Písek
Písek is a town in South Bohemia, known for 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
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.
Get in
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.
Get around
See
Historic centre
- 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, info@prachenskemuzeum.cz. 9:00-18:00 (17:00 October-December), during winter and on Mondays closed. Local museum in the area of former castle.
- 3 Synagogue. not accesible
- 4 Marian Column, Alšovo nám.. Built in 1715
- 5 Městská elektrárna Písek, Podskalí 2537/4, ☏ +420 382 217 034, marek.andel@quick.cz. Hydroelectric power station built in 1888. 70Kč.
- 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
- 9 Jewish cemetery.
- 10 Jarník Tower. Lookout 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. Free.
Do
- 1 Swimming Pool, Ostrovní 2257/1, ☏ +420 382 213 239, bazen@ms-pisek.cz.
Buy
- 1 Tesco Hypermarket (Nádražní 2590/36), ☏ +420 800 222 555, info@itesco.cz. 6:00-22:00. supermarket at Písek train station
- 2 COOP, Dvořákova 343, ☏ +420 382 270 010, sekretariat@jednota-milevsko.cz. smaller supermarket in the centre.
- 3 Maxi-Hit, Velke Namesti 175. Mo-Su 09:00-18:00. In old town.
- 4 Billa, Hradistska. Mo-Sa 07:00-21:00, Su 08:00-21:00.
Eat
- 1 Kozlovna U Plechandy, ☏ +420 604 333 444, info@kozlovnauplechandy.cz. 11:00-23:00. Traditional Czech cuisine; summer terrace with view of Písek Stone Bridge.
- 2 U Reinerů, Heydukova 98, ☏ +420 382 213 484, ureineru@volny.cz. 10:30-23:00. Czech cuisine, good beer
- Tandoor, Heydukova 172/10, ☏ +420 382 224 697, menberu@seznam.cz. 11:00–15:00, 17:00–22:00. Indian cuisine
Drink
- 1 [dead link] Vykulená Sova, třída Národní svobody 32/11, ☏ +420 773 000 654, info@vykulenasova.cz. Mon-Thu 10:00-22:00; Fri 10:00-00:00; Sat 14:00-00:00; Sun 14:00-20:00. Favourite café in Písek, cozy atmosphere.
Sleep
- 1 Hotel Biograf, Gregorova 124/6, ☏ +420 380 425 510, recepce@hotelbiograf.com.
- 2 Hotel Art, Fráni Šrámka 158/2, ☏ +420 776 277 394, info@hotelartpisek.cz. 3*.
- 3 Hotel Villa Conti, Lesní 1277/1, ☏ +420 382 212 663, hotel@villaconti.cz. located 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, info@hotelbuly.cz. With parking space. Dog possible for 50Kč. WiFi included. Single room 550, 5pers room 1.300Kč.
Connect
Go next
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).