Červený Dvůr

Červený Dvůr is a chateau and landscape park tucked into a wooded valley a few kilometres from Chvalšiny, in the Český Krumlov district of South Bohemia. The chateau building itself is closed to the public, but the vast park surrounding it draws visitors looking for a quiet nature walk paired with a slice of Central European garden history.

How did Červený Dvůr come to be?

The estate began as a summer hunting lodge belonging to Vilém of Rožmberk. In 1598 his younger brother, Petr Vok of Rožmberk, expanded the property by laying out a large garden alongside a game preserve, where beavers, pheasants, partridges and quails were bred to supply the court's hunts. That preserve later grew into the park visitors walk through today.

The next major addition came in 1672, when Marie Arnoštka of Eggenberg had a new wing with a chapel built onto the chateau. The estate reached its peak, however, under Prince Josef Adam of Schwarzenberg, who ran the property between 1741 and 1782. During his time the chateau's interiors were rebuilt in Rococo style and the surrounding garden was thoroughly redesigned. The final transformation came in the first half of the 19th century, when the formal garden was reshaped into a free-flowing English landscape park, with winding paths, clustered trees and gently naturalised terrain.

What is there to see in the park?

The park covers roughly 105 hectares and is best known for its water engineering, unusual for its scale in the region. It still contains a full historic water system: 21 ponds, pools and small artificial lakes that once served both practical and decorative purposes. Alongside them run over 3,400 metres of natural streams and brooks, about 3,000 metres of artificial channels and drainage ditches, and more than 4,100 metres of underground pipework that once fed fountains and reservoirs.

A circular educational trail called "Zámecký park Červený Dvůr" leads through the grounds, introducing the history of the estate, its water system and its oldest, most distinctive trees. The chateau building is visible from the park paths but stays off-limits to visitors — access is limited to the greenery around it, which is nonetheless enough to appreciate the scale and ingenuity of 18th- and 19th-century landscape design.

How do you get to Červený Dvůr?

The site sits in the Český Krumlov district, right next to Chvalšiny, a small village also known as the birthplace of painter Kašpar Schwarzenberg. The easiest approach is by car or bicycle from Chvalšiny or from Český Krumlov itself, which lies only a short drive away. The park entrance is clearly marked, and the educational trail requires no special preparation.

When is the best time to visit?

Given the park's character — ponds, watercourses and mature old trees — spring and summer are ideal, when the water levels in the ponds are high and the park is in full leaf, while autumn adds extra colour to the landscape.

Frequently asked questions

Can you go inside the chateau at Červený Dvůr? No, the building itself is not open to the general public — visits are limited to the surrounding park.

What is the park's main highlight? Its centuries-old water system: 21 ponds and small lakes linked by a network of streams, channels and underground pipes.

How far is Červený Dvůr from Chvalšiny? The park lies right next to Chvalšiny, an easy walk or bike ride away.

Is there a marked trail through the park? Yes, a circular educational trail guides visitors through the estate's history and its water system.