Golfing at the Foot of Castles II

Another selection from our series Golfing at the Foot of Castles. We are now visiting South Bohemia...

Hluboká nad Vltavou (144 km from Prague) – 18-hole golf course
Leave Prague on Highway D1 (E65) in the direction of Brno, turn off at Mirošovice (Exit 21) to Benešov and continue along E55 through Tábor in the direction of České Budějovice, where you turn off at Hluboká nad Vltavou. The journey lasts roughly 1 hour and 45 minutes.

This castle in the Tudor Gothic style is the point from where your eyes can fall on many of the holes on the golf course located here. Golfers find it interesting that they have eighteen holes here on a virtually level playing field. For guests and players eager to learn about history, the castle, which has served as the background for many a film, be they fairy tales or contemporary stories, is not hard to get to. In addition to the exterior of the castle itself, which is a marvel to look at from all sides, there is also the beauty of the interior, including furnishings consisting of incised wooden ceilings, furniture, chandeliers, paintings, etc. Every room provides a remarkable look back into history. The armoury here has a wide collection of arms to show visitors. Moreover, the former castle riding school is home to the Alšova South Bohemia Gallery with a collection of Gothic paintings and statues rounded off with Dutch and Flemish paintings from the 17th and 18th centuries.

See more at www.zamekhluboka.cz in a variety of languages.

Český Krumlov (178 km from Prague) – 9-hole golf course
Leave Prague on Highway D1 (E65) in the direction of Brno, turn off at Mirošovice (Exit 21) na Benešov and continue along E55 through Tábor and České Budějovice. Pass through Kamenný Újezd and turn off at Český Krumlov. The journey takes roughly 2 hours and 10 minutes.

In addition to the castle and fortress, the city also provides an experience for every visitor. In 1992 the entire area was added to the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

The Gothic castle has stood here since 1250 and underwent modifications and expansion during the Renaissance and Baroque periods. Over the years it has changed hands among the families of Krumklova, Vítkovci, Rožmberk, Habsburk, Eggenberk and Schwarzenberk. Starting in 1900 the castle was gradually opened up to the public. Of the many interesting sites, it’s worth stopping in Masquerade Hall and observing who you see in the mirrors around you. The Baroque theatre has no equivalent in Europe thanks to the preservation of not only its unique stage manipulations, including many trap doors, but also other theatre props and an archive that covers the 17th through 19th centuries. The entire area is vast, as indicated by its five courtyards. The castle gardens contain a rotating amphitheatre where visitors can enjoy theatre presentations directly outdoors.

See more at www.ckrumlov.cz in a variety of languages.

Source: Ota Doležal, redaktor serveru

Mentioned golf course(s):

• Český Krumlov
• Hluboká nad Vltavou