Písek Travel Guide

Plan your perfect trip to Písek with our guide featuring top sights, best hotels, and local culture.


Introduction to Písek

Nestled in South Bohemia, Písek is a picturesque town in the Czech Republic, situated on the banks of the Otava River. The town is famous for its impressive architecture, scenic landscapes, and rich cultural heritage that dates back to the 13th century.

In this comprehensive guide, we will take you through the best places to visit in Písek, including its natural and cultural attractions, hiking and biking routes, the best activities and tours, its food and drink scene, local customs, and traditions.

List of Places to Visit in Písek

Here is a list of the top places to visit in Písek:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • The Písek Stone Bridge
  • Písek Castle
  • The Franciscan Monastery
  • The Czech Museum of Silver
  • The City Museum of Písek

Natural Attractions of Písek: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • The Otava River
  • The Písek Forest
  • Konopiště Nature Reserve
  • Městský park u rybníků
  • Třeboň Fishponds

Hiking/Biking Routes of Písek

Písek offers a wide range of hiking and biking trails amidst its beautiful landscapes. Here are our favorite routes:

  • The Písek hiking trail
  • The Písek biking trail
  • The Otava trail
  • The Písek castle trail
  • The Písek forest trail

Best Things to Do in Písek: Activities and Tours

  • Walking Tour of Písek
  • Cycling Tour of Písek
  • Canoeing on the Otava River
  • A visit to The Town of České Budějovice
  • A day trip to Prague

Week-Long Itinerary for Písek

Here is our recommended itinerary for a week-long trip to Písek:

Day Activity
Day 1 Walking Tour of Písek
Day 2 Canoeing on the Otava River
Day 3 Cycling Tour of Písek
Day 4 A visit to The Town of České Budějovice
Day 5 A day trip to Prague
Day 6 Hiking at the Písek Forest
Day 7 Relax at the Třeboň Fishponds

Food and Drink Scene of Písek

Must-Try Dishes

The traditional Czech cuisine in Písek includes goulash, roasted pork knuckle, beef steak, and schnitzel. Here are our top picks:

  • Svíčková - marinated beef in a cream sauce served with bread dumplings
  • Roast duck with dumplings and red cabbage
  • Smažený sýr - deep-fried cheese served with tartar sauce
  • Pilsner or Budvar beer
  • Becherovka - a traditional Czech herbal liquor

Local Beverages

Apart from the Czech beer and liquor, Písek is also known for its vineyards that produce high-quality wines such as:

  • Chardonnay
  • Riesling
  • Pinot Noir

Where to Stay in Písek: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Whether you’re looking for luxury or a budget-friendly option, Písek has an array of accommodations to choose from:

  • Hotel Bílá Růže
  • Penzion U Bernardýna
  • Hotel Parkan
  • Penzion Manhattan
  • Hotel U Kapličky

What to Buy in Písek: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Here are some souvenirs and local products to bring back home from Písek:

  • Traditional Czech glassware
  • Bohemian crystal
  • Handicrafts
  • Písek Silver Jewelry
  • Becherovka liquor

Local Culture and Customs of Písek

The people of Písek are proud of their rich cultural heritage, which includes the traditional Czech customs. Respect, politeness, and punctuality are highly valued, and often, punctuality is considered a sign of respect.

Best Time to Visit Písek

The best time to visit Písek is from May to September. During this time, you’ll enjoy pleasant weather, indoor and outdoor activities, and lively festivals.

Do’s and Don’ts of Písek

Do:

  • Respect local customs and traditions
  • Try the traditional Czech cuisine and beverages
  • Be friendly and courteous
  • Carry small change

Don’t:

  • Be disrespectful or rude
  • Forget to tip in restaurants or cafes
  • Drink in public places
  • Photograph people without their permission

Safety and Health in Písek

Safety in Písek

Písek is a safe town, although it’s always advisable to take necessary precautions, such as:

  • Keep your belongings secure
  • Stay on well-lit and busy streets at night

Health in Písek

Písek has excellent healthcare facilities with well-trained medical professionals. You can go for medical assistance at the following hospitals:

  • Nemocnice Písek
  • Fakultní Nemocnice Hradec Králové Písek

Getting to Písek: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Písek

The nearest airport to Písek is Vaclav Havel Airport Prague, which is approximately 126 km away. From the airport, you can take a bus or taxi to Písek.

Bus Stations Near Písek

The Písek bus station is located in the center of the town. Several buses run daily to and from nearby towns and cities.

Other Options

If you wish to take a train, Písek has a train station that is well-connected to nearby destinations. You can also rent a car and drive to Písek from Prague or nearby cities.

How to Get Around in Písek

The best way to get around Písek is on foot, as most of the popular attractions are located within walking distance of each other. However, you can also rent a bike or a taxi to explore the town and surrounding areas.

Where to Go Next from Písek: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

If you’re looking to venture farther, here are some nearby destinations and excursions:

  • Český Krumlov
  • Kutna Hora
  • Karlovy Vary

Conclusion

Písek is a fascinating town that boasts incredible natural beauty, rich culture, excellent food, and welcoming locals. With this comprehensive guide, you’re sure to have an unforgettable experience during your visit to Písek, Czech Republic.

View of the main church and the town walls from Otava river View of the main church and the town walls from Otava river