Where to go on a trip Žár

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.

Borovany Monastery – a baroque oasis of peace and history with the scent of herbs

In the historic center of Borovany rises the former Augustinian monastery, founded in 1455 by Petr of Linda as a spiritual support after the Hussite wars. Its original form was disrupted by war and poor management, but a new impulse was given by Emperor Ferdinand III in 1663. In the mid-18th century, the monastery acquired the form we admire today – with the addition of the Scapular Chapel and the representative prelature. In 1785, however, it was dissolved under the decree of Joseph II. The building was then transformed into a chateau, acquired by the Schwarzenbergs, who held it until 1939. After many transformations, today the monastery complex serves as a library, museum, information center, café, and cultural center, complemented by the experiential tour called “six senses.” In 2020, the beautiful Garden of Flowers was added – rich in plants supporting insects and small birds.
 

What you can experience here – baroque, senses, and flowers

• The Six Senses tours will take you to sacred architecture, the lapidarium, the Scapular Chapel, and the exhibition of spiritual art.
• The lapidarium holds baroque statues in the monastery’s cloister, complemented by an exhibition of ecclesiastical garments and paintings.
• The Scapular Chapel and the prelature enrich the sanctuary with an impressive baroque character.
• The Garden of Flowers invites you to relax and provides shelter for bumblebees, butterflies, and small birds – an oasis of peace in the heart of the complex.

Who the monastery is ideal for

• For lovers of baroque architecture, spiritual art, and the Christian heritage of the region
• For families, schools, and cultured visitors eager to explore interactive exhibitions and park-like quiet zones
• The area is accessible from the outside, though some historical interiors may include stairs
• Entry with dogs is not allowed

How to get here and what else you can find
The monastery stands in the center of Borovany, within walking distance from the square, with parking available nearby. You can spend an inspiring afternoon in the café, visit the exhibition, stroll through the garden, and enjoy the peace of the town.

Monastic peace that opens senses and colors
Borovany Monastery is not just a historical monument – it is a place where the past meets the present. Baroque art, an interactive tour, and the flower garden create a harmonious symphony for all the senses and for moments of silence.

Přírodní koupaliště Lazna. To is refreshing in harmony with nature

In the heart of Borovany, in a quiet area surrounded by greenery, lies the Přírodní koupaliště Lazna. Thanks to a biological water purification system, visitors will not experience the unpleasant smell of chlorine, and swimming here is gentle on both the skin and the environment. It operates during the summer season and offers ideal facilities for families, athletes, and all lovers of natural swimming.

What to expect

The swimming area offers a modern concept of natural bathing with biological water purification using lagoons with aquatic plants, which is an ideal choice for allergy sufferers and visitors with sensitive skin. The premises are designed to suit all age groups. Children have access to water attractions such as a slide, a swing, or a water mushroom, while swimmers can use a diving board, water spouts, or lanes for lap swimming.

For maximum comfort, a wooden pier with barrier-free access is prepared for individuals with limited mobility. Visitors can also make use of additional services, which include a playground, sun lounger rental, warm showers, a volleyball court, and refreshments with an outdoor terrace.

Who is the swimming area suitable for

Thanks to its facilities, the swimming area is an ideal destination for families with children, who will appreciate the safe and playful environment. Due to the natural method of water filtration, the area is also sought after by people with allergies or sensitive skin. Overall, it is a place suitable for all lovers of natural swimming who also require quality facilities and services. Due to hygiene regulations and the nature of the area, entry with dogs is not permitted.

How to get here and what you will find in the vicinity

Přírodní koupaliště Lazna is located near the centre of Borovany and is easily accessible on foot, by bike, or by car. A car park is located directly at the site. Nearby, there is a sports complex with a tennis court, an athletic track, and an indoor swimming pool, so swimming can be combined with other activities.

Summer relaxation without chemicals

Lazna combines pleasant swimming, a friendly atmosphere, and respect for nature. It is an ideal place to spend a sunny day in clean water, amidst relaxation and without unnecessary compromises.

