Český Krumlov to Linz

Rožmberk nad VltavouRožmberk nad Vltavou is a town, located 18 km south of Český Krumlov, on the Vlatava River. Located at a ford in the river, it was a natural center for trade between Linz and Český Krumlov. In the Austrian Empire, before the Czech national movement, it was known by its German name, Rosenberg an der Moldau.

Route Distance Links  
Český Krumlov to Bad Leonfelden 45 km map/GPX cue sheet
Bad Leonfelden to Linz 34 km map/GPX cue sheet
A Jewish community existed at Rožmberk from the 14th century until the eve of World War II. All that remains today are two cemetaries. Until 1863, Linz had no Jewish cemetary of its own, and all Jews from Linz had to be buried at Rožmberk.Gothic Tower at Rožmberk nad VltavouRožmberk nad Vltavou Castle consists of the ruins of a 13th century upper castle that burned in 1522, and a lower castle that has been continuously in use since the 15th century. The lower castle, built by the Rožmberk family, was taken over by the Buquoy family in 1620, and has been occupied and used continuously since that time, and remodeled several times.Karel Bonaventura Buquoy, originally from France, was a military commander who fought for the Holy Roman Empire during the Thirty Years’ War. Emperor Matthias placed him in command of Imperial forces sent him to Bohemia to put down a rebellion among the Bohemian aristocracy in 1618. He won several important battles for the Emperor in Bohemia, the turning point being the Battle of Záblatí near Prachatice in 1619. He also commanded the Imperial forces during the Battle of White Mountain on November 8, 1620. Buquoy’s victories ended the “Bohemian phase” of the Thirty Years’ War, and lead to 300 years of Hapsburg and Austrian rule over the Czech lands.

Rožmberk nad Vltavou CastleAs a result of his successes, Emperor Ferdinand II gave Buquoy former estates of the Rožmberk family at Nové Hrady, Rožmberk, and Libějovice. These estates remained in the Buquoy family until 1945. The lower castle houses a Buquoy family museum, an armory with historical weapons, and a significant art collection. It is possible to climb the 200 steps of the English Tower for a view of the town and surrounding countryside. Click here for English language information about visiting hours and tours.
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Photo credits

  1. Rožmberk nad Vltavou. © magdushka, 2007.
  2. Tower at Rožmberk nad Vltavou. © Tijs Breuer, 2007.
  3. Rožmberk nad Vltavou Castle. © Ouwe_seun, 2006.