Cesky Krumlov

Český Krumlov (German: Krumau) is a picturesque town of approximately 14,600 inhabitants in Southern Bohemia. Situated on the Vltava River like Prague, it features a spectacular castle complex — the second largest in the Czech Republic — an old-town square, and Baroque buildings housing cafés and bars. The town's appearance has changed little since the 18th century, with well-maintained and restored buildings throughout. In 1992, Český Krumlov was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Tourists outnumber locals in summer and remain a notable presence during Christmas markets. The climate is typical of South Bohemia: warm summers (June–August, 18–25°C) ideal for river activities, and cold winters (December–February, -3–5°C) that bring festive charm. The old town is a maze of 750 years of architectural design, with the Vltava River winding through from nearly every direction.

By Plane

The nearest major airport is Prague Václav Havel Airport (PRG), approximately 180 km north. From Prague, trains and buses run frequently. Linz (LNZ) in Austria is about 90 km south, reachable by shuttle services.

By Train

Český Krumlov lies on the regional railway line České Budějovice–Černý Kříž. Czech Railways (ČD) operates one direct long-distance train from Prague daily (departs Praha hl.n. at 8:01, arrives 10:55; return departs 14:07, arrives 16:57). SuperAction tickets cost from 195 CZK; ordinary tickets cost 283 CZK. Connections via České Budějovice are also available, with trains every 1–2 hours (total journey 2:50–3:40). The train station is north of the old town; the walk to the centre is 15–20 minutes downhill.

By Car / Road

Paid parking lots are available northwest of the old town. Driving from Prague takes approximately 2.5–3 hours via the D3 motorway to České Budějovice, then south on road 39.

By Foot

Ambling around the town's crooked ulices is the best way to explore 750 years of history. Walking the length of Latrán from Budějovická Gate to Náměstí Svornosti, up Horní and across the bridge to the Barbakán, takes about one hour. Bring solid walking shoes for the uneven cobblestones.

By Bike

Many biking paths lead to and from Český Krumlov, but cycling through the streets is discouraged. Park and lock your bike at the edge of the old town.

By Boat

Rented canoes, kayaks, or rafts can navigate the Vltava through town. Night rafting under the illuminated castle is also available.

• Český Krumlov State Castle and Chateau — The most-visited site, composed of the Little Castle (Hrádek), the six-storey Chateau Tower, the Chateau, the Baroque Castle Theatre, the Chateau Garden, and Gothic Wenceslaus Cellars. Walk through the complex for free; paid entry for the Castle Museum (80 CZK), Chateau Tower observation gallery (50 CZK), or combined ticket (130 CZK). Bear Moat houses the famous Krumlov bears.

• Regional Museum — Horní 152; permanent exhibitions of Bohemian antiques, geological fossils, and archaeological finds. Phone +420 380 711 674.

• Egon Schiele Centrum Museum — Široká 71; dedicated to the artist who painted his famous Dead Town series here. Open Mondays.

• Technical Monument – Graphite Mine — Chvalšinská 243; underground tour with miner uniform and torch. English tour 200 CZK, Czech tour 150 CZK. Open May–October.

• Chapel on the Mountain of the Cross — Way of the cross leading to a chapel with nice views. Open 12:00–16:00.

• Zlatá Koruna Monastery — National cultural monument, Zlatá Koruna 1.

• Rafting on the Vltava River — Rent rafts from several locations in and around town. Routes range from 2-hour floats through the historic centre to full-day paddles. Vydra Boat Rental (Nové Spolí, +420 777 296 008) offers equipment and transport.

• Castle Theatre Tours — The only Baroque theatre in Europe surviving in its original 18th-century form, with manual stage sets and candlelight.

• Walking Tours — Guided tours depart from the castle courtyard; explore the Latrán street and old town.

• Day Trips to Lipno — The Lipno dam and ski area are 30 km south, offering water sports in summer and skiing in winter.

Czech cuisine is well represented, with river fish dishes and hearty dumplings alongside international options.

• Restaurace Krčma v Krumlově — Traditional Czech tavern with game and fish dishes. Mains 150–300 CZK.
• La Veranda — Upscale dining with international menu. Mains 250–450 CZK.
• Papa's Living Restaurant — Vegetarian and vegan-friendly options. Mains 120–220 CZK.
• Café Městská Galerie — Affordable café with cakes and light meals in the town gallery.

Local beer from Český Krumlov breweries and regional microbreweries is excellent. Tap water is safe. The town has numerous pubs and wine bars along the river.

• Budget: Hostel Merlin, central location, from 400 CZK per night for dorm beds.
• Mid-range: Hotel Dvořák, riverside location, from 1,200 CZK per night.
• Upscale / heritage: Hotel Růže, housed in a 16th-century Jesuit college, from 2,000 CZK per night.

The old town square and Latrán street are lined with souvenir shops, art galleries, and local craft stores. Specialties include Bohemian crystal, wooden toys, and traditional ceramics. No bargaining is customary.

• České Budějovice (45 km north, ~1 hour) — Regional capital with Budvar brewery and the largest town square in Bohemia.
• Hluboká nad Vltavou (35 km north, ~40 minutes) — Fairy-tale white castle.
• Lipno nad Vltavou (30 km south, ~35 minutes) — Water sports and skiing at the Lipno dam.
• Prague (180 km north, ~2.5 hours) — The Czech capital with world-class attractions.
• Vyšší Brod (20 km south, ~25 minutes) — Historic monastery and starting point for river trips.