Between the Kamýk and Orlík dams

If you want to get away from civilization and wander through pure nature, this trip is the right one for you. The long route with its numerous climbs is challenging, but at the same time rewards you with fascinating views of the Vltava River and the tranquillity of the forests.

The beginning of the trip will warm you up nicely – a fairly steep climb along the green trail will take you from the Kamýk dam to the Vrškamýk lookout tower, which is part of the recreation area below the castle of the same name. The path continues through meadows, between fields and forests. Behind Zduchovice, a surprise awaits you in the form of two beautiful viewpoints of the famous Solenická podkova – a meander of the Vltava River. In Solenice, you will also get closer to the water, and on a hot day, the opportunity to cool off is certainly welcome.

• Interesting fact: Vrškamýk Castle used to be a royal castle and served as a summer residence for Bohemian monarchs. Hunting expeditions into the local deep forests were undertaken by Přemysl Otakar II and Wenceslas II. The castle’s fame began to decline during the reign of Charles IV, who built Karlštejn as his representative residence and transferred all the Kamýk estates to it. The abandoned castle quickly fell into disrepair and was already mentioned as a ruin in the mid-16th century. According to legend, it then became the residence of the cruel robber knight Hunc. He was cursed after his death and his spirit is said to still wander through the ruins and its cellars.

You cross the Kamýk dam on the footbridge and continue along the paved road up the hill, this time following the red trail. If you have time, you can extend the route with a short detour to the Orlík dam and the Popelíky campsite, where you can have refreshments and enjoy a pleasant swim at the sandy beach.

A steady climb from the river takes you to the Milada lookout tower near the settlement of Přední Chlum. It is open on weekends during the season, and every day during the holidays, and a visit to it will certainly not disappoint you. It offers a view of the central Vltava Region, Brdy, Votická vrchovina, and in good weather, part of Šumava. This time you will see the Solenická podkova (Solenice horseshoe) from the other side, along with many meanders of the Vltava River.  The icing on the cake is the local kiosk Naše Bistro with a nice terrace, where you can enjoy various homemade delicacies or grilled meat.

• Tip for you: Although the route is long, there are not many options for refreshments along the way. In Kamýk you will find the Letní bistro, which is open on weekends, and offers light refreshments. Right next to you, refreshments await you in the form of Zmrzka u Ádi. You can also buy small refreshments at the ticket office of the Vrškamýk lookout tower. A short distance from the Orlická dam, there is a possibility of refreshments in the Popelíky campsite during the season. The last option is the kiosk Naše Bistro at the Milada lookout tower about halfway along the route, but it is only open together with the lookout tower. So don’t forget a good snack and plenty of fluids – the journey is long and demanding.

On the way back to Kamýk you will really enjoy the peace of the forests. The path is no longer so difficult, it mostly descends, and it is possible that you will not even meet anyone on it.