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Hotels in Hluboká nad Vltavou

A white fairy-tale castle above the Vltava, with a zoo beneath it

Hluboká nad Vltavou

LanguageCzech
CurrencyCZK
TimezoneEurope/Prague
Temperature0-25 °C
Dial Code+420
Population10.8M
Area78,867 km²
SocketsType C / Type E
Tap waterDrinkable

Discover Hluboká nad Vltavou

Hluboká nad Vltavou is a small town in South Bohemia, about ten kilometres north of České Budějovice, above which stands one of the best-known castles in the country. The white neo-Gothic castle was built by the Schwarzenberg family in the nineteenth century after the English Windsor Castle, and since then it has been the image of South Bohemia that every Czech knows from postcards. The surroundings consist of an English park, deep forests and ponds, and beneath the castle lies Ohrada Zoo with a hunting lodge that is now a museum. Hluboká suits a weekend or a base for trips to České Budějovice, Český Krumlov, Třeboň and the Šumava. It is about two hours by car from Prague, or somewhat more by train with a change at České Budějovice. The best time is May to September, but the castle is lovely in autumn and in winter in the quiet of snow. Accommodation in the town is in guesthouses and small hotels, with prices lower than in Český Krumlov.

What to see

The places worth your time in Hluboká nad Vltavou, and what to expect at each

Hluboká Castle

Hluboká Castle

centre

A white neo-Gothic castle built between 1841 and 1871 after the English royal castle of Windsor, owned by the Schwarzenberg family. Inside are over a hundred and forty rooms with original furnishings, decorated ceilings, an armoury and collections. Visitors choose from three tour routes that differ in length and content.

Tip: Buy tickets online at zamek-hluboka.cz, as in season there is a queue on the spot. The representative rooms are worth it if you can pick only one route; with children the route with the kitchen suits, as you walk at your own pace.

Admission:
from CZK 250
Time needed:
1.5–2 hrs
The Castle Tower

The Castle Tower

castle

The castle tower rises over fifty metres with two hundred and forty-five steps, and from it you see the Vltava, the castle park and the ponds around. Entry is bought separately from the tour routes. In clear weather there is a long view over the South Bohemian countryside.

Tip: The tower is closed in bad weather, so it is worth going when it is clear. The climb takes ten minutes, and there is little room at the top, so expect a queue at weekends.

Admission:
about CZK 100
Time needed:
30 min
The Castle Park

The Castle Park

around the castle

A spacious English park around the castle, laid out in the nineteenth century, with avenues, little ponds and solitary trees. You can walk around without paying, and a half-hour stroll around the castle offers the finest views of the white facade. In the park are benches, a café and a children's playground.

Tip: The best light is in the morning, when the castle glows, and towards the end of the day, when it is lit up. The car park below the castle fills in season, so arrive before ten.

Admission:
free
Time needed:
1–2 hrs
Aleš South Bohemian Gallery

Aleš South Bohemian Gallery

below the castle

A gallery in the old castle riding school that collects South Bohemian Gothic art, Dutch painting and Czech art from the Baroque to today. It makes a good complement to the castle. Temporary exhibitions and the collections alternate.

Tip: The ticket is cheaper than a castle tour and it is calm even in season. Combine the visit with Ohrada or a walk in the park.

Admission:
about CZK 100
Time needed:
1–1.5 hrs
Ohrada Zoo

Ohrada Zoo

Ohrada

A zoo beneath the castle with animals of Central Europe, Asia and Africa in a spacious woodland park. You find wolves, lynxes, bears and bison as well as African animals, and it is often open in winter. The zoo suits families and takes half a day.

Tip: Come at opening, when the animals are more active and fewer people are about. A path leads here from the castle; leave the car at the castle and walk.

Admission:
about CZK 250
Time needed:
half a day
Ohrada Hunting Lodge

Ohrada Hunting Lodge

Ohrada

A Baroque hunting lodge from the early eighteenth century by the zoo, which the Schwarzenbergs used for hunts. Today the building houses the Museum of Forestry, Hunting and Fishing with trophies and historic equipment. A game reserve and trails lie around it.

Tip: A visit takes an hour and suits a rainy day. The grounds also have a restaurant with home cooking and a good lunch.

Admission:
about CZK 100
Time needed:
1 hr

Ohrada Game Reserve

around Ohrada

A wooded game reserve with nature trails, in which wild game lives and which stretches around the zoo. It offers calm forest walks, cycling and ponds. A good choice for a morning away from the castle.

Tip: Trail maps are at the zoo entrance. Bring tick repellent and comfortable shoes.

Admission:
free
Time needed:
2 hrs
Schwarzenberg Tomb at Domanín

Schwarzenberg Tomb at Domanín

near Třeboň

A neo-Gothic family tomb of the Schwarzenbergs at the edge of a pond near Třeboň, built in the 1870s. It stands in quiet countryside and is usually open in season. It can be combined with a trip to Třeboň.

Tip: Check the opening hours in advance, as it is usually closed out of season. The tomb is about thirty-five kilometres from Hluboká.

