Písek

The name "Písek" means "sand", because of gold prospecting on Otava river. In middle ages, Písek was one of the most populous and important royal cities in Bohemia. It was located on a trade route connecting Bohemia with southern Europe. However, during the centuries Písek lost its importance. Now it is with 30,000 inhabitants third largest city in South Bohemia Region.

By car, it takes around 1h20min from Prague. Half of the way is on D4 highway, which is planned to be elongated up to Písek. Buses from Prague (Na Knížecí station) go to Písek very often and it takes approximately the same time by bus as by car. There is no direct connection by train.

Historic centre

• Písek Stone BridgeThe oldest bridge in the Czech Republic and one of the oldest bridges in central Europe (yes, older than the Charles Bridge in Prague) built in 13th century in gothic style with baroque statues.

• Písek Castle and Prácheň museum

  phone: +420 382 201 111
  address: Velké náměstí 114/3
  Local museum in the area of former castle.

• Synagoguenot accesible

• Marian Column

  address: Alšovo nám.
  Built in 1715

• Městská elektrárna Písek

  phone: +420 382 217 034
  address: Podskalí 2537/4
  Hydroelectric power station built in 1888.

• Písek Town Walls

• Church of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin MaryMain church and also the highest building in Písek with gothic frescoes.

• Church of Holy TrinitySmall late gothic church in areal of old Písek cemetery.

Outside the centre

• Jewish cemetery

• Jarník TowerLookout tower located in "Natural Park Písek Mountains", circa 3 km from the centre - follow red and after crossroad "U Vodáka" blue tourist path. Nice view of Písek and surrounding area.

• Swimming Pool

  phone: +420 382 213 239
  address: Ostrovní 2257/1

• Tesco Hypermarket

  phone: +420 800 222 555
  supermarket at Písek train station

• COOP

  phone: +420 382 270 010
  address: Dvořákova 343
  smaller supermarket in the centre.

• Kozlovna U Plechandy

  phone: +420 604 333 444
  Traditional Czech cuisine; summer terrace with view of Písek Stone Bridge.

• U Reinerů

  phone: +420 382 213 484
  address: Heydukova 98
  Czech cuisine, good beer

• Tandoor

  phone: +420 382 224 697
  address: Heydukova 172/10
  Indian cuisine

• Vykulená Sova

  phone: +420 773 000 654
  address: třída Národní svobody 32/11
  Favourite café in Písek, cozy atmosphere.

• Hotel Biograf

  phone: +420 380 425 510
  address: Gregorova 124/6

• Hotel Art

  phone: +420 776 277 394
  address: Fráni Šrámka 158/2

• Hotel Villa Conti

  phone: +420 382 212 663
  address: Lesní 1277/1
  located 1 km from the historic centre near big forest ("Natural Park Písek Mountains")

• Penzion Nevada

  phone: +420 605 959 855
  address: Kocínova 140/4

The beautiful town of Tábor, České Budějovice or Český Krumlov might be one of your next stops. For nature lowers, Šumava National Park or Brdy (located on the road between Písek and Prague).