Climbing at South Bohemia

South Bohemia has no single large rock town; its crags are scattered across the region – in river valleys, on wooded hills and in quarries. The most popular is the Lužnice valley below Tábor and towards Bechyně, with crags such as the Blue Quarry, Jelení skok and U mamuta, suitable for experienced climbers and complete beginners alike. Above the Lužnice, by the pilgrimage church in Klokoty, runs the Tábor via ferrata, described as the first via ferrata built in the Czech Republic, graded B/C and suitable for beginners. Other areas lie around Český Krumlov (Domoradické skály, Kleť, Rájov), near Kaplice (Sokolčí, Besednická hora), at Vyšší Brod, in the Novohrad Mountains on the Austrian border, and near Písek, Prachatice, Volyně, Strakonice, Týn nad Vltavou, České Budějovice and Jindřichův Hradec.

The crags are mostly small, in forests and often in the shade, so they climb well even in summer; the main season runs from spring to autumn. Trad climbing with a mix of fixed protection and your own cams dominates, alongside sport routes and occasional overhangs. The Lužnice valley is best reached by car to Tábor or Bechyně, and guided trips with a certified mountain guide are offered for beginners. Check current restrictions with the Czech Mountaineering Association before visiting, especially in protected areas.