History - Hluboká nad Vltavou

The oldest evidence of settlement in the Hluboká area dates back to the early Bronze Age. Hluboká itself was none too attractive for settling given its steep, wooded slopes and swampy terrain. Přemysl Otakar II had a sturdy castle built on the spur of land that protrudes over the River Vltava (Moldau) and laid the foundations for České Budějovice, all during the 13th century. The Czech name of Hluboká became common during the 14th century. Previously, the village at the foot of the castle had gone by the name of “Podhradí” (Beneath the Castle) and had been a market settlement. The numbering of buildings during the 18th century brought with it many changes, as did the drainage of Podskalská louka (Meadow beneath the Rocks), a place with the bad reputation of a source of infections and epidemics. Hluboká has also been afflicted by natural disasters, with frequent flood and fires the main protagonists. The greatest landmark in the history of the town was surely in February 1883, when the representatives of the village dispatched a request for the village of Podhradí to be granted town status and its name changed to Hluboká. The governorship accommodated only the 2nd part of the request and the name of Podhradí was changed to Hluboká in 1885. Not until the year 1907 was the village of Hluboká granted town status on the ruling of Emperor Franz Josef I.

Sport - Hluboká nad Vltavou

Hluboká is renowned for its well-known tradition of the Hluboká races, which have been organised every year since 1972 at Podskalská louka (Meadow beneath the Rocks). The pony races are also a great spectacle. Another important sport with a rich history here is yachting. It is from Hluboká, for example, that 12-time Czech yachting champion František Starý and his yacht “Létající Holanďan” (the Flying Dutchman) come. However, the most popular sports in Hluboká at present are football and tennis. The tennis courts here are available for use. Visitors here are also able to make use of the cycling paths in the vicinity of Hluboká, whilst a hiking tour of the area is also an interesting experience, offering as it does the chance to see a number of the jewels in the crown of Hluboká.

Tours - Hluboká nad Vltavou

The dominant feature of the town is without doubt the beautiful and famed Hluboká Chateau, which is a must for all visitors here. However, the town is able to offer a wealth of other gems, so why not follow a visit to the chateau with a trip to the Hunting Lodge, the Aleš Gallery of South Bohemia, and the Church of St. Jan Nepomucký (kostel Sv. Jana Nepomuckého). You are sure to be captivated by “Kampanova díra” (Kampan’s hole), an opening that has been sculpted into the rock on the left bank of the river and surrounding which there is many a legend. Meanwhile, the banks of Naděje pond are home to the one-time executioner’s hill. You can also pay a visit to a Memorial to the Fallen, a Monument to Záviš of Falkenštejn, or a Monument to the Soviet Army. There are also a whole host of churches and chapels to be admired, such as the Baroque Chapel of St. Barbara (kaple sv. Barbory), the Chapel of St. Antonín Paduánský (kaplička sv. Antonína Paduánského), a chapel with a picture of the Holy Trinity, and so on.