The castle on the Orlík water reservoir at the confluence of the Vltava and Otava rivers on a rocky promontory about one kilometre from the village of Zvíkovské Podhradí at an altitude of 370 m was founded by Přemysl Otakar I in the 13th century and served as the seat of the Přemyslid rulers until the extinction of the family in 1306. Later it came into the ownership of the Rožmberks and Švamberks. On the way to the castle palace stands the Hlíz Tower or Markomanka, whose stone markings have been the subject of many years of conjecture - some researchers have even considered them to be runic signs.

Distance from Příbram: 40 km.

Tourists here often and gladly use the services of passenger boat transport. From Zvíkov we can go downstream along the Vltava to the Orlice dam or in the opposite direction to Týn nad Vltavou. It is also possible to take a small or large circuit along the upper part of the Otava River to the Church of St. Anne.

From the Zywkov harbour you can see the opposite Kopaniny Natural Monument. It rises on a pine-covered rocky hillside. However, you can also reach this beautiful area on foot or by bicycle from the Otavský Bridge in Zvíkov. Here, on the left bank of the Otava, the Orlík - Zvíkovské Podhradí Nature Trail begins, which thoroughly maps the history of sailing, the hard work of the men who worked as sailors. The trail is really interesting. It offers nice views of the opposite Zvíkov and the Orlice dam.

In the season it is interesting to see how many fishing boats, houseboats, sailing boats or steamers are peacefully navigating the waves of the Orlické Lake. A nice view. It is not bad to visit Povltava, even in autumn.