Admission:
about CZK 80
Time needed:
1 hr

The Vltava Cycle Path

along the river

A cycle path along the Vltava from Hluboká to České Budějovice and on south, running flat beside the river and ponds. It suits children and families and offers views of the castle from below. You can rent a bike in Hluboká.

Tip: From Hluboká to České Budějovice it is about ten kilometres and takes an hour. Bring drinks, as the path is partly unshaded.

Admission:
free
Time needed:
2–3 hrs

Photos: Hluboká Castle — Czcharlie (CC BY-SA 3.0) · The Castle Tower — Jiří Sedláček (CC BY-SA 3.0) · The Castle Park — Jiří Sedláček (CC BY-SA 3.0) · Aleš South Bohemian Gallery — Palickap (CC BY-SA 4.0) · Ohrada Zoo — Zoo Hluboka (CC BY-SA 4.0) · Ohrada Hunting Lodge — Jitka Erbenová (cheva) (CC BY-SA 3.0) · Schwarzenberg Tomb at Domanín — Infrogmation (CC BY-SA 4.0)

Where to stay

Areas and districts, matched to the kind of trip you are taking

Centre and below the castle

Best for: castle, restaurants and transport

The area around the castle with hotels and guesthouses within walking distance of the castle. It has the most restaurants and parking, but also the most visitors. A good choice for a weekend.

Podhradí and Zámostí

Best for: calm by the river

A calmer part below the castle and near the railway halt. You stay in guesthouses with views and prices are lower than in the centre. The castle is ten minutes on foot.

Ohrada and surroundings

Best for: the zoo, nature and families

The district around the zoo and game reserve, where guesthouses have gardens. Suits families with children and those who want calm. The centre is twenty minutes on foot.

České Budějovice (nearby)

Best for: nightlife and transport

The neighbouring big city with hotels, restaurants and the railway station. Staying here is cheaper and the train is easier. A bus to Hluboká takes ten minutes.

Search hotels →

Getting around

From the airport

Hluboká is nine kilometres from České Budějovice, from where a city bus and a train run in ten to fifteen minutes. From Prague it is about two hours by car on the D3 motorway, or around three hours by train and bus with a change at České Budějovice. The nearest airport is Prague (PRG), a hundred and fifty kilometres away, or Linz in Austria, a hundred kilometres away.

Prague – Václav Havel Airport (PRG) · 150 km

  • Train and bus to Hluboká· 3 hrs· CZK 250
  • Car on the D3· 2 hrs
  • Taxi from the airport· 2 hrs· CZK 4,000

Linz – Hörsching Airport (LNZ) · 100 km

  • Car from Linz· 1 hr 15 min
  • Shuttle to České Budějovice· 1 hr 30 min· €25

Around town

In Hluboká you cover everything on foot: the castle, park, gallery and zoo are within two kilometres. A bus and train run to České Budějovice, and from the station there a bus to Český Krumlov. The surroundings are good for cycling on the Vltava cycle path. A car is useful for trips off the main routes.

On footThe castle, park, gallery and zoo are within two kilometres.
Bus to BudějoviceA city line, a ten-minute ride. · CZK 30
BicycleRental shops in Hluboká and by the cycle path. · CZK 300
TrainFrom Hluboká to České Budějovice and Prague. · CZK 50

Useful apps: Google Maps, IDOS, Mapy.cz, RegioJet

When to go

South Bohemia has a mild continental climate with a warm summer and a cold winter. In July it is around twenty-four degrees and in winter there is frost and snow. The best months are May to September, when it is green and all routes are open. In winter castle tours are limited to the winter route.

Best time

May to September

What to avoid

January and February (limited tours)

MonthJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Day1°3°8°14°19°22°24°24°19°13°6°2°
Night-5°-4°-1°3°8°11°13°13°9°5°1°-3°
Rainy days109981111119881011

Food & drink

South Bohemian food is hearty: pond fish, dumplings, game and beer from Budějovice. Hluboká has restaurants by the castle and in the area serving carp, trout and goose. Lunch costs around two hundred crowns, dinner in a hotel somewhat more.

What to try

Carp in various forms

The South Bohemian pond-farming tradition: carp fried, baked or in butter. Best in autumn, when the ponds are harvested.

Roast duck with cabbage and dumplings

A Czech classic with potato and bread dumplings and red cabbage. You can get it in every pub.

Svíčková na smetaně

Beef sirloin in a vegetable cream sauce with a dumpling and cranberries. The most popular Czech Sunday dish.

Beer from Budějovice

A beer region of world standing: Budvar, Samson and beer from local breweries. A half-litre costs sixty to eighty crowns.

Game

Venison goulash and roasts of deer or wild boar from the surrounding forests. Restaurants by Ohrada often have it on the menu all year.

South Bohemian desserts

Koláče with curd cheese and poppy seed, buchty and bábovka. Honest home-made buns are sold in the cake shops.

Breweries and distilleries nearby

Small breweries and distilleries in the area offer tastings of beer and fruit spirits. Tours of the works can also be arranged.

