4Dvory

Čtyři Dvory Park (also known locally as 4 Dvory) is a roughly three-hectare municipal park in České Budějovice, sitting between the city's two largest housing estates, Vltava and Máj, on Evžena Rošického street. It was built on the site of a former military barracks and training ground, with a revitalization completed in 2014 based on the winning design by landscape architects Markéta and Petr Velička and architect David Prudík.

Where does the name Čtyři Dvory come from?

The name reflects the area's history: it began as a cluster of four farmyards ("dvory") belonging to burghers of České Budějovice. In 1850 the settlement became its own municipality, Čtyry Dvory; in 1952 it was absorbed as a district of the city, and in 1970 it was formally incorporated into České Budějovice. Today the surrounding area includes the panel housing estates Máj, Vltava and Šumava, the city's exhibition grounds, and a campus of the University of South Bohemia with dormitories and canteens, along with institutes of the Czech Academy of Sciences.

What is there to do in the park?

Covering about 28,000 square meters, the park is laid out in a star pattern, with paths dividing it into four main sections, each with a distinct character. Younger children have several playgrounds, a giant kaleidoscope and a marble maze to explore, while older kids and teenagers head for the skatepark — considered the largest in South Bohemia — along with ramps built for skateboarders and cyclists. There's also a polished concrete basin used for skating and biking, swings, and a fitness trail with outdoor exercise equipment popular with older visitors. Jogging and walking paths tie the whole park together.

How much did the park's revitalization cost?

Turning the former military site into a recreational park cost around 30 million Czech crowns, partly funded through EU support. The city is also preparing a further expansion project for Park 4 Dvory, designed by the M&P Architekti studio, which has already won recognition including the German Design Award 2020.

Frequently asked questions

Where exactly is the park located? At Evžena Rošického 365/16 in České Budějovice, between the Vltava and Máj housing estates.

Is the park suitable for children? Yes — the playgrounds, giant kaleidoscope and marble maze are aimed specifically at younger visitors.

Is there anything for teenagers? A skatepark regarded as the largest in the South Bohemian region, plus ramps for bikers and skateboarders.

Can you go jogging here? Yes, the park has a network of paths for running and walking, and there's a fitness trail aimed at older visitors.

When was the park created in its current form? The revitalization was completed in 2014, on the site of former military barracks.