Hluboka nad Vltavou

If you would like to travel in time, into a beautiful chateau and Castles, you definitely, should visit Hluboka and Vltavou. It is a breathtaking castle. After you climb the hill taking you to the chateau, you will be welcomed by beautiful towers and a castle with a white facade and amazing gardens. Hluboká Castle is considered one of the most impressive Czech Republic castles.

Hluboká Castle is one of the most beautiful and most visited in Bohemia. The popularity comes from the romantic site, collections, and interior furnishings. However, several legends are circulating the chateau that can entertain and even scare some.

What is a history of Hluboka Castle?

The original castle served as a guard castle in the middle of the 13th century. Several aristocratic families took turns here. For example, the Pernštejns family owned the property in the 14th century. An important aristocratic family of lords from Hradec bought the Hluboká estate in 1561. Two years later, the new owners had the original Gothic castle rebuilt into a Renaissance chateau. At the end of the 16th century. Another owner of the estate was the Malovce family. Still, as Protestants, they lost their property in 1619, and four years later, he acquired the estate from Emperor Ferdinand II as compensation for war claims. Schwarzenberg bought Hluboka from his nephew in 1661.

The Schwarzenbergs lived in the chateau until 1939, when the last owner, Adolf, emigrated overseas to run away from the Nazis and never returned to Czechoslovakia. In 1940, the property was confiscated by the German secret state police, and on May 8, 1945, the property was nationalized.

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Where the name “Hluboka” came from?

Froburg Castle (Frohnburg) used to stand in the place where Hluboka castle is. We still do not know the origin of today’s name of the Hluboká chateau (Hluboka/e/y -> Deep), and we can only guess. Some claim that the castle got its name due to its location deep in the woods, others argue that it happened due to construction on a rock above the deep Vltava valley, and some even believe that the name is due to a well which is on castles property and is 125m deep.

The reconstruction of a Hluboka Castle

In 1661 the Schwarzenberg family gained possession of the structure and reconstructed the castle to its present-day Neo-Gothic appearance based on the English castle of Windsor. Hluboká Castle has had four major reconstructions. The reconstruction was finished in 1871; the family created 140 richly decorated rooms, eleven towers, and bastions and succeeded in turning it into a Neo-Gothic gem. A gorgeous English-style castle park surrounds the castle. If you are a true lover of castles, do not miss Hluboká, a true fairy tale gem.  

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Where to find Hluboka Castle

One of the most famous and most visited castles in the Czech Republic is the Hluboká Castle. Located close to České Budějovice, in souther Bohemia. The castle sits near a beautiful pond and above the Vltava River. When you get to the town of Hluboka nad Vltavou, you will have to walk the little hill, which might make you tired, but you will forget fast about all that sweat once you will get up into a pretty Castle garden. With Castle welcoming you with its beauty.

How do you get to Hluboka Castel?

The site is well-accessible from Prague. Southern Bohemia has so many places to visit, and I would recommend book a couple of nights in Hotel in the area and make it a multiple-day trip. Other must-visit destinations, such as Cesky Krumlov. I will name interesting places later. Let’s now talk about how to get to Hluboka nad Vltavou

Rent a car

The easiest way how to get to Hluboka nad Vltavou is by rental car. Renting a car in Prague or anywhere in the Czech Republic is very easy, and thanks to the competition in the capital city, rates are quite low, even if you decide to rent a car only for the day. I have rented a car before for a whole month and still have not broken my bank account.

This is a company I do recommend for renting a car as I used this Mr. Milan in the past and always successfully. Check the website here.

Hluboka nad Vltavou is less than 2 hours drive from Prague. Make sure your car has a highway sticker. From 2021 the system changes into an electronic one, so ask the rental agency whether the car is allowed to drive on highways, but we think it should.

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By Bus

You will have to take two busses to get there. I have never traveled by bus, but this is what I have found. It is recommended to book tickets ahead of time especially during the high tourist season. I looked at IDOS website and it was easy to find which bus to take, pick a time and book online. You can also get their app.

The bus station is called “Na Knizeci” and is by metro line B; the station is called Andel. (yellow line), it looks like you will go to station Cimelice namesti, which is about 1 hour away from Prague. Within 15 minutes, another bus will leave towards Hluboka nad Vltavou, and you will get out at the station “Pod Kostelem“. This leg is a bit slower as its stopping at multiple stations. About 1 hour as well.

The cost is about 190 CZK which right now is about $10 one way.

Make sure you know the time for going back to Prague, as you do not want to miss your last bus.

Tip: one of the stations on the second leg is “Pisek,” it is a pretty city as well. I would recommend if you have time to stop here, take a walk through the city, and maybe grab coffee and dessert before leaving for Prague.

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By Train

Another alternative is to travel by train. Again, I have not traveled to Hluboka by train. I take a train from Prague to my parent’s town. I always enjoyed traveling by train. It is more comfortable traveling by train than the bus for sure. I do have to warn you about the train station is a bit further from the castle (it is still within walking distance)

Most trains leave from Prague’s main train station, and you need to change trains either in Ceske Budejovice or Tabor. Again, check out this IDOS app and search for the most convenient route.

The train ticket price is very similar to the bus; you will pay around 200 CZK.

If you wish to catch a bus from Ceske Budejovice to go to Hluboka nad Vltavou, it is possible. Bus and train stations in Ceske Budejovice are only a few hundred meters from each other.

Note: Be aware of train travel on Friday evening from Prague or Sunday evening to Prague. Those times can be busy as university students use the train.

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Other ways to travel to Hluboka and Vltavou

You can buy an overpriced Guided tour anywhere in Prague. They will take care of transport and give you a certain time of freedom at the location. I personally like to explore on my own when I go to a foreign country as much as possible. But know guided tours are heavily available. I totally understand. It can be very overwhelming to travel and be in a foreign country. That is why I am mentioning this option too.

