Tábor

The guard now called upon Schweik to pay a fine of twenty crowns, as otherwise he would have to take him before the station master at Tábor. "That's all right, " said Schweik, "I like talking to educated people. It'll be a fair treat for me to see that station master at Tábor."

The lieutenant enumerated to Schweik all the trains which had left for Budějovice since the departure of the express, and asked him why he had missed them as well. "Bet to report, sir," replied Schweik, with a good-humoured smile, "that while I was waiting for the next train, I got into more trouble through having a few drinks."

How to reach Tábor from Písek

By car:

• I/29, further from Oltyně I/19 (50 km)

By bus:

• take a bus from the main bus station in Písek, several buses a day (fewer buses at weekends)

By train:

• line no. 201, several connections a day

Things to do

• When travelling to Tábor or Milevsko, take a train. Travelling with Schweik and not taking a train is pretty much the same as going to a pub and not having a beer. The railway track Ražice - Tábor celebrated 120 years of its existence in 2009. You will go through some small, picturesque railway stations which have probably not changed much since Hašek times. What is more, you will be crossing the Orlík Dam over the unique Červenský Bridge.
• Climb up the church tower on the top of the Tábor peak. The view over the old town is stunning. Looking over the higgledy piggledy medieval streets will make you appreciate this beautiful town even more. Just make sure that you have some coins on you, or you will be sent back; the man taking the money at the top loves the jingle of change!
• Find the Tábor treasure. We are not pulling your leg; there is a genuine treasure which was accidentally discovered during the reconstruction of one of the historical houses in the town centre. The treasure exhibition can be found behind the former brewery, which now houses a hotel. And once there, do not forget to climb the Kotnov Tower, the dominant feature of the former castle; you will get lovely views over the valley of the Lužnice River. There is a very nice hotel next to the castle and they serve superb regional specialities.
• The Tábor catacombs are awaiting you. The maze of passages below the main square is much to be admired. The visit underground can be done in junction with one to the Hussite Museum. The entrance is in Žižka Square and the Museum offers an interesting exhibition of Hussite defence weapons and the story of the Jistebnice hymn book.
• If you are wondering where to find the atmosphere of the Middle Ages even today, you should visit the unique Housův Mill, situated in the forest park, below the historical town centre.There are many cultural and social events organised there in the summer season. Hearty meals are served there in a truly unique style (their soups served in a loaf of bread will give you strength!)
• If you are tired and the sun is a bit too much for you, head for the swimming pool complex in Tábor. It has been recently renovated and the facilities are bang up-to-date. Nature enthusiasts might prefer to take a dip in the Lužnice River, or if the river is not good enough, ask for directions to the Sokolská outdoor swimming pool.
• Enjoy the unique atmosphere of the Roman Catholic parish Klokoty. The pilgrimage place is an oasis of peace and quiet, and yet it is only a short way from the busy town centre. The unique baroque complex of the Virgin Mary is situated on the trapezoidal courtyard surrounded by open ambits, four polygonal chapels, a former residence palace and much greenery. Two routes will take you to Klokoty directly from Žižka Square - either the marked route via Holečkovy Park or a shorter route via Klokotská Street.

Schweik's Recommendation

• The newly renovated part of the medieval fortification, situated between the first and second walls and known as the killing fields, is to be found below the water tower. The area is completely peaceful now and tempts you to an afternoon siesta under the canopy of leafy trees or you can have a game of chess in the nearby gazebo (don't forget to bring your chessmen).
• The local dish ´Táborská bašta´ has become a trademark of Tábor and it would be foolish not to taste it once in the town. Or if you are a true food lover, go for ´Jordan carp´ which is served in pubs with the label Czech Specials.
• The intake of dumplings and beer should be probably followed by a walk, so why not try the Fitness Circular Walk? If you follow the green signposts, they will take you in the footsteps of history and the final steep climb will undoubtedly test how fit you are.

"Beg to report, sir," whispered Corporal Palánek mysteriously, "he's got no money for a ticket and I've got none, either. They won't let him ride free because he's got no papers to show he's going to the regiment." The lieutenant promptly delivered a judgement of Solomon to settle the quandary. "Then let him walk there", he decided, "and when he gets there they can shove him in clink for being late. We can't be bothered with him here." "It's no use, chum", said Corporal Palánek to Schweik when they were outside the office again, "you'll have to walk to Budějovice, old sport. We've got some bread rations in the guard room. I'll give you some to take with you. " And half an hour later, when they had treated Schweik to black coffee and besides the bread rations had given him a packet of army tobacco to take with him to the regiment, he left Tábor at dead of night, singing a song, an old army song: "When we're marching on our way, Marvellous it is to say-". And heaven knows how it happened that the good soldier Schweik, instead of turning southward toward Budějovice, went due west.

Tábor Town Information Centre

Žižkovo náměstí 2, CZ-39001 Tábor
Telephone: +420 381 486 230 - 4
E-mail: infocentrum@mutabor.cz
www.tabor.cz

File date: 5.11.2010