Český Krumlov: A Magical Old Town in the Czech Republic
Located in the South Bohemian Region of the Czech Republic, Český Krumlov is a beautiful medieval town, rich in culture and history. Perched on a rock outcrop high above the town rests the Český Krumlov State Castle, a medieval fortress that easily ranks among the most fascinating attractions in the Czech Republic.
Cesky Krumlov Historic Centre
Tourists flock to Český Krumlov to see this incredible castle and experience the unique culture of the historic town. Join us as we discover this magical medieval village and its one-of-a-kind charm!
Exploring the Český Krumlov Castle Complex
The Český Krumlov Castle complex is one of the largest in Central Europe, spanning a vast seven hectares. Its first castle was built in 1253 by the Rosenberg family, a wealthy and powerful Czech family. Since then, it saw much expansion through the 14th to 19th centuries, and today this magnificent compound houses forty buildings and palaces, that are built upon five castle courts and a castle park.
Cesky Krumlov Castle Complex walls at night
The material structure of the castle has been meticulously preserved, displaying its original Gothic-Renaissance-Baroque architecture and the cultural heritage of the region. The castle courtyards offer visitors a chance to explore various areas within the castle grounds, appreciating the architecture and scenic views. The architecture of Český Krumlov is so well preserved that this special place has gained UNESCO World Heritage Site status.
The castle is built on a very high hill, with the main entrance at the foot of the hill. As you enter the main gates, it gradually ascends in height until you find yourself high up above Cesky Krumlov, looking over the historic medieval town.
I recommend walking all the way to the top of the castle hill to get the most incredible views of Cesky Krumlov and the Vltava River. I captured the above photo at the very top of the castle in the evening, and as you can see, the views of Cesky Krumlov are breathtaking.
Vltava River view outside Cesky Krumlov Castle
The castle tower, which is located at the bottom of the castle hill near the entrance, also offers stunning views of the town and surrounding countryside. This provides a great panoramic view of the Vltava River and the town center. However, the castle tower does charge tickets, and you will need to walk up the tower's steep staircase to get these views.
Even though the free views at the top of the castle are quite similar to those provided by the castle tower, it is still a rewarding experience climbing the ancient tower and experiencing its interior.
View of the Cesky Krumlov Historic Centre and the Vltava River taken from Cesky Krumlov Castle
Exploring all the intricate details of the castle, such as the castle theater and castle gardens, is not a must but can definitely add to the experience if you have the time. These extras require visitors to buy a ticket, but they do provide a unique insight into the medieval castle and how it operated during the Middle Ages.
Cesky Krumlov Castle is the most visited destination in the whole Southern Bohemian Region. It features multiple exhibitions that educate visitors on the history of the town and castle. This is the main attraction of the town, so try not to miss it, even if you only take a short walk around the castle's beautiful exterior.
Visitor Information
Access to the castle grounds is free of charge, which means you are free to walk around the exterior and explore the architecture. However, tickets are required to view the interior of the castle and its historical exhibitions. Ticket prices vary, with different tiers allowing access to certain areas of the castle's interior. This is great, as some tourists would only like to view the exterior, while others will want to discover the whole experience. Either way, the choice is yours.
Tickets can be purchased online or at the castle complex and include access to the castle museum, Baroque Theatre, and castle gardens. The opening hours for the Cesky Krumlov Castle complex vary depending on the time of year. It is even closed during certain months of the year, so it is important to check this in advance through their website if you want to visit the castle rooms. However, visitors are allowed to enter through the castle gates and explore the exterior architecture year-round.
Things to Do in the Český Krumlov Historic Centre
The Vltava River winds through the main town of Cesky Krumlov, gracing the beautiful Bohemian architecture with its peaceful waterway and nature.
View of the Historic Centre in Cesky Krumlov
The National Heritage Institute plays a crucial role in managing and conserving the Historic Centre of Český Krumlov. Visitors can explore the town’s historic centre, which features a unique blend of medieval and Baroque architecture. This includes a number of landmarks, such as St. Vitus Church. Let's check out some of the things to do in Cesky Kurmlov below.
St. Vitus Church
St. Vitus Church is a captivating example of Gothic architecture that exaggerates the town's already amazing historic charm. This beautiful church located in the heart of Cesky Krumlov dates back to the 15th century and features an incredible facade adorned with intricate stonework and a soaring spire that dominates the skyline of Cesky Krumlov.
