The main attraction in Český Krumlov is its magnificent castle, which towers over the city and is instantly recognizable by its distinctive tower. This sprawling castle complex has been built and expanded over the centuries, now consisting of several buildings spread across five grand courtyards. It’s a fantastic place to visit, even if you choose not to buy tickets and instead take in the stunning exterior. Learn more about this remarkable landmark in our blog.
A Brief History
The history of Český Krumlov Castle stretches back to the 13th century, although the castle we see today only took its current form much later. The castle’s development was largely shaped by the Rosenberg family, who ruled the region for three centuries. They turned the castle into a stunning example of Renaissance architecture, with later additions in the Baroque style.
After the Rosenberg family died out, the property briefly came under the emperor’s control, before the Eggenbergs made their own contributions to the castle’s design. However, it was the Schwarzenbergs who truly made Krumlov Castle a landmark of high society. They transformed it into a glamorous hub of social life, hosting lavish parties that were the pinnacle of the social calendar. It was said that the court in Český Krumlov could even rival that of Vienna.
As with many other castles and palaces in the Czech Republic, Český Krumlov Castle was seized by the government after World War II. Although the last Schwarzenberg to own the castle was a vocal opponent of the Nazis so much so that even Hitler would have been turned away from his doorstep, the family’s German-sounding surname was enough for the authorities to confiscate the property. To this day, the descendants of the Schwarzenbergs are still fighting to reclaim their family’s estates.
The Most Beautiful Parts of the Castle
#1 The Baroque Theater
The Castle Theater is one of Český Krumlov’s hidden gems. It holds the distinction of being the oldest Baroque theater in the world that has remained completely unchanged over time. Unlike most theaters from its era, which were either destroyed by fires due to the use of open flames during performances or altered for modern use, the theater in Český Krumlov has preserved its original design and atmosphere.
Twice a year, the theater comes to life just as it did during the time of Prince Josef Adam. Only operas that were performed here in the past are chosen, ensuring an authentic experience. Replicas of the original costumes are made, 600 of the original costumes have been carefully preserved and the 250-year-old stage sets are still in use, exactly as they were when first created.
In addition to these special Baroque festivals, the theater is open year-round for guided tours. These small group tours offer visitors a chance to step back in time and experience the unique magic of this extraordinary venue.
#2 The Cloak Bridge
One of the most photogenic spots in Český Krumlov is, without a doubt, the castle’s Cloak Bridge. This stunning bridge connects the fourth and fifth courtyards, making it a prominent feature in the western part of the castle. From the ground, the view is dominated by three floors of strong, towering pillars, crowned with an open bridge and followed by a Baroque-style passage.
Originally, a wooden drawbridge spanned this space, serving a critical strategic function by keeping enemies out. In times of peace, a wooden covered gallery was built over the bridge, creating a connection between the castle and the gardens. Around 1707, a second gallery was constructed. One of these galleries led from the castle to the gardens, while the other connected to the theater built in the fifth courtyard. This gallery to the theater gave the prince and his family direct access to their private box. In the 18th century, the wooden bridge was replaced with a stone one, and the Cloak Bridge adopted its Baroque appearance, complete with statues, arches, and detailed plasterwork that continue to be admired to this day.
For further information, be sure to read our comprehensive blog post about Český Krumlov’s Cloak Bridge.
#3 The Castle Tower
The highest point of the castle is the striking castle tower, located between the first and second courtyards. Rising to a height of nearly 55 meters, this round tower is one of the most renowned viewpoints in Český Krumlov, offering a breathtaking 360° panorama of the charming old town. The tower can be seen from nearly every street in Krumlov, making it a prominent and unmistakable feature of the city’s skyline. Its fairytale-like top and the intricate frescoes that decorate the tower only add to its allure.
The tower has six floors, with a set of bells located on the fourth floor. The heaviest of these bells weighs an impressive 1,800 kg. Visitors can climb to the top of the tower with a separate ticket, where they will be rewarded with spectacular views of the town and surrounding landscape. The castle museum, located in the part of the castle beneath the tower, also requires a separate ticket for entry.
#4 The Bears of Český Krumlov
A lesser-known feature of the castle is found in the first courtyard, where three bears are still kept in the moat in front of the castle. Visitors seem to enjoy seeing them and often take plenty of selfies with the bears. While it’s clear that these bears are part of an old tradition in Český Krumlov, we can’t help but feel sorry for them. In today’s world, this practice feels outdated and no longer aligns with modern standards of animal welfare.
Visiting the castle
You can visit the castle without a ticket by simply exploring its exterior and wandering through the different courtyards. In fact, by doing so, you can already enjoy some of the castle’s most beautiful features, such as the five courtyards, the Renaissance paintings that adorn the outer walls, and the Cloak Bridge.
If you’re interested in seeing the interior or perhaps climbing the castle tower, you can purchase one of the available tickets or join a guided tour. Tickets can be bought either on-site or in advance through the official castle website. And don’t forget to visit the castle gardens, which are open to the public free of charge.
