Třeboň is a picturesque spa town located in the South Bohemian Region of the Czech Republic, specifically within the Jindřichův Hradec District. With a population of around 8,300 residents, it is nestled in a gently undulating landscape near the Austrian border, positioned between the cities of České Budějovice and Jindřichův Hradec. Often called the "pearl of South Bohemia" or the "town of lakes," Třeboň is renowned for its blend of historical architecture, natural beauty, and a long-standing tradition of fish farming, particularly carp. The town's historic center is a protected urban conservation area, featuring Renaissance and Baroque elements that reflect its medieval roots.
Třeboň lies in the basin of the Lužnice River, characterized by heavy impermeable clays that have facilitated the creation of an extensive network of artificial ponds and lakes. The surrounding Třeboň Region, also known as Třeboňsko, boasts over 6,000 ponds, many of which were engineered during the Middle Ages for fish breeding and water management. This area forms part of a protected landscape zone, recognized for its biodiversity and as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve since 1977, emphasizing sustainable land use and wetland preservation. The flat to gently rolling terrain is ideal for outdoor activities, with forests, meadows, and waterways providing habitats for wildlife, including various bird species and fish. The largest pond, Rožmberk, is nearby and is one of Europe's biggest man-made fish ponds, covering about 489 hectares. The region's climate is mild, with warm summers and cold winters, making it a year-round destination for nature enthusiasts.
The name Třeboň most likely comes from the word refine
or need, which means to breed, improve or perfect (see the meaning
of the word refined). The soil was sown here through felled trees.
Almost the entire Třeboň region was originally forested and
waterlogged (floodplain forests), and trees have been mined and
processed here since the beginning of settlement; country resp. the
soil was sifted / needed for economic use. Similarly, it got the
names of the village Třebonín, Třebíč, Třebenice, Třebová,
Třebichovice, Třebechovice, Třebušín, etc. (some sources state the
meaning of the word Třebíč as felling or destroying the forest).
The beginnings of the town date back to the middle of the 12th
century, when a court and then a settlement were established on the
site. Around 1280, the parish church in Třeboň (Witingenowe) is
mentioned. The status of the town of Třeboň was granted in 1341 and
in 1376 and 1378 the so-called right of royal towns and the
privilege of importing salt. It was originally owned by the Vítkovci
family (Vítek z Prčic), in 1366 it passed under the auspices of the
brothers from Rožmberk and got its Czech name. In 1367, the four
Rosenberg brothers founded an Augustinian monastery in Třeboň, which
became the center of education of the whole area (it was abolished
by Emperor Joseph II in 1785, the monastery premises then belonged
to the Třeboň vicariate). The Prince's Brewery in Třeboň was founded
in 1379. Towards the end of the 14th century, fortifications were
built around the town with walls and a moat, which proved successful
in the Hussite wars, and transformed Třeboň into an impregnable
fortress capable of resisting many attacks.
The first ponds
were founded at the end of the 15th century by Štěpánek Netolický.
His work in the 16th century was followed by pond fishermen Mikuláš
Ruthard from Malešov and Jakub Krčín. In the 1680s (under the owner
Vilém of Rožmberk), Edward Kelley had an alchemical workshop at
Třeboň Castle. After the death of his brother Vilém, the Rosenberg
ruler Petr Vok of Rožmberk moved his seat to Třeboň, who died here
in 1611 without heirs. The manor belonged to the Švamberks and after
the battle on Bílá hora to the emperor. In 1660, the Eggenberg
estate of Třeboň became the property of the Schwarzenberg princely
family, who administered it until the first land reform of 1919 (the
chateau until 1940 and 1948, respectively). In 1779, a Catholic
vicariate was established here, which existed until 1952. In the
middle of the 19th century, teacher Václav Hucek and his daughter
Berta founded the first peat spa near the peat bog in the immediate
vicinity of Zlatá stoka. The President of the Republic T.G. Masaryk
officially visited the city twice, in 1919 and 1925.
During
World War II, over 80 citizens of Třeboň laid down their lives. On
June 26, 1942, the Gestapo executed the pre-war mayor, František
Adam. The names of the victims are listed on a plaque in the park in
front of the primary school building. Třeboň was liberated on May 9,
1945 by the troops of the 9th Guards Army of the 2nd Ukrainian Front
of the Soviet Army.
From the middle of the 19th century,
Třeboň developed as a full-fledged district town, ie the seat of a
political and judicial district. In 1960, however, during the
nationwide reorganization of the state administration, the Třeboň
district was abolished and the town was granted spa status. The Na
Sadech primary school was established in the building of the former
district office with a turret. In 1960, the Třeboň Department of the
Institute of Microbiology of the ASCR was established. On Wednesday,
August 21, 1968, the Main (Masaryk) Square was occupied by Soviet
occupation tanks.
At the heart of Třeboň is Masaryk Square, a Renaissance gem lined with colorful burgher houses featuring arcades, gables, and frescoes, centered around a Marian column and fountain. The Třeboň Chateau, originally a Gothic fortress, was remodeled in Renaissance style and houses museums on local history, fisheries, and the Schwarzenberg family archives. Nearby, the Schwarzenberg Tomb, a neo-Gothic mausoleum in the English Park, serves as the final resting place for the noble family. The Svět Pond, adjacent to the town, offers beaches, boating, and cycling paths, while the Berta Spa provides peat-based treatments for musculoskeletal issues. Other highlights include the Augustinian Monastery, now a cultural center, and the Brewery Regent, one of the oldest in Bohemia, dating to 1379. For nature lovers, hiking trails like the Golden Canal connect ponds and reveal engineering marvels from the 16th century.
Třeboň's culture revolves around its aquatic heritage, with annual carp-harvesting festivals in autumn featuring traditional draining of ponds, fishing demonstrations, and feasts. Local cuisine emphasizes freshwater fish, particularly Třeboň carp, often prepared grilled or in soups, alongside Bohemian beers from the Regent Brewery. The economy is driven by tourism, spa services, agriculture (especially aquaculture), and small-scale brewing. The town hosts events like music festivals and markets, fostering a community vibe. Sustainability is key, with eco-tourism promoting cycling and birdwatching in the protected wetlands. Overall, Třeboň embodies a harmonious mix of history, nature, and wellness, making it a tranquil escape from urban hustle.