Veselí nad Lužnicí
This city of 6,500 inhabitants lies on the confluence of the Lunice and Neárka rivers in South Bohemia, Czech Republic, a part of Budějovický kraj. The city is situated on the northern edge of the Třeboň basin (407 meters above the sea level), known for fish ponds nad pine forests. Since late 19th century it has been an important railway junction between České Budějovice, Tábor, Třeboň and Jindřichův Hradec. The railway station remains one of the biggest local employers. Sand, concrete and food industry are also well etablished in the city.
History
The place was first mentioned in 1259 as a hamlet on the salt path from Austria to Prague. The Emperor Charles IV gave it the status of a town in 1362. In the 15th century the town saw many fires and looting. It was Petr Vok from Romberk dynasty, a famous fish pond founder and supporter who let the city grow again a hundred years later. The Thirty Years War (1618–1648) damaged the town badly again – only about 50 people stayed there. New development came with the varcenberk dynasty in the second half of the 17th century. Veselí stayed in its possesion until the end of the First World War in 1918. In 1943 the town merged with Mezimostí, a rival settlement over the Neárka river.
Veselí nad Lunicí is a popular summer resort, especially for canoers and hikers. Another attraction are man-made lakes south of the city, created in 1970's and 1980's when huge amounts of sand were exploited.