Below Křišťanovice lies Křišťanovický rybník, whose surface is 785 metres above sea level. As the highest-altitude pond in the Czech Republic, it is an unusual landscape landmark to consider when choosing where to visit.

Pond and landscape

Křišťanovický rybník lies in the Šumava Protected Landscape Area, in the foothills of the Šumava Mountains. Its elevation of 785 metres links its unusual altitude with a clearly defined landscape region. This gives travellers a specific sense of the pond’s setting: it is not only high up, but also lies within the Šumava natural area. Its elevation and regional setting each give the pond a distinct connection to the landscape.

Hus Castle and the Zlatá stezka

The ruins of Hus Castle in Křišťanovice include remnants of walls and a moat. The castle was founded after 1341 to protect the Zlatá stezka. The route once passed through Křišťanovice and is first mentioned in 1359. These dates refer to two separate historical milestones: the castle was founded after 1341, while 1359 is the year the route was mentioned. In the Czech Republic, the ruins are listed as an immovable cultural monument under registration number 3-3612. The surviving structural features and the castle’s defensive role connect the building with the history of the former route.

Hikes with different starting points

There are two described ways to hike to the castle. The blue hiking trail leads directly from Křišťanovický rybník to the ruins, a distance of three kilometres. A documented hike to Hus Castle, by contrast, runs from Záblatí via Hlásná Lhota to Křišťanovice and follows the yellow hiking trail. The routes differ in their starting points and trail markings: the blue route leads from the pond to the ruins, while the yellow route is part of the hike from Záblatí via Hlásná Lhota. When planning your day, you can first choose between starting at the pond or setting off from Záblatí. Check trail conditions before setting out, as they may change.

XTERRA as a reason to visit

XTERRA Czech Republic is the world’s oldest XTERRA race that is still running. The official 2026 guide lists Křišťanovický rybník as the race’s swimming venue. Event details may vary by edition. If the race is the main reason for your stay, check the information for the specific edition before setting your travel dates.

When looking for a holiday apartment in Kristanovice, you can start with a specific question: should your trip be centred on a hike to the castle or on a particular XTERRA edition? For a hike, the starting point and route are the obvious things to plan; for the race, the details depend on the relevant edition.

Discover more destinations: Nebahovy, Dvory U Lažišť, Šumavské Hoštice, Vimperk, Konopiste, Nove Hute, Vitějovice, Stožec

View the broader travel guide: Okres Prachatice.