South Bohemia, Czech Republic
3-5 Days Recommended
South Bohemia represents Czech brewing at its most picturesque. Beyond the famous Budweiser Budvar brewery, this region offers a tapestry of medieval towns, countryside brewpubs, and landscapes that seem lifted from a fairytale. The Bohemian Beer Trail connects these treasures in a journey that rewards those who venture beyond Prague.
Planning Your Route
The trail can be completed in three to five days, depending on your pace and how deeply you want to explore each stop. We recommend at least four days to avoid rushing through this beautiful region. The route works equally well by car or public transport, though driving offers more flexibility for reaching smaller breweries.
The suggested route forms a rough loop from Prague, heading south to Ceske Budejovice, then west to Cesky Krumlov, before returning through the spa town of Trebon. Each stop offers distinctive beer experiences and enough non-beer attractions to keep traveling companions happy.
The Route
Ceske Budejovice
Home of the Original Budweiser
Your first major stop should be Ceske Budejovice, a graceful city with one of Europe's largest town squares. The city is famous for Budweiser Budvar, the original Budweiser beer that has been brewed here since 1895.
The brewery offers excellent tours that include the lagering cellars and a tasting of unfiltered beer. Unlike its American namesake, Budvar is a genuine Czech lager brewed with traditional methods and Saaz hops.
What to Do
- Tour Budweiser Budvar brewery
- Explore the historic town square
- Visit Masne kramy beer hall
- Climb the Black Tower for views
Cesky Krumlov
Medieval Gem with Brewery History
This UNESCO World Heritage town is impossibly beautiful, with its castle perched above a river bend and medieval streets largely unchanged for centuries. The town has brewed beer since the 14th century.
The Eggenberg Brewery, located within the castle complex, has been operating since 1560. Their beer is lighter than typical Czech lagers, reflecting the local water and historical brewing traditions. The brewery restaurant offers tastings paired with traditional cuisine.
What to Do
- Visit Eggenberg Brewery in the castle
- Explore the castle and gardens
- Walk the medieval old town
- Float the Vltava River in summer
Trebon
Spa Town and Brewing Tradition
Trebon offers a different pace: a small spa town surrounded by fish ponds and forests. The Regent Brewery here dates to 1379, making it one of the oldest breweries in the world. Their dark lager is particularly renowned.
The town is also famous for its carp ponds and therapeutic peat baths. After days of beer tasting, a spa treatment might be exactly what you need. The surrounding countryside is ideal for cycling.
What to Do
- Tour Regent Brewery
- Experience a traditional peat bath
- Cycle around the fish ponds
- Visit the Renaissance chateau
Optional: Tabor
Hussite History and Local Brews
If time permits, Tabor makes an interesting detour on the return to Prague. This hilltop town was founded by Hussite religious reformers in the 15th century, and its labyrinthine underground passages were designed as defensive measures.
While not a major brewing destination, Tabor has several good pubs serving regional beers, and the town's unique history adds depth to your journey through Bohemia.
What to Do
- Explore the underground passages
- Visit the Hussite Museum
- Sample beer at local pubs
- Walk the historic center
Practical Considerations
Getting There and Around
While a car offers the most flexibility, the route is feasible by public transport. Direct trains connect Prague to Ceske Budejovice in about two hours. From there, buses serve Cesky Krumlov and Trebon. If driving, remember that Czech law forbids any alcohol consumption before driving.
Best Time to Visit
Late spring (May-June) and early autumn (September-October) offer the best combination of pleasant weather and manageable crowds. Cesky Krumlov in particular can be overwhelmed with day-trippers in July and August, though evenings remain peaceful after tour buses depart.
Accommodation
Each town offers a range of accommodations from budget pensions to historic hotels. Booking ahead is advisable for Cesky Krumlov, especially on weekends. Consider staying in smaller towns like Trebon for a more authentic and affordable experience.
Responsible Enjoyment
Pace yourself throughout the journey. Czech beer is deceptively smooth, and the generous portions (typically 0.5L) add up quickly. Alternate beer stops with sightseeing, and never drink and drive. Many visitors find the small-town relaxation pace helps prevent overindulgence.
Trip Summary
Beyond Beer
South Bohemia rewards exploration beyond its breweries. The region's UNESCO-listed architecture, from Renaissance chateaux to baroque monasteries, rivals any in Central Europe. The landscape of forests, ponds, and rolling hills is ideal for cycling and hiking. Many visitors find themselves extending their stay to accommodate these additional attractions.
The area is also known for its cuisine, particularly freshwater fish from the extensive pond systems around Trebon. Carp features prominently on menus, prepared in ways that will surprise those who associate the fish only with holiday traditions. The combination of good beer and good food makes South Bohemia a complete culinary destination.
The Bohemian Beer Trail offers something increasingly rare in modern tourism: the chance to experience authentic regional culture at a relaxed pace. The breweries here are not museum pieces but living institutions that have served their communities for centuries. By following this route, you become part of a tradition that stretches back to medieval times, when monks and burghers first discovered that Bohemian water, hops, and barley combined to create something extraordinary.