Park Dlouhá louka

Park Dlouhá louka is a nearly 10-hectare green space in České Budějovice, spread out at the point where the Malše and Vltava rivers meet. It sits right on the boundary between the city's historic center and the neighboring Stromovka park, separated from it by the four-lane E55 road — yet the meadow itself keeps the feel of a calm, landscaped riverside area rather than a transit corridor.

What kind of trees grow here?

The park is home to 47 tree species, planted in a noticeably varied pattern. Norway spruce makes up the largest share, around 20% of the tree stock, followed by silver birch (16%) and lime (15%). Serbian spruce, also known as omorika, accounts for about 9%, and Canadian poplar — a fast-growing species often chosen for city greenery because it provides shade within just a decade or two — makes up roughly 8%. The mix means the park looks noticeably different across the seasons, from the bright green of birches in spring to a dense, dark band of spruce in winter.

Is there more to do here than walk?

Dlouhá louka is not purely a landscape park — it also has a sporting side. A multi-purpose sports hall with its own parking stands on the grounds, and right beside it is an outdoor beach volleyball court. At the opposite end of the park, closer to the river, there are tennis courts. On the side facing a Vltava tributary, the park borders residential development, partly built on the site of a former soda factory — which explains why one part of the park feels more urban and manicured while the other stays closer to a natural riverside floodplain character.

Is the park legally protected?

Yes — Dlouhá louka holds the status of a significant landscape element under Czech nature and landscape protection law. That means the area cannot simply be redeveloped or built over, and its role as a green buffer between the rivers and the city is legally secured, despite pressure from the surrounding road and parking infrastructure.

Is parking available nearby?

Yes, and it's one of the park's defining features — next to the sports hall there is a multi-level parking garage with room for 495 cars and 75 bicycles. That gives the park a dual role: it functions as a recreational green space, but also as a practical transport hub for people heading into the city center, especially on days when the sports hall hosts games or concerts.

Frequently asked questions

Where exactly is Park Dlouhá louka located? At the confluence of the Malše and Vltava rivers, on the boundary between the historic center of České Budějovice and the Stromovka park, separated from it by the E55 road.

How big is the park? It covers roughly 9.8 hectares.

Can you play volleyball or tennis here? Yes — there's an outdoor beach volleyball court next to the sports hall and tennis courts on the other side of the park.

Is the park under legal protection? Yes, it has the status of a significant landscape element under Czech nature and landscape protection law.

Can you park a car or bike here? Yes, the multi-purpose sports hall has an adjacent garage with space for 495 cars and 75 bicycles.

Which trees dominate the park? Mainly Norway spruce, silver birch and lime, with smaller shares of Serbian spruce and Canadian poplar.