One good thing about guided tours is, your guide probably will be knowledgeable and will tell you good information on your drive by bus there.

Private transport can be an option as well. If you don’t want to drive but also do not want to give up on your comfort, it is possible to hire a driver that will take you to Hluboka nad Vltavou.

What do you need to know before you get to Hluboka Castle?

NOTE!!! Due to COVID 19, the Castle is closed like many places in the Czech Republic. Visit the official website for updates and information here.

There are many tours available to book. Usually, they last for 1 hour, and you will get a guide who tells you all about the castle, and you also can choose from a different language. When I go to the Czech, usually the travel season has not started yet, so I do not have to push through crowds, but once the season is in full swing, you can have sold-out tours or wait for a couple of hours the next one. I would recommend checking the website and, if possible buy tickets online.

Important!!! In normal non Covid time Hluboka is usually closed on Mondays to public.

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What are some legends around a Hluboka Castel?

The Shepherd

A Shepered lived nearby the castle Hluboka nad Vltavou. He was swearing and sending bad spells all day long, from morning to evening. People did not like his language and always advising him to stop his behavior. The Shepard just laughed into their face and continue to cus.

Until one day! He overstepped his boundaries and put a spell on himself and the whole world. . The heavens punished him – the Shepherd turned into a stone together with his sheep. The boulders on the meadow are called a petrified herd.

I googled the location of The Shepard, but all articles were pointing to northern Bohemia, a bit far from Hluboka Castle. I did find different rock Formations nearby. Located on family land. It is called Holasovicke Stonehenge.

Read more about Holasovicke Stonehenge here.

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Magical Samaritan

Hluboka and Vltavou suffered from frequent floods. The Vltava river flooded local wells with dirty and murky water that caused many diseases. However, the locals figured out that there is one stream of clean water during the flood. It is a spring on a slope behind Hamr, where the owner of Ondřej Ungad from Sunek built the Samaritan chapel.

Bloody Grass

An ambitious Czech nobleman Záviš from FalkenštejnIn was executed in 1290 nerby the castle Hluboka . The grass started to grow red-colored by blood for many years in the area he was executed. If you look hard enough, you may still spot the red stalks even today. Can you see it?

What else to see near by Hluboka Castel?

• Holasovicke Stonehenge – Like I already mentioned above. This place is located nearby in a village called Holasovice. About 20 minutes drive by car from Hluboka Castle. Thanks to its uniqueness, Holasovice was entered on the UNESCO World Cultural and Natural Heritage List, especially for its extraordinary architectural and urban values.

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• Castle Cervena Lhota – is a Renaissance chateau in the small village of the same name in southern Bohemia. The location is very picturesque. The unique color of the chateau contrasts very nicely with the color of the lake which surrounds it and the color of the nearby trees. This beautiful scenery attracts thousands of visitors every year. If you are traveling by car back to Prague, I would recommend making a quick stop here.

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• Pisek – We needed a coffee break and afternoon snack and stopped at a city called Pisek. In translation, Pisek – Sand. It is a cute little town and known for Stone bridge. The Písek Stone Bridge is the oldest preserved early Gothic bridge in the Czech Republic.  The Stone Bridge was probably built in the 3rd quarter of the 13th century.

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• Cesky Krumlov – Situated on the banks of the Vltava river, the town was built around a 13th-century castle with Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque elements. It is an outstanding example of a small central European medieval town whose architectural heritage has remained intact thanks to its peaceful evolution over more than five centuries. Cesky Krumlov was added to UNESCO’s World Heritage List in 1992.

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Where to stay near by Hluboka and Vltavou?

There are so many places to visit in Southern Bohemia. That is why I would recommend finding a place for a couple of nights to enjoy the area fully. There are many accommodation options when you plan on visiting Hluboka Castle. The last time we visited the Southen part of my country, we went to Lipno and stayed for many days and just toured all the beautiful towns and places while we were there.

In case you decide to stay In Hluboka nad Vltavou, you’ll get the unique opportunity to walk the castles’ park once all the day-trippers leave. There are plenty of Pensions in the area and Hotels.

I personally use Booking.com or VRBO.com to find me some quick overnight stay.

Hluboka nad Vltavou | Residence Hluboká – This newly renovated hotel is only a short walk from the castle, and except for the great location, offers beautifully decorated and spacious rooms.

Ceske Budejovice | Grandhotel Zvon – Elegant boutique hotel is located right on the main square, so all the top sights are only a stone’s throw away. There’s also an on-site restaurant and a breakfast included in the price.

Cesky Krumlov | Garni Hotel Castle Bridge – This well-rated hotel offers the perfect location right in the historic center, and some of the rooms even have a river view. It is definitely one of the top places to stay in Cesky Krumlov.

There you have it!

Hluboka nad Vltavou is an incredible place to visit. There are many more places around, and it is not possible to fit all in one day. Hopefully, you will pick the best places for you and will enjoy the same way we do.

Enjoy the city and whole country!!!!

Easy day trips in Czech Republic

Are you planing trip to Czech Republic? Are you a bit overwhelm what place to go visit and see? I know there is so much to see and not just in Prague! The whole country is full of beautiful Gems. Here are couple of my blog posts to help you plan some day trips.

• The perfect day trip – Prague – In this blog post, you can plan an entire day trip for visiting Prague Castle and Lesser Town. I put places together which will help you to stay in one area and not to lose time by traveling from place to place.
• Romantic day trip to Prague – On this Day Trip, I follow the previous post but move to the Old town square and areas around.
• Lovely day trip – Kutna Hora – Kutna Hora is a favorite place for tourists to visit. You should definitely put it on your bucket list.

Until next time…!

DOBROU CHUT!

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