Hydroelectric power plant in Písek

The Hydroelectric Power Plant in Písek is the oldest still-operating hydroelectric plant in the Czech Republic, standing on the right bank of the Otava River right next to the weir, in the historic Podskalí district. This is where the town's electrification began back in 1888 – today the site works as a technical museum, and its early-20th-century turbines are still turning.

How did the plant come to be?

The story starts in 1887, when engineer František Křižík demonstrated working street lighting in the center of Písek. The demonstration convinced the town council to build a permanent power station, which went into operation on 31 August 1888 inside the former Podskalský mill. That made Písek the first town in Bohemia with permanent public electric street lighting. Electricity was originally generated by a dynamo driven by a water wheel.

What can you see there today?

In 1901 the plant received two Francis turbines, which – after a thorough reconstruction in 1994 – are still running today and still feed electricity into the grid. That unbroken operating history is exactly what makes the site the oldest working hydroelectric power plant in the country. Once the equipment was restored, the building opened an exhibition on the history of the town's electric lighting, letting visitors see the original machinery up close and learn how a small hydroelectric plant actually works. Just below the weir on the Otava there's also a small island where you can rest after the visit.

How to get there?

The power plant sits at V Podskalí 2537, right in the center of Písek, on the Otava's right bank, between the river and the old town walls. It's an easy walk from the main square and the Stone Bridge – no more than about fifteen minutes along the riverside.

When should you visit?

The site is open seasonally. From April to June and again in September and October it's open Tuesday to Sunday, 9:00–12:00 and 13:00–16:00. In July and August it opens daily, 9:00–18:00. Outside these periods a visit can be arranged by phone. Summer is the best time to come, since opening hours are longest and you can also make use of the little river island nearby.

Frequently asked questions

Does the plant in Písek actually generate electricity? Yes – its two Francis turbines from 1901, restored in 1994, are still running and still feed power into the grid. It's a rare case of a technical monument that doubles as an active power station.

Can you go inside the building? Yes, the building houses an exhibition on the history of the town's electric lighting and the plant itself, open during the listed hours.

Why was the plant built specifically in Písek? Because it was here, in 1887, that František Křižík gave the first working demonstration of street lighting in Bohemia, which pushed the town to build permanent electrical infrastructure just a year later.

How long does a visit take? The exhibition itself usually takes 30–45 minutes, but it's worth adding time for a walk along the weir and a break on the nearby island in the Otava.