Best Things to Do in Pisek
Read our travel guide on Pisek, Czechia. Includes best things to do and see, tips on how to get, where to stay, or when to go.
Even though Lucie and I have visited Pisek countless times in the past, we've never actually been there as tourists.
So, one spring day, we decided to change that. Experiencing something so familiar from a completely different perspective is one of the reasons why we love travel so much.
The picturesque town of Pisek is one of the most interesting off-the-beaten-path places in South Bohemia.
International visitors flock to Cesky Krumlov and Holasovice, with occasional stops at Tabor or Ceske Budejovice.
There's a reason why these destinations are more attractive to travelers visiting Czechia for the first time.
But Pisek definitely has its charm, and we believe it's a nice addition to the Czechia itinerary.
So here's everything you should know about Pisek before you go.
History
Have we already mentioned that the name Pisek literally translates into Sand in the Czech language?
The first settlement was founded on the River Otava shores in the 13th century.
The area was known for gold mining on the sandy shores of River Otava, hence the name.
By 1254, Pisek was declared a royal town by King Ottokar II.
Pisek grew in importance, and the town became an administrative center of the Prachen region in the 15th century.
It was conquered then by the Hussites and later by Charles de Longueval during the Thirty Year's War.
Later, the town regained its royal status and once again became the center of the Otava region.
Today, Pisek is visited by tourists for its historical bridge and charming old part of the city.
What to See and Do
Pisek is a midsize town by Czech standards, and though it may seem quiet at first, there are a few interesting things to see and do.
Pisek Stone Bridge
If you've been to Prague, you already know that the city is home to the most famous bridge in the country.
And while Charles Bridge is a true sight to behold, the stone bridge in Pisek was built earlier.
In fact, Pisek Stone Bridge is the oldest preserved bridge in Czechia.
Kamenny most v Pisku is also known as Deer Bridge and was constructed in the second half of the 13th century by Ottokar II of Bohemia.
The bridge has six pillars and seven arches, spanning about 111 meters in length and 4.5 meters in width.
It has replicas of baroque statues, although the originals are stored in the Prachen Museum.
Today, the pedestrian-only bridge is one of Pisek's main tourist attractions.
As the bridge is free to enter, it is one of the best free things to do in Pisek.
Make sure to check the photos of the Stone Bridge during the devastating 2002 floods.
River Otava Walk
One of the most enjoyable experiences (at least for us) was the leisurely walk along the Otava River.
Pisek Stone Bridge isn't the only structure of its type in the town.
You can cross from one side of the town to another at several points.
The short Stone Bridge - Mestsky Ostrov loop is a great little walk for all tourists, but you can walk even further if time allows.
Prachenske Muzeum
By the time we reached the Prachen Museum, it had started raining.
We were relieved that we could spend the next hour or two inside the museum.
The museum is situated in the former Gothic castle and military barracks, an imposing building that can be admired from the riverfront.
The exhibitions cover various topics, ranging from the History of Pisek City and the Region to Cultural Traditions, Fish and Fisheries, Gold Mining, and much more.
There was even a well-preserved orchestrion (still working!) so we could listen to an old waltz song.
Even more, we finally understood what Waldemar Matuska sings about in one of his famous songs.
The museum is usually open from March to December daily (9 AM to 6 PM) except Mondays.
Sand Statues
Several sand statues are installed each year on the River Otava banks from spring to autumn.
If you happen to visit Pisek during this period, the 3-meter statues weighing 10+ tons (each year is a different theme) are definitely worth seeing.
It was still too early when we were there, so maybe next time.
Kostel Narozeni Panny Marie
Church of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, with its 74-meter tower, is the highest building in Pisek.
You can enter the church for free and climb the tower with a guide for a small fee.
The tour can be arranged in the nearby information center.
Unfortunately, the tours were available only in the afternoon at the time of our visit.
So we couldn't make it. However, we did climb the tower in Tabor and Ceske Budejovice, and the views were amazing.
So we believe this will be a similar case.
Electricity Museum
Another interesting place you should visit in Pisek is the Electricity Museum.
It's the oldest hydroelectric power plant in Czechia and has been opened to the public since 1997 renovations.
As the Czech inventor Frantisek Krizik suggested, the power plant replaced an old mill in 1887 to power street arc lamps (the hydroelectric power was used from the following year).
The museum is open from April to November.
Putim Gate
While it's no longer there, Putim Gate was one of three main gates controlling the entrance to the city.
It's a nice little stop that allows you to see what the city looked like in the past (towers, walls, gates, etc.).
By the way, the gate still lives through an old folk song.
Sladovna
If you're looking for a family-friendly gallery in Pisek, head out to Sladovna.
This interactive gallery houses four stories of creativity, inspiration, knowledge, and imagination.
The main theme - learning through play - provides a great way for kids to learn and play.
It is the most popular place to visit in Pisek among families with kids.
Sladovna is located right next to the Prachen Museum. Reserving your ticket online is recommended.
It's open daily during the summer (9 AM to 6 PM) and Tuesday to Sunday from September to June (9 AM to 5 PM).
Day Trips
You can visit several great places from Pisek on a day trip.
Several beautiful castles, such as Orlik Castle, Blatna Castle, Chateau Bechyne, and Zvikov Castle, are located within a short drive from Pisek.
If you're heading to Ceske Budejovice, a must-see place is Hluboka Castle.
You can also see Orlik Reservoir, Jan Zizka Monument, Temelin Nuclear Power Station, etc.
How Much Time Do I Need
Pisek is a nice little stop on the way from Prague to Ceske Budejovice, Cesky Krumlov, and Lipno.
The town center is very compact, so you can easily see everything in a few hours.
If you're pressed for time, 2-4 hours should allow you to see all the major sights within the town.
You will have enough time to wander the town's streets, see the Stone Bridge, and visit a museum and the tower.
We stayed in Pisek overnight, but that's really not necessary unless you prefer slow travel.
When to Go
You can visit Pisek all year round. Generally, summers are warm and hot in Czechia, while winters are cold with limited daylight.
Summer is the main tourist season, so be prepared for crowds in certain areas.
Pisek is off the main tourist trail and won't be as busy as more famous sites, such as Karlstejn or Prague Castle.
That said, we prefer to travel around Czechia during the spring or autumn.
Note that some museums and castles can be closed during winter, early spring, or late autumn.
If you read our post carefully, you already know this was our case in some cases. If you're not sure when to visit Czechia, read this guide.
What to Pack
Pisek is best explored on foot, so make sure to bring comfortable walking shoes and choose clothing according to the current season.
As there's always the possibility of rain, we always carry a rain jacket in our trusty daypack, though a travel umbrella may also work.
As mentioned above, a T-shirt and shorts should be fine in summer.
You will need to add a few layers when visiting in spring and autumn. Jeans and a sweater with a windbreaker should be fine.
Winters are often cold, and a good winter coat should keep you nice and warm.
How to Get There
There are several ways to get to Pisek, including by car, bus, or train.
The answer depends on many factors, such as if you rent a car in Czechia or rely on public transport.
Car
If you plan to drive in Czechia, the easiest way to get to Pisek from Prague (or any other destination) is by car.
If not, getting there by bus or train is probably easier.
Depending on the current traffic, it takes about 75-90 minutes to tackle the 110-kilometer distance.
Ceske Budejovice is 50 kilometers south of Pisek.
Travel Resources
When renting a car, we use Rentalcars.com.
Parking
Parking was available at our hotel, so we just left our car there.
One of Pisek's most popular parking areas is the Parkoviste na Vystavisti (P1). It's paid, but only a short walk from the Stone Bridge.
Parkoviste U kulturniho domu (P2) is also conveniently located near the main tourist area.
Paid street parking is available in the city center (together with a few more parking lots).
Bus
If you want to visit Pisek on a day trip from Prague, you can easily take a bus.
The bus departs from Praha Na Knizeci (only a short walk from Andel Metro Station).
The journey takes about 80 minutes.
Pisek Bus Station is about a 10-minute walk south of the town center.
Train
You can also take a train from Prague (Praha Hlavni Nadrazi) to Pisek, but this option is considerably slower (almost three hours).
Pisek Train Station is located just across the street from the bus station (also a 10-minute walk to the town center).
Where to Stay
When it comes to accommodation, things are a bit complicated in Pisek.
The main downside of non-touristy places is the shortage of variety. Pisek is no exception, especially when it comes to the luxury category.
Still, there are a few places that offer comfortable accommodation and good value for your money, so you don't have to worry about it too much.
In fact, you can find some really good deals here, especially outside the main tourist season. So, here are the best hotels in Pisek.
Budget | OtavArena - Situated on the banks of the Otava River, this basic hotel offers affordable rates, functional, modern rooms, and free parking.
Mid-range | Hotel Biograf - Housed in a former cinema, this popular hotel has a central location, cozy rooms, and a great breakfast.
Mid-range | Hotel U Kaplicky - Located only a short walk from the town center, U Kaplicky is arguably the best hotel in Pisek. This family-run property boasts comfortable, modern rooms, great food, a quiet location, friendly staff, and private parking.
Staying Safe
Pisek is a quiet and peaceful town, so it is generally very safe to visit.
As always, use your common sense to stay safe.
Know where you're going, don't leave your valuables unattended, and be aware of your surroundings.
If unsure, trust your instincts. Czechia is a very safe country, but you still need to take basic safety precautions to have an enjoyable visit.
Travel Insurance
We never leave home without travel insurance that was designed to cover our expenses if something goes wrong during the trip.
Travel insurance protects against theft, flight delays, injury, illness, cancellations, and much more.
World Nomads provides travel insurance for travelers to cover their trip essentials, including sports and adventure activities.
SafetyWing is affordable travel insurance for backpackers, long-term travelers, and digital nomads.
Travel smarter and safer!
Is Pisek Worth Visiting?
In our opinion, Pisek is worth seeing if you like the idea of visiting less-traveled places.
If you're short on time, it's definitely not a must-see place.
Tabor and Ceske Budejovice are definitely more interesting places for first-time travelers to explore.
On the other hand, it's one of those quiet places where you barely meet other international visitors.
If that's your thing, Pisek is a great addition to every South Bohemia itinerary.
Plus, it's home to the oldest bridge in the Czech Republic.
Travel Resources
Here you can find links to all the travel resources we use and which you might find helpful when planning your next holiday.
Accommodation: When looking for accommodation, we usually search hotels via Booking.com or Hostelworld.
Tours: Although we love to travel independently, some places are better to visit with a guided tour.
We prefer GetYourGuide for its easy-to-use interface and solid reputation. Another great alternative is Viator.
Rental Cars: When going on a road trip, we always use Rentalcars.com, a reliable site for booking a rental car in advance.
Flight Tickets: When looking for flight tickets, you can search Skyscanner to find the best price.
Travel Insurance: World Nomads and SafetyWing cover against risks of travel.