The Římov reservoir was built on the Malše River, south of České Budějovice, near the village of Římov, and it also extends into the cadastral areas of the villages of Velešín and Svatý Jan nad Malší. It was constructed between 1971 and 1978 as a drinking water reservoir for České Budějovice and the surrounding area. The Římov dam is inaccessible to swimmers and anglers. In terms of the reservoir's volume and the volume of water withdrawn, it is currently the largest water supply reservoir in South Bohemia.

Preparation of the project began in the late 1960s, when a decision was made regarding the location of the dam near Římov and the water treatment plant near the village of Plav. Actual construction commenced in January 1974. The dam embankment was completed by the end of 1976. Filling of the reservoir began in June 1978.

The total volume of the reservoir reaches almost 34 million m3, and the flooded area covers 210 hectares. The embankment dam is 290 m long and 47.5 m high. A road and a red tourist trail run along the dam between Římov and Svatý Jan nad Malší. The reinforced concrete tower structure is the location of the shaft for the small bottom outlet, as well as two water intake shafts and two additional bottom outlets. The upper machine room at the top is accessible via a steel footbridge from the dam crest. A small hydroelectric power plant is located in the lower machine room.

As the main source of drinking water for South Bohemia, the Římov reservoir is protected by conservation zones; the first zone is forested, while in the second and third zones, any activity is governed by management principles. Wastewater treatment plants exist in larger villages within the reservoir basin.

If visitors wish to view the dam from various angles, they can walk along the yellow trail from Římov to Velešín on the western bank, and a blue tourist trail winds from Římov to Kaplice on the eastern bank. In addition to the dam, visitors can view the Jesuit Baroque château in Římov, while the castle ruins can be seen in Velešín. It is certainly worthwhile to take a trip to České Budějovice, where visitors can visit the South Bohemian Museum and take a photo by the famous Samson Fountain. The town of Český Krumlov also entices visitors with its history, particularly its château and various museums. One of the most visited places in this region is the Zlatá Koruna Monastery. For families with children, the greatest experience will be a day at ZOO Dvorec in Borovany.

If visitors wish to stay near the Římov reservoir, they should begin their search in the three villages it extends into. Visitors can try entering cottages or private accommodation into a search engine, for example. In addition to Římov, Velešín, and Svatý Jan nad Malší, visitors can also focus on nearby villages; in Zubčice, visitors can look at the offer of guesthouses, Mojné has a choice of cottages and chalets, and Kamenný Újezd welcomes tourists in apartments, for instance. A more diverse range of accommodation can be found in the towns of Kaplice, Český Krumlov, and České Budějovice.

Na Ivance Nature Reserve – a floodplain landscape where the river dances in meanders

Along the stretch of the Lužnice River between the villages of Majdalena and Suchdol nad Lužnicí lies the Na Ivance Reserve. The river’s natural meanders, side arms, numerous pools, and floodplain meadows create a vibrant ecosystem in one of the most valuable parts of the Třeboňsko Protected Landscape Area. Established in 1998, this site enchants even the most demanding nature lovers.
 

What you will discover here – a mosaic of water, greenery, and life

• The naturally winding course of the Lužnice River with pools at various stages of development
• Mixed floodplain forests composed of alder, brittle willow, and pedunculate oak, with undergrowth rich in bird cherry, spindle tree, and viburnum
• Local wetland flora includes rarities such as marsh stitchwort or yellow water-lily
• Fauna includes great diving beetle, silver water spider, agile frog, as well as nesting birds like kingfisher, grey wagtail, middle spotted woodpecker, and rare mammals such as the Eurasian otter and water shrew

Who the Na Ivance Reserve is for

• For lovers of river landscapes, floodplain forests, and wetland biodiversity
• For hikers, cyclists, and families with children who will appreciate the accessible, peaceful environment
• The area is flat and suitable even for visitors with limited mobility
• Entry with dogs is not suitable – to protect the sensitive habitats

Where to find it and how to get there
The reserve stretches between Majdalena and Suchdol nad Lužnicí, mainly along the river’s floodplain. Access is via paved roads from both villages; parking is available nearby. An educational trail or marked path will guide you through the river’s meanders among floodplain stands and pools.