View of St Vitus Church from the Vltava River in Cesky Krumlov
The St. Vitus Church can easily be seen from multiple locations around the town and along the Vltava River, but I highly recommend getting up close to this architectural masterpiece to fully appreciate it. Inside, visitors are greeted by a majestic interior with vaulted ceilings and beautifully preserved medieval stonework.
The beauty of St. Vitus Church is like no other in the region, and I highly recommend visiting to experience the centerpiece of the Cesky Krumlov historical landmarks.
Fully Explore Cesky Krumlov by Walking
Cesky Kurmlov is defined by its winding river, medieval architecture, an amazing castle, and fairytale-like charm. Fully exploring all this might feel challenging, but actually, the town can be discovered very easily on foot. Cesky Krumlov is not such a big town, and if you have already seen the castle and its unique sights, then the next best thing is to walk the town and river.
Riverside view of the Vltava River in Cesky Krumlov
Walking around Cesky Krumlov is easy, as there are no cars in the Historic Centre and the street layout is easy to navigate. You might get lost once or twice, but that's part of the adventure. There are also hilly paths that offer great views of the Historic Centre, and small landmarks that you will notice along the way.
Mestsky park
For visitors looking to experience the absolute tranquility of nature, Metsky Park is a must-visit. This beautiful riverside park offers riverside views, manicured plants and trees, and a peaceful atmosphere to relax in. The park is located on the adjacent side of the river to St. Vitus Church and offers great views of the landmark.
Shopping
There are plenty of souvenir shops in the Historic Centre that sell the usual souvenirs. However, there are also some shops with handcrafted goods, and some of these stores even sell replicas of old medieval objects.
This is a shopping street in the historic centre of Cesky Krumlov
The variety of small traditional shops makes it a great place to pick up some gifts and souvenirs. Of course, there are no high-street franchise-type stores, but if you're looking for Czech-oriented souvenirs, Cesky Krumlov has some nice options.
Places to Stay in Cesky Krumlov
Cesky Krumlov is known for its small guesthouses, which are sometimes called pensions or penzion in Czech. These little guesthouses are usually located in old buildings within the historic center. Staying at a Penzion is one of the best ways to experience the medieval charm of Cesky Krumlov.
Rooms at these guesthouses are usually traditional, and the interior design feels like you are traveling back to the Middle Ages, but in the best way possible. The design of the room depends on which guesthouse you choose, but most of them have unique traditional designs that match the medieval surroundings perfectly.
There are very few modern hotels in Cesky. This is because the architecture is so well preserved that there is no room for new building development. However, these guesthouses and small hotels cater to all kinds of budgets, from those looking for basic accommodation all the way to luxury hotels.
Availability at these wonderful guesthouses can sometimes be rare due to their location in the historic center of Cesky, so I recommend reserving in advance if you would like to stay at one of them.
How to get to Cesky Krumlov from Prague
Getting to Cesky Krumlov from Prague is fairly easy and cheap. Coaches leave from Na Knizeci stop in the Smichov area, near the city center of Prague. The bus journey takes around 2 hours and 45 minutes, which isn't too long. This means a day trip to Cesky Krumlov from Prague is possible.
Alternatively, booking a day tour from Prague to Cesky Krumlov will be easier, as the tour will take care of transportation and show you around the city as well as the castle. This is a great option for those who don't want to stay the night in Cesky Krumlov but would still like to experience the magical historic center and castle.
Driving to Cesky Krumlov is also possible, but beware; there is limited parking near the town, especially during the summer months.
Insider Tips
After spending three days in Cesky Krumlov, I have gathered some insider tips that I hope will help you on your travels to this beautiful town. Here are some of my best travel tips for Cesky Krumlov:
Visit the castle complex early in the morning or late in the evening to avoid the crowds.
Take a guided tour to get a deeper understanding of the castle’s history and architecture.
Explore the town’s Historic Centre, which features a unique blend of medieval and Baroque architecture.
Walk along the riverside and around the Historic Centre at night to see Cesky Krumlov with its most charming atmosphere.
Visit the castle gardens, which are a peaceful oasis in the heart of the town.
Attend a performance at the Baroque Theatre, which is a unique and unforgettable experience.
Summary
Everything in Cesky Krumlov is exceptionally beautiful, from the River Vltava that winds through the historic town to its serene castle. It's easy to visit, gives visitors an insight into Czech history and culture, and most importantly, this medieval town feels like an escape from reality! Cesky Krumlov is one of the most unique destinations in Europe, and it is certainly a must-see in the Czech Republic.