This South Bohemian town centers around a 13th-century Gothic castle with Renaissance additions. Its historic square includes medieval buildings and the third largest rondel in Central Europe.
Jindřichův Hradec, a town in South Bohemia with around 21,000 residents, invites you to explore its medieval streets and centuries-old landmarks. Walk along the edge of Vajgar Pond to see the Renaissance chateau mirrored in the water, enter the third-largest castle complex in the Czech Republic, or examine the world’s largest mechanical nativity scene at the local museum. Centuries of trade and cultural exchange shaped the town’s layout, where Gothic town halls stand beside churches marking precise geographical meridians. A narrow-gauge railway built in the 19th century still runs through nearby forests, connecting travelers to hiking trails. The town’s history spans Slavic settlements, a Jesuit seminary transformed into a museum, and the rolling hills of an area locals call Czech Canada.
Jindřichův Hradec Castle
Start at the castle complex, which covers 3 hectares and includes over 300 rooms. Guided tours take you through Baroque salons, the Chapel of the Holy Spirit, and a preserved “black kitchen” inside the Black Tower. In the garden rotunda, notice Renaissance-era portraits of dogs, a collection added by a noble family in the 16th century. Stories of the White Lady, a ghost linked to the castle’s former rulers, add intrigue to the visit. The castle’s location between Bohemia and Moravia made it a center for trade and politics until the 17th century.
The Historic Town Center
Míru Square forms the core of the town, surrounded by Gothic and Renaissance buildings. Langer’s House, with its detailed sgraffito facade, sits near the former town hall. Walk toward the Church of the Ascension of the Virgin Mary to see a brass line marking the 15th meridian east in the courtyard. Pastel-colored merchant houses line the streets, many dating to the 16th century. Narrow alleys branch from the square toward the castle and Vajgar Pond, following the original medieval road plan.
Krýza’s Crèche at the Regional Museum
The Regional Museum occupies a former Jesuit seminary built in the 16th century. Its most famous exhibit is Krýza’s Crèche, a mechanical nativity scene with 1,398 moving figures crafted by local teacher Tomáš Krýza between 1883 and 1941. Scenes include biblical stories and depictions of rural life, all powered by a single motor. The museum also displays prehistoric tools, traditional clothing from the 1800s, and documents tracing the town’s growth.
Churches and the 15th Meridian
Three churches anchor the town’s skyline. The Church of Saint John the Baptist retains its Gothic vaulted ceiling, while the Church of Saint Mary Magdalene mixes Renaissance arches with Baroque altars. Climb the 68-meter tower of the Church of the Ascension of the Virgin Mary for panoramic views of red rooftops and surrounding farmland. The 15th meridian east, marked by a brass line in the church courtyard, intersects the town precisely.
Jewish Cemetery and Community History
The Jewish cemetery, established around 1400, holds tombstones inscribed in Hebrew and German. The oldest legible stone dates to 1638. Anti-Jewish riots in 1859 and 1919 disrupted the community, and World War II deportations ended its presence here. The cemetery remains, with ivy-covered stones and a restored gate. Artifacts from the town’s synagogue, including Torah scrolls, are now kept in Prague’s Jewish Museum. The former synagogue building hosts a Hussite congregation today.
Narrow-Gauge Railway to Nová Bystřice
Ride a historic steam train on the 760-mm-gauge railway that began operating in 1897. The 33-kilometer route to Nová Bystřice takes about 90 minutes, passing pine forests and meadows dotted with granite boulders. Original wooden carriages with bench seating evoke early 20th-century travel. The railway once transported timber and passengers; today, it serves hikers exploring Czech Canada. Trains run daily from June to September, with weekend service in May and October.
Czech Canada’s Forests and Lakes
Northeast of town, the Czech Canada area spans dense woods, granite outcrops, and man-made ponds. Hike the 55-kilometer Landštejn Circuit to see ruins like Landštejn Castle, built in the 13th century. Cyclists can rent bikes to follow trails past lakes like Krvavý and Komorník. The terrain’s rocky hills and cooler summers led to its nickname. Guided tours explain the region’s geology and history of forestry.
Gymnázium Vitězslava Nováka
This secondary school, founded in 1595, ranks among Central Europe’s oldest educational institutions. Early curricula focused on Latin, Greek, and theology to prepare students for universities in Prague. Alumni include composer Vitězslav Novák and botanist Jan Svatopluk Presl. The original Renaissance building now connects to modern classrooms, reflecting updates made over four centuries.
Practical Information
Jindřichův Hradec lies 50 kilometers northeast of České Budějovice. Trains from Prague take about two hours, with a transfer in Veselí nad Lužnicí. Parking lots near the castle and train station accommodate visitors. The tourist office on Míru Square provides maps, event listings, and details on seasonal attractions. The town shares its name with Asteroid 21873 Jindřichůvhradec, discovered in 1999.