A place where the river and nature write their own story
The Na Ivance Nature Reserve opens your eyes to what a living landscape looks like – untouched by human hands, respecting the rhythm of water and the life flowing within it. It is a place for silence, wonder, and encounters with the purest side of nature.

A water world where birds became the main inhabitants

In South Bohemia, between Lomnice nad Lužnicí and Třeboň, lies the Velký and Malý Tisý National Nature Reserve. A pond paradise that ranks among the most important wetland areas in the Czech Republic. It encompasses a system of several diverse ponds with numerous bays, islands, and wet meadows, and is listed in UNESCO and the Natura 2000 network.

Kingdom of Ponds: The Living World of Wetlands and Birds

Embark on a journey into the heart of a pond landscape, where history blends with wildlife. This unique complex consists of 11 bodies of water, the largest of which, Veľký Tisý, spans over 300 hectares. The entire area is a fascinating mosaic of bays, reed beds, alder forests, and waterlogged meadows that provide a home for countless rare species. Although we now protect the local nature as a significant reserve, the foundations for this miracle were laid as early as 1505 by Štěpánek Netolický and subsequently expanded by the legendary Jakub Krčín.

Today, this area is a true paradise for ornithologists and nature observers alike. You can spot white-tailed eagles, herons, or thousands of migrating geese here, which create an unforgettable bird show in August.

Who is this place ideal for?

The location is created for anyone seeking peace and wanting to experience a touch of untamed nature. Photographers and bird lovers will be captivated by the dramatic bird spectacles here, while hikers and cyclists will appreciate the endless possibilities for quiet walks among the ponds. Thanks to the flat terrain, the entire area is also perfectly accessible to visitors with limited mobility or families with strollers.

Where to go and what not to miss

The reserve is located about 1 km south of Lomnice nad Lužnicí, accessible by car and bike with marked trails. Parking is available at the dams. A walk along the water, a stop at the viewpoint, or watching flocks of geese evokes the feeling that nature lives entirely by its own rhythm.

The wetland heart of Třeboňsko: where water, birds, and peace create a story

Velký and Malý Tisý are not just ponds. They are living, pulsating ecosystems where water writes the dramas of migration, nesting, and everyday life. A visit takes you into a world where it is not about grandeur but about the rhythm of nature in its purest form.

Sandy Horizon in the Heart of Třeboňsko – Natural Monument Pískovna u Dračice

In the Třeboňsko Protected Landscape Area, between Rapšach and Suchdol nad Lužnicí, you will find a unique site where gravel extraction revealed geological layers, including rock outcrops and xerothermic biotopes. This designated natural monument, established in 2001, is a valuable example of how nature can restore itself after industrial activity.
 

What you will discover here – a mix of sand, rocks, and life

• The area of the former quarry with dry sandy surfaces, rock formations, and small wetlands forming a mosaic of habitats
• On the sands grow, for example, grey club-rush and sand knotgrass, while the wetlands host ferns and alders
• Many endangered species live here: especially the natterjack toad and the fire-bellied toad, as well as the agile frog, European tree frog, common viper, common lizard, viviparous lizard — and even the European bee-eater has nested by the water
• The site arose accidentally by preserving the original character of the landscape and today demonstrates examples of the geological structure of the Třeboň Basin

Who the reserve is ideal for

• For lovers of geology, habitats, and ecosystems created after mining
• For hikers, cyclists, and nature enthusiasts seeking a peaceful, interesting place for observation
• The area is easily accessible via flat terrain, barrier-free
• Entry with dogs is not suitable – the terrain and sensitivity of the habitat do not allow it

How to get here and what awaits you
The sand pit is located near the village of Františkov, accessible via a paved road from the Františkov–Rapšach junction. Parking is possible at the edge of the village, near the start of the reserve. In the surroundings, you will find a peaceful natural environment ideal for quiet observation, walks, and exploring the local ecosystem.

A place where sand tells the story of the landscape
Pískovna u Dračice is not just a hole in the ground – it is a living story of how mining can lead to protection and discovery. Every step across sandy surfaces, rocks, and wetlands reminds you that nature has the ability to revive itself – and sometimes to surprise richly.

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.