There is no need to travel far across borders, because an interesting and relaxing holiday full of water and fun can be fully enjoyed even in western Bohemia.

The most extensive ruin in Bohemia is hrad Rabí in the Klatovy district in the Plzeňský kraj region. This castle complex was built sometime in the late Middle Ages as a combination of residential and representative spaces with an unfinished defensive system. The dominant feature of hrad Rabí was and still is the residential tower called the donjon, which also serves as a viewpoint overlooking the foothills of the Šumava.

The history of hrad Rabí appears somewhat mysterious, as almost nothing is known with certainty about its beginnings. Documented mentions date only from the 14th century regarding the lords of Rýzmberk. They stood on the side against the Hussites, and therefore in the years 1420 and 1421 Jan Žižka besieged and conquered the castle. During the second conquest, however, he himself lost his second eye. Although the castle was considerably damaged, the owners received funds for its restoration for their loyalty to King Zikmund. The most prominent personality among the castle owners was Půta Švihovský, but after his death in 1504, disputes arose over the property and the inheritance was gradually sold off. The final blow to the glory of this extensive castle was dealt by the Thirty Years' War, after which the castle was never successfully fully restored.

In the 18th century, the castle was less comfortable for the owners than the residence in nearby Žichovice, which is why Rabí was left abandoned, later burned down, and its walls were used by local residents as a source of building material. An attempt to save the castle involved minor repairs in the mid-19th century when a viewing platform was created on the donjon, but major changes did not come until the 20th century. Now, hrad Rabí has been under state administration since 1954 and has been on the list of national cultural monuments since 1978.

When visiting the ruin of hrad Rabí, visitors can choose from two basic circuits. The first circuit is simply named Věž. It passes through the large courtyard, the small courtyard with the well, the economic facilities, climbs to the top of the residential tower, and concludes the circuit in the castle cellar, where natural dripstone decoration can be seen. The Palác circuit will introduce visitors to the history of the castle and its architectural development. It will guide visitors through rooms where models of the castle in various historical periods, stove tiles, and archaeological finds are exhibited. After descending from the viewing tower to the cellar, an audiovisual projection about the conquest of the castle by the Hussites is prepared for visitors, and the dungeon is viewed last. These two basic tour circuits standardly take place with a guide in Czech, but it is also possible to book a guide in English or German in advance, or to borrow a text translation in Dutch, Russian, and French. In addition to guided tours, visitors can walk unlimitedly and free of charge through the castle courtyard with artillery fortifications, look into the former castle stable, and view the exhibition in the underground part of the church.

Since this is a medieval castle, barrier-free access is not available here, but with assistance, wheelchair users can at least reach the large courtyard. Parking is provided off-season on the square of the town of Rabí, and in the summer months, parking areas are designated on the edge of the town, from where visitors can walk to the castle in approximately 15 minutes. Good news for dog lovers is that a dog can accompany visitors on a leash or in a carrier to all parts of the castle. Photography is also permitted in all parts of the castle, provided that the privacy of other visitors and staff is not interfered with. Souvenirs can be purchased at house no. 50 on the way to the square, where toilets are also located. On the square and in the suburb, visitors can also refresh themselves in a pub or utilise two fast-food establishments.

From hrad Rabí, visitors can set out along the Krajem Půty Švihovského trail. A pleasant, undemanding walk from the square to Žichovice awaits, from there to Horažďovice, above which towers the freely accessible ruin of hrad Prácheň. The zámek Horažďovice château, which houses a museum, is also worth a visit. And once monument exploration becomes tiring, visitors can relax in the local aquapark.

After all that strenuous journeying through the Pošumaví region, good accommodation near hrad Rabí will certainly come in handy. In addition to the village of Rabí itself, visitors can also lay their heads in nearby Kašperské Hory or in Sušice. Guesthouses in Nezdice na Šumavě will also provide their services. And should accommodation be needed alongside a larger group of friends, cabins and cottages in Strašín will welcome visitors.

Do you love Czech history and are you planning a holiday in South Bohemia? Then we have a tip for you. Head to the Strakonice Region! Your attention is certainly deserved by hrad Strakonice, which towers above the confluence of the Otava and Volyňka rivers in Strakonice.

We have a mention of the castle in Strakonice from 1243, when there is a record stating that its owner, Bavor I, donated half of his castle to the Knights Hospitaller. It is therefore more than likely that the castle is even somewhat older. The peculiarity of this castle is that it was originally strictly separated into a secular and a Hospitaller part, and only in 1402 did the Hospitaller knights become the sole owners. Currently, the castle has as many as three owners, namely the town of Strakonice, the South Bohemian Region, and the religious buildings are owned by the Roman Catholic Church.

