Pictures & information of the Czech Republic - Sumava & Lake Lipno

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Lipno
The Dammed Lipno Reservoir – one of the largest recreational areas in the Czech Republic. The Lipno water reservoir has the largest water surface area in the Czech Republic; the length of the reservoir is 44 km, with a surface area of 4,659 hectares; it holds 310 million cubic meters of water and it is 726 meters above sea level. The dam was constructed between 1952 and 1959. Other unique features include the configuration of the hydroelectric power station located below the dam and the underground connection with the Lipno II leveling reservoir in Vyšší Brod. Thanks to this underground connection it seems that no water escapes from the reservoir. In spite of this, the riverbed becomes flooded many times a year, and so races are held in the section between the dam and Loučovice. However, this section is very dangerous and even for very experienced water sportsmen it is very challenging. These days there are many hotels, guesthouses, campsites, amusement centers, and restaurants around the dam, but on the right bank there is also beautiful unspoiled nature with many bicycle paths and marked trails for hikers. The lake is an ideal place for water sports or simply relaxing by the water.

Třísov
partly reconstructed traces of a Celt fortified settlement covering an area of 26 hectares and dating back to about the 1st century BC. This is one of the most significant pre-history South Bohemian localities. During the second century before Christ the Celts, represented by the Boii tribe, achieved a great level of social organization, evidence of which can be seen in the fortified settlements of the pre-city type ophidian. The Celtic ophidian forms part of an educational trail.

Boating, Canoeing, Rafting
Anyone who has ever traveled down a river by canoe or raft will want to go again. The unique experience of traveling down the river by canoe or raft is not something that can be recreated anywhere else. Our region is ideal for this kind of sport. The Vltava River, which flows through the region, is a ”Mecca” for all lovers of this sport. The river flows through beautiful countryside, historical locations, and its flow is regulated, thanks to the Lipno dam. It beckons all visitors to the region. The Vltava River from Vyšší Brod is certainly the most frequently navigated stretch of river in Bohemia. As long as you follow the basic rules (mainly carrying your boat over weirs) you will have an unforgettable experience, and on top of that you can meet a lot of other people who also have a passion for the sport. Most rental agencies now provide transportation of their rented boats and customers back to the starting point as a standard service. There is a list of rental agencies on page 42. We recommend that beginners do not overestimate their abilities and choose a shorter section. All that remains is to wish you a pleasant journey and to remind you to greet fellow travelers with a hearty ”AHÓJ” (Hi!).

Tip: by boat through Krumlov on a raft or canoe. Thanks to the many meanders of the Vltava River in Český Krumlov visitors have the unique opportunity of seeing the town from the river and returning to almost the same place as where they started. You can find the starting place by going down Roosevelt Street (next to the Myší díra Guesthouse/Maleček Tourist Service) and down the steps to the river.

Český Krumlov
The town of Český Krumlov is one of the most beautiful and architecturally well-preserved towns in the Czech Republic. It lies in the valley of the Vltava River. The first owner of the castle and the town, the first written records of which date back to the middle of the 13th century, were the lords of Krumlov, and subsequently Rožmberk, Eggenberg and Schwarzenberg. Český Krumlov, with its uncommonly well-preserved medieval urban composition and extensive collection of Gothic and Renaissance buildings, has been included on UNESCO’s World Cultural and Natural Heritage List. One of the most impressive experiences during a visit to Český Krumlov must surely be a walk through its meandering streets and the square in the historical center, where one cannot help but be struck by the variety and richness of individual structures and architectural styles. The town features many religious buildings, one of the most famous being the Church of St. Vitus (kostel sv. Víta) dating from the year 1439. Here you can also find a number of galleries and museums, the most interesting of which is probably the Egon Schiele Art Centre, which is now a renowned European gallery of modern art. Throughout the year the town comes alive with many music and film festivals, theatre performances and folk festivals. A romantic stay in Český Krumlov means relaxing in pubs and wine bars, indulging in pleasant shopping in quaint little shops or spending the night in historical buildings in which one can find a number of hotels and guesthouses.
While walking through town be sure to make a point of seeing these places:

• The Clad Bridge (Plášťový most) – a multi-tiered bridge connecting the Upper Castle with the castle garden.

