South Bohemia Region

Official name: Jihočeský kraj (South Bohemian Region)
Population: 633,264
Area: 10,056 km²
Number of municipalities: 623, of which 52 are towns
NUTS II: South-West

If you want to see a unique artificial lake system, walk across the largest rectangular town square in the Czech Republic, or visit the place from where the first European horse-drawn railway departed, then take a trip to South Bohemia.

Fishing The South Bohemian Region is the second largest region in the Czech Republic and has the lowest population density. South Bohemia is a region of much beauty and contrast, a landscape composed of many fragments, which make up an unusually rich and attractive mosaic. In South Bohemia, a visitor can find practically everything the Czech Republic is famous for or excels in. The region is well prepared to look after visitors from all corners of the world who wish to discover and enjoy its treasures - the landscape, the monuments and the people.

Fish, synonym for South Bohemia

Natural landmarks include the well-known Šumava mountains, the Blanský les protected area or the Třeboň district. The relationship of South Bohemians to nature is well illustrated, for instance, in the work of Jakub Krčín of Jelčany, who, in the sixteenth century, shaped the character of the landscape by building a vast system of lakes, dominated by his largest water project – the Rožmberk Lake. To this day, fish production is perceived as one of the synonyms for South Bohemia.

One cannot overlook other unique projects, which significantly influenced the development of local industry. Such projects include the first horse-drawn railway in operation on the European continent. Between 1832 and 1873, the railway served for transporting goods – and later also passengers – from České Budějovice to Linz. At the end of the eighteenth century, the Schwarzenberg Canal was built across the main European watershed divide. In 1843, the first sugar cube was produced in Dačice and the oldest intercity electrified railway track in Central Europe, leading from Tábor to Bechyně, has been in operation since 1903.

South Bohemian popular Baroque

South Bohemian Baroque Historical town centres, historical monument reservations and zones, numerous examples of ecclesiastical architecture. The uniqueness of the Renaissance town of Český Krumlov and the Baroque, castles and chateaux, whether preserved in their entirety or in part remind one of past timesvillage of Holašovice secured them a position on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Other frequently visited towns include České Budějovice, which boasts the largest rectangular town square in the Czech Republic, Hluboká nad Vltavou with its splendid castle, the most visited castle in South Bohemia. The spas in Třeboň and Bechyně offer many opportunities for relaxation, as do the shores of the Lipno reservoir.

The local folklore, pageants and festivals tell one a lot about South Bohemians. Traditions are carefully observed. Opera singer Emma Destinnová (1878 – 1930), painter and illustrator Mikoláš Aleš (1852 – 1913) and puppeteer, playwright and director Josef Skupa (1892 – 1957) are just a few of the notable personalities who lived in South Bohemia and whose work is still reflected in the region’s cultural scene. Meeting South Bohemians in local restaurants, pubs or cafés remains uncontested as the best and most pleasant way to get to know them. The region is especially famous for its beer.

Regional projects

In addition to its natural and cultural heritage, the region boasts a variety of successful projects. The most interesting among them have been selected by the region itself.

MATEO

This project focused on the development of innovation processes and the exchange of know-how between companies and research institutions as well as strengthening the competitive advantage of small and medium-sized enterprises. Thanks to its results the project was recognised as one of the most successful projects of its category in the 2008 RegioStar Awards competition.

Flood Control

The project mapped the flood control situation within the territory of the South Bohemian Region, pointed out the weak points, defined objectives and proposed flood control measures. The results serve as a basis for plans covering the basins of the rivers Vltava, Dyje and Lužnice.

ELLA

This project was initiated after the 2002 devastating floods in Central Europe. It focused on strengthening international cooperation in preventing and managing similar emergencies. The formulation of a common land-use planning strategy for the Labe and Vltava river basins, data exchange and improved land-use planning instruments, along with several pilot projects, represent the main benefits of the project.

Reference links: