Kamenice nad Lipou

Kamenice nad Lipou is a small Czech town completely overlooked by foreign tourists, making it an ideal destination for travelers seeking authentic experiences off the beaten path. The town is known for its pink Renaissance chateau built in 1583, a chateau garden featuring a lime tree over 700 years old (which gave the town its name), and a historic narrow gauge railway connecting to Jindřichův Hradec. The surrounding region offers swimming ponds, forests, and gentle hiking trails, with domestic Czech tourists arriving in summer primarily to access nearby Česká Kanada.

The town was established in the 13th century, and the ancient lime tree in the chateau garden—which gave the city its name—was planted around the same time. In 1583, the original castle was rebuilt as a Renaissance chateau, which still stands today. An 18th-century brewery was renovated and reopened after being closed during the communist era. In 1906, Kamenice was connected to the outside world via narrow gauge railway from Jindřichův Hradec to Obrataň. Today, inhabitants work mostly in agriculture or automobile parts manufacturing, with a mild seasonal inflow of domestic tourism in summer.

Kamenice nad Lipou is connected by narrow gauge railway from Jindřichův Hradec, operated by Czech Railways (České dráhy). Buses arrive at Kamenice Bus Station, located almost in the center of the city. The railway station is about 1 km from the town center. The narrow gauge line runs through the scenic countryside, with steam trains operating weekly during summer months.

The town is small enough to walk anywhere within the center. For longer trips in the surrounding region, cycling or car are recommended. Bikes can be rented at Hotel Berger, though it's unclear if they rent to non-guests. Alternatively, rent a bike at Jindřichův Hradec railway station (Czech Railways bike rental) and either take it on the train or ride the last 20 km from Jindřichův Hradec.

Summer (June-August) brings the best weather for hiking, swimming in ponds, and cycling, plus steam train rides on the narrow gauge railway. The Toys Festival (Hračkobraní) takes place between July 10-14. Winter offers cross-country skiing when snow conditions permit, though this is unreliable. Spring and fall provide quieter conditions for exploring the town and forests.

Hotel Berger is the only accommodation directly in town, a small but upscale hotel with good service and bike rental. Ubytování WORKCENTRUM offers the best budget option at 400 Kč per two-person room per night. Apartmány Pokorný rents apartments starting at 4,200 Kč per week, minimum seven days. For luxury, Resort Johanka is located in nearby forests with spa facilities. Adventurous travelers can pitch tents in surrounding forests out of sight.

The town offers authentic Czech cuisine at decent prices, with lunchtime set meals providing the cheapest option. Restaurace U Nádraží near the railway station serves good meals and local beer all day (100 Kč for lunch). The local brewery, Pivovar Kamenice nad Lipou, produces several types of beer that are even exported to Prague pubs—beer costs 30 Kč, with lunch at 100 Kč and dinner at 200 Kč. Fast food options are limited to Marty fast food, while DéKáčko offers local bakery and café fare.

The Renaissance chateau (pink, built as a castle in the 13th century) is the main sight, with a free chateau courtyard to view it. The chateau garden features the 700+ year old lime tree. Steam train rides on the historic narrow gauge railway operate weekly in summer, traveling to Jindřichův Hradec and villages like Černovice. Swimming is available at a flooded quarry with clear water and romantic setting, plus various ponds including Koupaliště. Cycling to the romantic chateau at Červená Lhota (25 km) is a highlight, as are marked hiking trails crossing blue and red tourist routes.

Free WiFi is available on the main square and in restaurants. Mobile signal is strong even in the deepest forests, often 4G. The post office is located on the main square.

Kamenice nad Lipou is a quiet, small Czech town with minimal crime risks. Standard urban precautions apply. Swimming in remote forest ponds requires caution as some are deep and unsupervised.

Červená Lhota features a famous romantic chateau on an island, about 25 km by road or bike. Jindřichův Hradec offers a large castle complex, 20 km by road or train. Pelhřimov has the Museum of Records and Curiosities, 20 km away with a change at Obrataň. Tábor is known for its historical square and underground, 30 km by road. České Budějovice has an interesting historical center, 35 km by road.

From Kamenice nad Lipou, travelers can continue to Jindřichův Hradec (20 km, larger town with castle), Pelhřimov (20 km, Museum of Records), Červená Lhota (25 km, picturesque chateau), Tábor (30 km, historical square and underground tunnels), or České Budějovice (35 km, regional center with historical center). Connections are available by narrow gauge railway, regular trains with change at Obrataň, or bus.