What it costs

A half-litre of beer

CZK 60–80

Lunch in a restaurant

CZK 180–280

Castle (one route)

CZK 250

Ohrada Zoo

CZK 250

Castle tower

CZK 100

Bicycle per day

CZK 300

Guesthouse (night)

CZK 1,500–3,000

Bus to Budějovice

CZK 30

Indicative prices that change over time — treat them as a guide, not a price list.

Practical information

SocketsCEuroplug, two round pinsEFrench, with earth pin
Voltage230V / 50Hz
Tap waterTap water is drinkable — Tap water in the Czech Republic is drinkable and monitored. In restaurants bottled water is usually ordered.
TippingTipping is ten per cent, often rounded up. For taxis rounding up is enough.
Driving on theright
SafetyHluboká is calm and safe, and the risks are ticks in the forest from spring to autumn and petty theft in crowds. In winter watch for ice on the castle steps. The emergency number is 112.
Opening hoursThe castle is open from March to October daily except Monday, in winter only at weekends and on holidays. The zoo is open all year. Shops are open from eight to five, closed on Sunday.
Customs & etiquetteSouth Bohemia is quiet; on tours do not use a flash. In the park do not walk on lawns marked as off limits. During the castle tour do not touch the exhibits.
A few local wordsGood day — Dobrý denThank you — DěkujiPlease — ProsímHow much is it? — Kolik to stojí?Cheers — Na zdravíThe bill, please — Zaplatím, prosímWhere is the station? — Kde je nádraží?

How to plan your days

1 day

A day in Hluboká

  1. 1Morning the castle — the representative route.
  2. 2The tower and a walk in the park.
  3. 3Lunch in the castle restaurant.
  4. 4Afternoon the Aleš Gallery or Ohrada Zoo.
  5. 5Evening dinner with carp.

2 days

Two days: the castle and surroundings

  1. 1Day one as above.
  2. 2Day two morning Ohrada Zoo and the hunting lodge.
  3. 3Afternoon the cycle path to Budějovice.
  4. 4Evening a beer in the centre of České Budějovice.

3 days

Three days: Hluboká and South Bohemia

  1. 1Days one and two as above.
  2. 2Day three a trip to Český Krumlov.
  3. 3Afternoon Rožmberk or Zlatá Koruna.
  4. 4Evening return to Hluboká.

Day trips

České Budějovice

10 km · 15 min by train or bus

The regional capital with Přemysl Otakar II Square, the Black Tower and the Budvar brewery. A bus and a train run from Hluboká several times an hour, so it can be combined into an afternoon.

Český Krumlov

45 km · 50 min by car

A UNESCO town with a castle, a revolving auditorium and the bends of the Vltava. Buses and trains run from Budějovice and the trip takes a full day.

Třeboň

35 km · 40 min by car

A spa town with ponds, a Renaissance square and a chateau. It is known for carp, Regent beer and peat baths, and lies in the Třeboňsko protected landscape.

Frequently asked questions

Is Hluboká good for a weekend?+

Yes, the castle and surroundings take one day and the second suits Budějovice or Krumlov. A weekend is best from May to September, when all routes are open. In winter the castle routes are limited.

How do I get to Hluboká from Prague?+

By car on the D3 motorway towards České Budějovice in about two hours. By train to České Budějovice and then a bus or train to Hluboká, about three hours in total. From Budějovice services run every fifteen to thirty minutes.

How long does the castle take?+

The tour takes about an hour and a half to two hours, depending on the route chosen. Add half an hour for the tower and a walk in the park. Plan on half a day.

Which castle routes should I choose?+

The representative rooms are the most striking and the longest, the winter route is available all year and the kitchen suits children. On a first visit choose the representative route. Buy tickets in advance.

Is Ohrada Zoo suitable for children?+

Yes, the animals have spacious enclosures in a woodland park and the zoo is open all year. It takes half a day and is best visited early in the morning. Combine it with a visit to the hunting lodge.

What do tickets cost?+

The castle from about two hundred and fifty crowns, the tower around a hundred crowns, the zoo about two hundred and fifty crowns and the gallery around a hundred crowns. Prices change, so find the current list at zamek-hluboka.cz. A family ticket is better value.

When is the best time to visit?+

May to September, when it is green and all routes are open. Autumn is beautiful, but the castle has limited opening. In winter it is quiet and romantic, but with the winter route only.

What trips are nearby?+

České Budějovice, Český Krumlov and Třeboň are all within an hour by car. From Hluboká you can cycle the Vltava cycle path. The Šumava is about an hour by car.

Visa Requirements

Check the latest visa requirements for entering this country. Some nationalities may need to apply for a visa or e-visa before travel.

Check visa requirements

Emergency Numbers

Police158Ambulance155Fire150

Language

Czech

Currency

CZK

Timezone

Europe/Prague

Dial Code

+420

Population

10.8M

Area

78,867 km²

Voltage

230V / 50Hz

Driving Side

Right

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