• A view of the castle from across the river – from a place called Na Ostrově (on the island) you will be afforded a unique view of the castle.

• The Square (Náměstí) – here you can find the Renaissance town hall, which was formed by joining two buildings in the year 1580; the joint attic of these two structures is a distinct architectural feature. The Marian Plague Column (mariánský morový sloup) with a fountain is also located in the square.

• It will definitely be worth your while to take a walk down the small street connecting the square with Church Street (Kostelní ulicí).This narrow street is magical and alluring.

• St. Vitus Church (Kostel svatého Víta).

• Upper Street (Horní ulicí), from alongside the Regional Museum all the way to the theatre. In this little square you will find a staircase leading to the river. This route will take you all the way to Bailey Street (ulice Parkán), which leads to the Wooden Bridge (Dřevěný most).

• The Wooden Bridge (Dřevěný most) – it’s worth stopping for a while and enjoying the view of the castle or in the other direction the former hospital with the Church of St. Jošt (kostel sv. Jošta).

• The Castle Stairs (Zámecké schody) – will lead you to the first courtyard of Český Krumlov Castle, directly to the castle moat and its gamboling family of bears.

Tip: Český Krumlov will lay at your feet, if you will take a walk to the chapel on Křížov mountain.

Český Krumlov Castle and Chateau
The dominating feature of the town is the State Castle and Chateau. The complex is made up of more than forty historical buildings, a tower from the year 1257, which was rebuilt in the 16th century to take on its current appearance, the castle garden with a cascading Baroque fountain, the Bellaire Summerhouse, which is the oldest summerhouse in Central Europe, and the castle’s Baroque theatre with the complete, preserved original equipment including changes of scenery. From April to October (as always, except Mondays) visitors can enjoy many sightseeing tours and exhibition areas. The ticket office for buying tickets is located in the 2nd courtyard; we recommend buying tickets for the sightseeing tours well in advance. 1st sightseeing tour - (entrance from the 3rd courtyard) Renaissance and Baroque apartments, a golden carriage and the Masquerade Hall. 2nd sightseeing tour - (entrance from the 3rd courtyard) castle interiors from the 19th century. 3rd sightseeing tour - (entrance from the 5th courtyard) the castle’s Baroque theatre with the complete, preserved original equipment and costumes.

Other areas can be seen without a guide; it is not necessary to buy tickets in advance. The Castle Tower - (entrance from the 2nd courtyard) offers a breathtaking view of the town below the tower and the surrounding hilly countryside. The Castle Lapidary - (entrance from the 1st courtyard) exhibits original Baroque statues from the castle complex. Wenceslas’ (Václavské) Cellars - (entrance from the 4th courtyard) exhibition areas, international exhibition of ceramic creations. Butter Churns - (entrance from the 2th courtyard) exhibition areas. Column Hall (Sloupová síň) - (entrance from the 1st courtyard) exhibition areas. The Castle Garden - (free entrance) the castle garden with a cascading Baroque fountain and the Bellaire rococo summerhouse. The lake surroundings are an ideal place for rest and contemplation.

In the 1st courtyard, don’t forget to see the gamboling family of bears in the castle moat. It is possible to walk through the entire castle and chateau complex; it is open to the public and in season, particularly in the early evening, it is a wonderful experience to walk through the individual courtyards. In the course of the exterior tour of the castle, it is possible to walk through the so-called Lower Castle (Dolní hrad), which comprises the 1st courtyard (named Rejdiště) and the 2nd courtyard (named Gardové). The route continues through the 3rd courtyard and the 4th courtyard, which is the Upper Castle (Horní hrad). Crossing the Clad Bridge (Plášťový most) brings you to the 5th courtyard and further to the extensive castle gardens, to which, however, entrance is restricted in the evening hours due to the hours of operation and performances of the Revolving Auditorium Theatre.

Tip: There is an unforgettable view of the town below from the 5th courtyard of Český Krumlov Castle.