Unleash Your Summer Fun in the Jindřichohradec Region: Explore Nature, Discover Attractions, and Relax by the Water

Must-see sights in Jindřichův Hradec

Jindřichův Hradec has a variety of attractions that you absolutely shouldn’t overlook. One of the main highlights is the stunning Jindřichův Hradec Castle and Chateau, an impressive structure with a deep historical background. Here, you can explore beautiful Renaissance archways, Gothic artworks, and the fascinating Black Cuisine! Another remarkable part of this castle complex is the Castle Rondel, an acoustically exceptional area designed by Italian architects where musicians would perform in the basement, allowing the sound to resonate into the music hall above through a large opening topped with a vase. Additionally, throughout the summer, there are many exciting events to check out, such as costumed tours and Castle Night.

Even though the Christmas season is still far off, make sure to visit the unique Krise’s Nativity Scene at the Museum of Jindřichův Hradec. This nativity scene is the largest mechanical crib in the entire world, featuring 133 movable figures. The creator, Tomáš Krýza, devoted nearly 60 years to its development!

Have you heard about the Church of St. John the Baptist in Jindřichův Hradec? This church is shrouded in mystery and secrets. Unlike most churches, it doesn’t showcase patron saints on its walls; instead, it features monsters and strange figures. Another notable building is the Church of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary, which boasts a tower that reaches a height of 68 meters, providing visitors with fantastic views. Interestingly, the 15° meridian passes through the pavement of this church. The historic center of the town is protected as an urban conservation area. The rectangular Peace Square is home to numerous medieval townhouses, including an ancient town hall, a Baroque column featuring a sculpture of the Holy Trinity, and a former Jesuit seminary.

Trips to the heart of Czech Canada

Nature enthusiasts will find plenty to explore in the Jindřichův Hradec region. One of the favored walking paths is through the Jindřiška valley, where there is also a nature trail available. For those who enjoy long-distance hiking, the scenic Czech Canada Trail is a fantastic option. This 120 km route travels from Hradec, weaving through a landscape filled with forests and ponds, and ending at Nová Bystřice, which includes interesting sites like a bison farm, Zvůle Pond, a curious formation known as Devil’s Ass, and Český Rudolec, continuing along Grasel’s trails to the Pfaffenschlag excavations and the picturesque town of Slavonice. Eventually, this trail loops back around the Moravská Dyje river to Dačice, where it concludes.

At Permanent, you can uncover a lesser-known rock city. The standout feature here is a unique rock block topped with an oracle bowl on the upper platform, along with a side crack and an overhanging section. Surrounding this rock are several isolated stones and clusters of stones, some of which function as dolmens or cairns. In the area, you’ll also find Grasel’s Slough, the stone reputedly associated with Grasel’s three musketeers, Schiller Stone (where he supposedly penned his drama The Robbers), and the rock bowl known as Grasel’s bathroom. Naturally, the Grasel Trail to Slavonice winds its way through this fascinating area.

Another notable rock formation is the very well-known Devil’s Ass, located near the lookout tower called U Jakuba. If you haven’t seen it, it’s as if you haven’t truly visited Czech Canada. However, it’s also worthwhile to explore the lesser-known boulders and rocky formations. One hidden gem is a nameless area filled with rocks and forest paths known as the rock town between Zvůlí, Vysoký kamen, and the settlement of Terezín. Here, you can discover the interesting rock formation known as Devil’s Bread, the Wolf’s Den, and enjoy stunning views from Vysoké kamen, Skalka peak, Šibenik, or Rožnovská skalka.

Where to go with children? Playgrounds, parks and mazes

Just beyond the nine hills and nine streams from Jindřichův Hradec lies the charming village of Roseč, which is home to Fantazium Park, a true haven for kids and their families. Here, you’ll find a fantastic playground that includes a large sandpit, a castle with a slide and a water pump, two sections featuring electric railways, unique bullet trails, and even a barefoot walking trail. There’s also a fascinating fossil museum alongside numerous nature trails that vary in theme and difficulty.

The Forest Park U Jakuba will delight kids as they explore a natural maze and enjoy a gingerbread house. This location also offers ancient Slavic fortifications complete with watchtowers and a sandpit for younger children. Throughout the fortifications and surrounding area, there are built-in play elements. For the little adventurers, an underground secret passage holds a skeleton, and adrenaline seekers will be thrilled to find a great bike park nearby the forest park.

In Roseč, you can also enjoy a fun and different experience at the corn maze, which offers entertaining challenges and competitions for both children and adults. Additionally, there’s a straw bale playground, a swimming pool with a sandy beach, and numerous games including football, beach volleyball, badminton, climbing on straw pyramids, and a car track.

Children are sure to have a blast in the Lower Foam Maze, which is the largest hornbeam maze in Central Europe! Kids also love the local roller coaster, known as Kulidrom. You can even purchase marbles, which make great souvenirs from Obludiště, from a vending machine at the Kulidrom.

Where to swim and enjoy water sports?

The Jindřichův Hradec Králové region and Czech Canada offer a variety of options for swimming, relaxing by the water, or engaging in sports. The popular Aquapark Jindřichův Hradec is a go-to spot. Its outdoor section features an impressive 82-meter water slide, a lazy river, and air massage benches, along with popular features like counter currents and wild waves that attract many visitors. For those who prefer natural settings, the ponds of Czech Canada are excellent for swimming. Notable swimming sites include Březský Pond, Mint, Ratmirovský, Aspen Pond, the Jindřiška sandpit, and sand pits near Suchdol nad Lužnicí. On hot summer days, the Zvůle Pond is a lovely choice for relaxation, boasting exceptionally clear water due to its high flow, though it tends to be on the cooler side.

What is the situation with the Jindřichův Hradec narrow gauge railway?

The once-popular rail service ceased operations in 2022 after its original owner faced bankruptcy. Thanks to the dedicated efforts of the Association of Towns and Villages Narrow Gauge Railway, they managed to reinstate partial operations for a while in 2024. By the end of June 2025, the creditors’ committee approved the acquisition of JHMD (Jindřichohradecké místní dráhy) by the company Gepard Express, which is currently working to repair the infrastructure, which is in poor condition. Repairs are also needed in sections that already have approved operations on the Jindřichův Hradec – Kamenice nad Lipou line; safety documents focus more on safety policy than the actual technical state of the line. Many collectors have reportedly “taken” souvenirs from the Jindřichův Hradec narrow gauge line… for example, a sign with the name of Kaproun station or a sign for the TU47 locomotive has been lost. Gepard Express requests that anyone who has these items return them, and assures that no one will be offended; in fact, they will be grateful for their safe return. Resuming operations is thus “on the horizon,” but at this moment, there’s no specific date available for when trains might be back on the tracks. The priority remains the route to Kamenice nad Lipou.