As is often the case with many castles, the Strakonice castle was also ravaged during the Thirty Years' War, subsequently struck by fire, gradually fell into disrepair, and thus underwent several smaller and larger reconstructions over the centuries. The last, most extensive reconstruction in 2005 revealed archaeological finds from the 14th and 15th centuries and a 12th-century burial site was also partially uncovered. Archaeological finds can be seen today as part of the exhibition of the Muzeum středního Pootaví, which is located directly within the castle grounds.

The castle complex includes as many as three castle courtyards, the Church of St. Procopius, which today belongs to the Catholic Church, and the former prior's residence, which now houses a primary art school. If a grand wedding day awaits you, you have the opportunity to book a ceremony at the castle, where a ceremonial hall is designated for weddings. In addition to it, the chapter hall, the Bavarian Palace, or the former manorial brewery can also be seen.

The most interesting attraction at the castle is, however, undoubtedly the Rumpál Tower. Why a treadwheel (rumpál)? Well, convicts who were tortured and imprisoned in this tower were apparently lowered into the starvation dungeon precisely by a treadwheel or a similar device. However, the tower originally served for defense. From the outside, you can see gargoyles in the shape of various monsters and non-existent beasts, inside 96 steps await you, and at the top of the tower you will be rewarded with a magnificent view of all of Strakonice and also the foothills of the Šumava mountains.

You will experience a second, equally interesting tour in the black kitchen. It dates back approximately to the 16th century and in it you can see what the castle kitchen with a chimney, drying room, and bread oven presumably looked like one to two centuries later. At that time, it was a modern part of the castle. Of course, cooking no longer takes place in it today, but even so, you can try some of the specialties of the local "castle kitchen". Since we are in the South Bohemian Region, a region of ponds, fish must certainly not be missing on the menu, but you can also enjoy partridges, pheasants, or hares. In short, everything that the inhabitants of the castle could have had on their plates more than half a millennium ago. If you fancied a sweet treat, you certainly will not resist genuine parish-feast cakes, doughnuts, or strudels.

Since the Muzeum středního Pootaví, the Šmidingerova knihovna Strakonice, and the Městské kulturní středisko Strakonice currently have their headquarters at the Strakonice Castle in addition to the primary art school, throughout the year you can visit various exhibitions,vernissages, lectures, or creative workshops not only for children here according to the current program.

If you are traveling to Strakonice with children, there is a diverse range of activities for them as well. Directly in the castle moat is the castle safari, which is open year-round, and children can stroke donkeys, miniature goats, pigs, or wild ducks here. If you would like to feed the animals, an automatic machine is available where you can purchase suitable feed. Another leisure activity suitable for children is called Strakonická šifra, during which 14 stops with riddles await you. If you solve them, you can then exchange the correct solution at the city information center for a small treasure as a reward for your efforts. If you like cycling, take a ride along the Otava and as part of the Otavská plavba dětem event you can collect stamps along the way. Moreover, the Podskalí educational trail runs along the Otava riverbed, which even preschool children can manage on foot because it is only 3 km long.

If you already have older children and cannot tear them away from their mobile phone displays, try Geofun. This is a game for smartphones that offers interesting tasks with a reward in the form of "geonks" in various places across the republic. You can find the local game under the name Za Švandou dudákem do Strakonic. For the whole family or a group of friends, discgolf can be an unconventional sport, which is also worth trying.

If you stay in Strakonice in a hotel or guesthouse and want to take a break from the hustle and bustle of the city, head to the panská zahrada. The city built this relaxation zone only recently. You can sit here even in worse weather on covered benches, whereas in good weather, for example, a fireplace or a viewpoint is available to you.

If you are therefore planning holidays or a vacation in Strakonice, definitely look for accommodation near the Strakonice Castle. This is because it is not only the most prominent dominant feature of the town, but also a great starting point for your sightseeing trips around the Strakonice Region.

Natural swimming with the atmosphere of old times and the tranquillity of the South Bohemian landscape

As soon as you arrive at the swimming pool in Volyně, you will feel the difference. There is no noisy water park here, but rather a classic swimming pool with clean water, surrounded by greenery and forest, where you can enjoy your day at a relaxed pace. The place feels natural and peaceful, and that is precisely what makes it an ideal stop during a summer trip through jižní Čechy.

