Blanice

Blanice is a river in the South Bohemian Region of the Czech Republic, a right-bank tributary of the Otava, and one of the country's most ecologically valuable watercourses. Its upper course runs near the town of Volary, right on the boundary between the Šumava mountains and the Šumava foothills, and this stretch — together with its tributaries — has been placed under protection as a designated conservation area.

What makes this stretch of the river significant?

The river rises in the Šumava uplands and flows through sparsely populated, scenic countryside before joining the Otava several dozen kilometres downstream. The upper section near Volary stands out for its largely natural channel: a stony riverbed, frequent meanders, and surviving patches of floodplain forest alongside wet meadows and pastures that line the banks.

Why was this part of the river protected?

The protected area around Blanice near Volary safeguards the ecosystems tied to the watercourse itself — rocks, scree, natural forests, and habitats of rare or endangered species. The river is home to one of the largest populations of the freshwater pearl mussel in the Czech Republic, a species that can only survive in exceptionally clean, well-oxygenated water, which itself signals the good ecological condition of the river along this reach. Its waters also support brook lampreys, while frogs and bats make use of the riverside habitats.

What should visitors know before coming here?

The land along Blanice's upper course near Volary is primarily a destination for nature lovers and quiet hiking rather than mass tourism. A canyon-like section of the valley, with rocky slopes rising above the water and the sound of the current running over a stony bed, contrasts with the gentler, more open landscape closer to the town itself. Because the area holds protected status, visitors should stick to marked paths and avoid disturbing the riverbed — the pearl mussel population is highly sensitive to changes in water quality and substrate.

Frequently asked questions

Is Blanice the same river as the other Blanice in the Czech Republic? No. Two rivers share this name in the Czech Republic — the one described here is a tributary of the Otava and flows through the South Bohemian Region, including the area near Volary, while the other is a tributary of the Sázava in the Central Bohemian Region. They are entirely separate watercourses.

Which larger river does Blanice flow into? Blanice is a right-bank tributary of the Otava, which it joins after crossing the South Bohemian countryside.

What makes this section of the river ecologically exceptional? Above all, its natural, largely unmodified channel and the presence of one of the Czech Republic's largest populations of freshwater pearl mussels, a species that indicates clean water. The surrounding natural forests, rock formations, and wet meadows also provide habitat for numerous other species.

Can this stretch of the river near Volary be explored on foot? Yes. The Blanice valley in this area has a canyon-like character and is accessible via marked hiking trails, letting visitors take in the rocky slopes and the river's natural course without disturbing the protected environment.