A calm Czech town surrounded by medieval fish ponds and Renaissance buildings. Home to Europe's oldest carp farming tradition and the 16th-century Schwarzenberg tomb.
Třeboň, a spa town in South Bohemia, invites you to explore its Renaissance castle, fish ponds established over 500 years ago, and a central square with pastel-colored buildings from the 16th century. Walk around Masarykovo Square, where a stone fountain from 1569 stands, or cycle along the edges of Rožmberk Pond, recognized by UNESCO as the largest human-made fish pond. Relax in spa treatments using local peat, a practice started in 1883. The town’s network of lakes, medieval gates, and tales of alchemists like John Dee create a distinct combination of history, engineering, and relaxation.
Historic Center and Renaissance Architecture
Begin at Masarykovo Square, where Renaissance and Baroque buildings surround a stone fountain from 1569 and a Baroque column dedicated to the Virgin Mary. The Old Town Hall, constructed in 1563, rises above the square with a 31-meter tower added in 1638. Walk five minutes to Třeboň Castle, rebuilt in the 1570s after a fire, and explore its Renaissance rooms and gardens designed in the English style. Visit the Church of Our Lady Queen and Saint Giles, part of a 14th-century monastery complex with Gothic foundations and a spire rebuilt in the 19th century. Sections of the town’s original walls and gates remain, reflecting Třeboň’s role in trade between Prague and Vienna.
Fish Ponds and Protected Landscapes
Třeboň’s landscape has been shaped by its fishpond system, developed over five centuries. Rožmberk Pond covers 489 hectares and has a dam lined with oak trees planted centuries ago. Rent a bicycle to ride the 22-kilometer path circling Rožmberk and Svět Pond, a 201-hectare lake where people swim and rent rowboats. The Třeboň Basin, designated a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 1977, contains peat bogs such as Červené blato and thousands of interconnected water bodies. At the House of Nature museum, discover how engineers like Jakub Krčín designed these ponds and how carp farming became central to the region.
Spa Treatments and Cycling Routes
The Slatinné lázně spa has used locally sourced peat mud since 1883 for therapies addressing joint pain and post-surgical recovery. Schedule a mud wrap or massage, then spend time in the spa’s gardens or indoor pools. Many visitors pair wellness stays with cycling, as the flat terrain around Třeboň suits easy rides. The spa district, a 10-minute walk from the main square, contains sanatoriums built in early 20th-century architectural styles.
Schwarzenberg Mausoleum and Nearby Towns
Three kilometers northeast of Třeboň, the Schwarzenberg Mausoleum holds 26 tombs of the family that ruled the area from 1660. The neo-Gothic building, surrounded by trees, has stained-glass windows and a crypt open to guided tours. For a day trip, travel 24 kilometers to Jindřichův Hradec to explore its Renaissance castle and historic railway. Closer to town, the Regent Brewery—founded in 1379—provides tours that demonstrate traditional brewing techniques, with samples of unfiltered beer.
Food and Seasonal Events
Třeboň carp, granted protected status in 2007, is served fried, baked, or in soups, especially during December markets. Sample it at U Černého orvora, a tavern near the castle decorated with medieval motifs. In May, the Anifilm festival screens animated films from around the world and holds workshops in local venues. During summer, Svět Pond hosts outdoor concerts with water and forests as a setting.
Travel Directions
Třeboň is 120 kilometers south of Prague. Drive two hours or take a direct bus from Prague’s Florenc station. Trains from Prague require a change in České Budějovice, passing through South Bohemian countryside. From Vienna, drive 2.5 hours through rural areas and villages. Park outside the town walls to access the car-free center easily.