What the complex offers you

The dominant feature is a large outdoor pool intended for both swimming and recreational bathing. It is not a modern stainless-steel water park complex, but a traditional swimming pool with an open water surface that has retained its character. A diving tower is also available, which will please those who enjoy diving, as well as ample space around the pool for convenient entry and relaxation. The complex is complemented by grassy areas for sunbathing, benches, and facilities for visitors. Thanks to the surrounding greenery, the space feels intimate and pleasant, which will be appreciated by anyone looking for peace rather than attractions.

Who is the swimming pool suitable for

The swimming pool will be particularly appreciated by visitors who prefer quiet bathing in a natural environment. It is suitable for families with children who wish to swim without large crowds, as well as for adults who want to swim and relax away from the bustle of larger urban complexes. It is also a good choice for tourists travelling through jižní Čechy who wish to refresh themselves during the day.

How to get here and what you can visit in the surroundings

The swimming pool is located in the town of Volyně in the Jihočeský kraj. Access is possible by car, and parking is available near the complex. The location is also easily reachable on foot from the town centre. Volyně is known for its historic atmosphere. You can visit the historic square with its burgher houses, the volyňská tvrz, or set out for a walk into the surrounding countryside towards the řeka Volyňka. The surroundings offer opportunities for hiking as well as cycling trips.

Are teenagers staring at their mobile phones from morning till evening? Do visitors feel somewhat tired of all online activities? Then Offpark, entertainment in Šumava for the whole family, is intended precisely for them. It is a complex full of offline activities for the whole family, which can be found distributed in Sušice, Prášily, and Modrava. And what exactly awaits visitors? Let us take a look together.

Offpark is actually an outdoor center that offers sports and adrenaline experiences for both children and adults. On the bank of the Otava, in beautiful nature, the lanový park Sušice has been created with a total of 35 obstacles at a height of 4 to 8 meters. Thanks to professional climbing equipment and expert supervision, visitors do not need to worry about anything, and after conquering the rope route, three zip lines await visitors at the end. Visitors can choose from several difficulty options, and the time required is between one and two hours. The condition is a climber's height of at least 140 cm and a weight of less than 120 kg. Children from approximately six years of age who can reach a height of 145 cm with their hand will then enjoy fun in the dětský lanový park Sušice. Similar and equally entertaining is also the lanový park Prášily, which is on the bank of the Prášilský potok, across which the final zip line leads. The obstacles here are at a height of up to 15 meters, and a total of 18 await visitors. Here too, children from five years of age are catered for in the dětský lanový park Prášily. To make matters worse, visitors can also try a third rope park in Modrava. It is the most demanding park with 21 obstacles, three of which are super difficult. When visitors manage them, they will enjoy a descent down a 30-meter zip line. The dětský lanový park v Modravě is again an essential part.

However, Offpark Šumava is not only rope parks, but also other adrenaline experiences. If visitors have not tried it yet, riding all-terrain scooters is recommended. A minibus will transport visitors to Svatobor to an altitude of 845 meters above sea level, and visitors will descend from there on scooters with two disc brakes down a five-kilometer forest path to Sušice. Visitors will overcome an elevation gain of 370 meters and have an experience of a lifetime. Visitors will also actively relax through in-line skating, for which a new asphalt surface along the Otava River is suitable. Visitors do not need to carry equipment with them; it can be rented in the complex where the route begins.

Are visitors a larger group and want to have fun together? Then they can play paintball in the Šumava forests in a former military area. Visitors will enjoy an adventure and test not only their own physical abilities, but also the level of teamwork. One paint-ball battle takes place for 2 to 3 hours, and a minimum of 10 people must participate. Offpark is a great place for school trips as well as corporate events in the sense of team building. The program will be gladly and willingly tailored directly to visitors' requirements, group parameters, and individual fitness.

Accommodation near Offpark is not difficult to find at all. It depends on where visitors want to head first. Sušice will accommodate visitors primarily in apartments. In the surroundings of Modrava, mountain cottages and chalets are attractive accommodations that visitors will use primarily together with a larger group of friends or colleagues. If visitors have individual transport, then they will not have any problem with accommodation in Kašperské Hory or in Petrovice u Sušice, where they can rent a chalet.

Are visitors already pleasantly tired from the idea of time spent in Offpark? Would they need some relaxation? Strained muscles can be stretched at the swimming pool in Sušice or in Kolinec. If visitors' minds would rather switch off somewhere in the silence of nature, the přírodní park Kochánov or Buděticko will serve them wonderfully. But those who are interested in history will also find something for themselves, because the Jihočeský kraj is full of castles and ruins that tell the local history. It is believed that visitors will find the right accommodation and enjoy fun not only in Offpark.