Some places feel like they were made for a soft kind of spring. South Bohemia is one of them. While everyone rushes to Prague or lines up for photos in Cesky Krumlov, this quiet region in the Czech Republic quietly comes alive with green forest trails, blooming meadows, and the unmistakable scent of wild garlic in the air.

From late March to May, the forests in this part of the country turn into a forager’s dream. If you've never walked through a woodland where the path smells like garlic bread, you’re in for something special.

This is a trip for the slow-paced, the nature-loving, and the garlic-curious. We’ll map out a spring escape that includes foraging-friendly trails, cozy stays in places like Třeboň or Kaplice, and spots where you can either cook with your finds or let someone local do it for you.

Why South Bohemia in Spring Just Makes Sense

April and May in South Bohemia are green, quiet, and underrated. The weather is mild, the trails are empty, and wild garlic—called medvědí česnek in Czech—grows in abundance through the forests.

There’s a rising interest in wild food, and foraging walks are trending on Pinterest and slow travel blogs. But in English-speaking travel media, South Bohemia barely gets a mention! That makes it ideal for those who prefer fewer crowds and more authenticity.

Třeboň is known for its spa heritage and flat forest trails that are perfect for cycling or walking, while Kaplice offers more rugged woodland routes and proximity to fairytale-like villages you might have never heard of but won’t forget.

Where to Stay: Třeboň or Kaplice

Třeboň is peaceful and historic, with wide town squares and cycling paths that snake through pine woods and around fishponds. It’s flat and accessible, perfect for slow mornings and easy rides. There’s a beautiful mix of local bakeries, spa hotels, and lakeside Airbnb cabins with wood stoves.

Kaplice, tucked near the Austrian border, is your go-to if you want to feel closer to the wilder side of Bohemia. The forest trails here are less manicured, the air smells of pine and garlic in spring, and the villages have fewer tourists and more quiet charm.

A good base in Kaplice? Try one of the local family-run guesthouses or Airbnb cottages just outside the village. Look for places with direct forest access or garden terraces where you can make the most of the quiet mornings and foraging-friendly surroundings.a rustic stay with forest access right outside your door, and an open-air terrace where you can enjoy your morning coffee with nothing but birdsong around.

A good base in Kaplice? Ubytování U Vodníka — a rustic stay with forest access right outside your door, and an open-air terrace where you can enjoy your morning coffee with nothing but birdsong around.

Your Wild Garlic Foraging Walk

You don’t need a guide, but you do need to know what to look for. Wild garlic grows in shaded, moist forest areas, often carpeting the ground under beech trees. The leaves are long, soft, and smell exactly how you'd expect.

Try this route:

Start in Třeboň and follow the “Okolo Světa” trail (“Around the World” path) that loops around Svět Fishpond. As you reach the wooded area near Opatovický rýbník, you’ll likely spot patches of wild garlic along the quieter sections. It’s about 12km round-trip and mostly flat—perfect for a morning forage.

From Kaplice, head toward the Malčice Forest trail. Ask a local for the unmarked trails that lead down toward the riverbank. This area is known for early spring blooms, and wild garlic often grows in generous patches here.

Pro tip: Always forage respectfully. Only take what you’ll use, and avoid pulling up the bulbs so the plant can regrow next year.

Cooking with Wild Garlic in Your Airbnb Kitchen

Back at your cabin, you can easily turn your foraged greens into dinner. Wild garlic is milder than regular garlic and works perfectly in simple dishes:

Wild garlic pesto with pasta (just blend with olive oil, nuts, and cheese)
Add it to scrambled eggs or omelets
Chop and stir into butter for fresh bread
Mix into a creamy soup or potato gratin

Most village stores in Třeboň or Kaplice sell basics like eggs, butter, and bread—so you can shop local and cook seasonal without stress.

Or Let Someone Else Cook It For You

If cooking’s not your thing (totally fair), you can still enjoy wild garlic season the local way—without lifting a pan. While South Bohemia doesn’t have a ton of formal restaurants that highlight seasonal foraging, you’ll often find specials at smaller cafés and inns.

Ask locally once you arrive, especially at spots like small bakeries or tea rooms in Kaplice or Třeboň. Many of them incorporate wild garlic into their daily menu items during April and May—think garlic scones, spreads, or soups.

If you’re craving more structure, check platforms like Eatwith or Airbnb Experiences, filtering for food or foraging events near České Budějovice or Kaplice. Occasionally you’ll find Czech hosts offering wild herb cooking classes or meals in their garden kitchens.

Near Kaplice, in the village of Dolní Dvořiště, you’ll find Kavárna v Lesíku (“The Little Forest Café”). It’s the kind of place that doesn’t try to be anything more than it is—warm coffee, homemade cakes, mismatched chairs, and locals who wave when they walk by.

They sometimes bake savory pastries with wild garlic from their own garden. You may need to ask in basic Czech or just point and smile—but that’s part of the charm.

How to Get to South Bohemia

From Prague to Třeboň: Direct buses run regularly (2.5 hrs). Or take a train to Veselí nad Lužnicí and switch to a local line.

From Cesky Krumlov to Kaplice: Just 40 minutes by regional train or bus, making it an easy side trip.

Getting Around: Rent a bike or walk. Many trails are clearly marked, and you’ll barely need a car unless staying really remote.

What to Pack

A light rain jacket (showers are common)
Hiking shoes or trail sneakers
A foraging basket or reusable tote
A Czech phrasebook or offline translator app
Layers—mornings and evenings can still be cold

Discover a new area in Czech Republic

Spring in South Bohemia is quiet, green, and surprisingly full of flavor. If you love the idea of wandering through forests with no real plan, picking dinner from the earth, and settling into a village rhythm that hasn’t changed in decades—this is your kind of escape.

It’s not about finding the next big thing. It’s about slowing down enough to notice the little ones!

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Wild Garlic Trails and Woodland Cafés: A Quiet Spring Escape in South Bohemia, Czech Republic