Písek is a town in South Bohemia, known for having the oldest stone bridge in the Czech Republic. Due to its nice small historic centre, Písek might be a good stop on a journey between Prague and South Bohemia (e.g. Český Krumlov).
Understand
[edit]The name "Písek" means "sand", because of gold prospecting on Otava River. In the 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, through the centuries, Písek lost its importance. At 30,000 inhabitants, it is as of 2021 the third largest city in the South Bohemia Region.
Get in
[edit]By car, it takes around 1 hour and 20 minutes 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.
Get around
[edit]See
[edit]
Historic centre
[edit]- 1 Písek Stone Bridge. The 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.
- 2 Písek Castle and Prácheň museum, Velké náměstí 114/3, ☏ +420 382 201 111, [email protected]. Tu-Su 09:00-18:00 (17:00 October-December), during winter and on Mondays closed. Local museum in the area of former castle. Adults 40 Kč, children/pensioners 20 Kč, photos 20 Kč.
- 3 Synagogue. The interior is not accessible, but you can see the exterior.
- 4 Marian Column, Alšovo námesti. 24/7. Built in 1715.
- 5 Městská elektrárna Písek, Podskalí 2537/4, ☏ +420 382 217 034, [email protected]. The oldest hydroelectric power station built in 1888 in Czech Republic still in use and Museum. 1 adult 120Kč, 2 adults 100Kč each, child 60Kč, senior 80Kč.
- 6 Písek Town Walls.
- 7 Church of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Main church and also the highest building in Písek with gothic frescoes.
- 8 Church of Holy Trinity. Small late gothic church in areal of old Písek cemetery.
Outside the centre
[edit]- 9 Jewish cemetery.
- 10 Jarník Tower. Lookout tower 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. Free.
Do
[edit]- 1 Swimming Pool, Ostrovní 2257/1, ☏ +420 382 213 239, [email protected].
- 2 sport PREUSS (RENT), Kollárova 486, [email protected]. rent bike, e-bike, bike-servis.
Buy
[edit]- 1 Tesco Hypermarket (Nádražní 2590/36), ☏ +420 800 222 555, [email protected]. Daily 06:00-22:00. supermarket at Písek train station
- 2 COOP, Dvořákova 343, ☏ +420 382 270 010, [email protected]. smaller supermarket in the centre.
- 3 Maxi-Hit, Velke Namesti 175. Daily 09:00-18:00. In old town.
- 4 Billa, Hradistska. M-Sa 07:00-21:00, Su 08:00-21:00.
Eat
[edit]- 1 Kozlovna U Plechandy, ☏ +420 604 333 444, [email protected]. Daily 11:00-23:00. Traditional Czech cuisine; summer terrace with view of Písek Stone Bridge.
- 2 U Reinerů, Heydukova 98, ☏ +420 382 213 484, [email protected]. Daily 10:30-23:00. Czech cuisine, good beer
- Tandoor, Heydukova 172/10, ☏ +420 382 224 697, [email protected]. Daily 11:00–15:00, 17:00–22:00. Indian cuisine
Drink
[edit]- 1 [dead link] Vykulená Sova, třída Národní svobody 32/11, ☏ +420 773 000 654, [email protected]. M-Th 10:00-22:00; F 10:00-00:00; Sa 14:00-00:00; Su 14:00-20:00. Favourite café in Písek, cozy atmosphere.
Sleep
[edit]- 1 Hotel Biograf, Gregorova 124/6, ☏ +420 380 425 510, [email protected].
- 2 Hotel Art, Fráni Šrámka 158/2, ☏ +420 776 277 394, [email protected]. 3*.
- 3 Hotel Villa Conti, Lesní 1277/1, ☏ +420 382 212 663, [email protected]. 1 km from the historic centre near big forest ("Natural Park Písek Mountains")
- 4 [dead link] Penzion Nevada, Kocínova 140/4, ☏ +420 605 959 855.
- 5 Hotel Buly, ☏ +420 734 852 344, [email protected]. 2* with parking space. Dog possible for 50Kč. WiFi included. Single room 550Kč, 5-person room 1,300Kč.
Connect
[edit]Go next
[edit]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).