Could Český Krumlov be the second most visited city in the Czech Republic, after Prague? It wouldn’t be surprising, because this fairytale town in southern Bohemia is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful places in the country. Every corner seems like a perfect photo opportunity, with its historic Renaissance houses adorned with ancient frescoes, a meandering river, a grand castle, and stunning viewpoints. It’s rare for a place to look just as beautiful in real life as it does in pictures, but Český Krumlov certainly does. This picturesque town is an essential stop on your travels through the Czech Republic, and we’re here to help you prepare for your visit.
Practical Information: Where is Český Krumlov?
Český Krumlov is located in the southern part of Bohemia, in the far southwest of the Czech Republic. It’s conveniently situated near the Austrian and German borders, with Salzburg, Austria, just a three-hour drive away. The Czech capital, Prague, is also only a 2.5-hour drive from the city. If you prefer to travel by train, you can easily reach Český Krumlov by first heading to České Budějovice and then transferring to a local train for the final part of your journey.
Tip: If you’re traveling from cities like Prague or Brno to Český Krumlov, be sure to make a stop at the beautiful Hluboká Castle along the way. It’s definitely worth the detour.
Just a quick note: the word “Český” simply means “Czech” in Czech, so you can also simply call the town “Krumlov.” Just be careful not to confuse it with another town in the Czech Republic, Moravský Krumlov, which is located in the east.
Practical Information: Parking in Český Krumlov
The entire historic center of Český Krumlov, which is the area within the meandering bend of the river, is a pedestrian zone. This makes the town a pleasant and relaxed place to explore on foot, but it can be less convenient when it comes to parking. Luckily, there are several parking areas surrounding the old town. Once you cross the river, you’ll be just a short walk away from the center. The largest parking lot is located right next to the castle, and you can find it on the map here. Parking usually costs around €12 per day (converted).
Where to Stay in Cesky Krumlov
Finding accommodation in Český Krumlov is certainly not a challenge, as the town is a popular destination for travelers from around the world. In fact, there might even be more hotels and guesthouses in the old town than residential homes. With so many options available, you’ll easily find something to suit every taste and budget! Below, we’ve put together an overview of some of the best places to stay in Český Krumlov.
During our own visit, we stayed in a spacious two-room apartment with a kitchenette right in the heart of the old town at Apartments Kajovska 63. The cost was €53 per night, which we found to be a great value for the location.
One thing to keep in mind, especially if you’re arriving by car, is the cost of parking. It’s important to remember that parking fees will apply, typically costing around €12 per day. While this is manageable, it can add up over the course of your stay.
Restaurants in Cesky Krumlov
Český Krumlov may be better known for its historical charm than for its high-end restaurants or trendy hotspots, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t plenty of great places to enjoy. For a taste of local beer, a visit to Pivovar Eggenberg is a must. But aside from the brewery, you will also find a variety of cozy bars and inviting terraces scattered throughout the town.
- Kolektiv Cafe: A stylish café offering excellent coffee and a tasty breakfast menu, perfect for a relaxed start to your day.
- Masma Espresso Bar: A must-visit for your daily caffeine fix, with expertly brewed coffee to keep you energized.
- Ideal Coffee: A peaceful spot to take a moment and enjoy a soothing cup of coffee.
- Egon Café: A great place for a satisfying breakfast or a light lunch with a welcoming atmosphere.
- Krumlovský Mlýn: The ideal choice for those craving delicious vegetarian and vegan dishes in a charming setting.
Whether you’re in the mood for a refreshing local beer, a perfectly brewed cup of coffee, or a wholesome meal, Český Krumlov offers a little something for everyone to enjoy.
The sights of Cesky Krumlov
#1 The viewpoints of Český Krumlov
If you’ve ever read about or seen pictures of Český Krumlov, you’ve likely come across those stunning panoramic shots of the city. In this case, these are not just beautiful aerial photos taken by drones—they are actual viewpoints that you can visit in person. From one spot, you can enjoy sweeping views of the grand castle complex, while from another, you can admire the church tower rising high above the town.
In our opinion, one of the best viewpoints is located on the edge of the city, offering a spectacular view of the sunset. We couldn’t find any information about this location before we arrived, so stumbling upon it ourselves made the experience even more special and rewarding.
Recommended read: Here, you can explore the six most beautiful viewpoints in Český Krumlov.
#2 The old UNESCO city
The main reason to visit Český Krumlov is its incredibly photogenic old town. It is so visually stunning and historically important that the entire center is a UNESCO World Heritage site. The Vltava River winds its way through the city, and within one of its loops, almost like an island, you’ll find the picturesque old town. Most of the buildings date back to the 16th and 17th centuries, showcasing the typical Renaissance architecture of that period. As you explore the town, you’ll come across beautiful frescoes decorating buildings, with the castle standing out as a particularly remarkable feature.
From its architectural grandeur to its rich history, Český Krumlov has much to offer those who visit.
A must-see in the city is the main square, one of the few squares in Český Krumlov. The three coats of arms displayed on the town hall are especially striking. These represent the three noble families most closely associated with the town’s history: the Rosenbergs, the Eggenbergs, and the Schwarzenbergs. The Rosenbergs’ coat of arms includes a rose, which you’ll see in several places throughout the city. The Schwarzenbergs’ coat of arms is particularly unique, featuring a crow pecking the eye of an Ottoman enemy. This symbol is visible in the church, and if you visit a Schwarzenberg castle not far from Český Krumlov, you’ll even find a doorknob shaped like the crow’s head.
Another notable highlight of the city is the church, which houses two organs, one of which is especially old and was relocated from another historic church in Český Krumlov. This church, known as St. Josta, still clearly retains its character as a former place of worship. However, for many years now, parts of the building have been converted into apartments.
With its stunning architecture and deep historical roots, Český Krumlov is a place full of beauty and fascinating stories waiting to be explored.
#3 Exploring the Vltava by Canoe
Given that Český Krumlov is a historic city almost completely surrounded by the Vltava River, experiencing the town from the water is an essential part of your visit. Renting a canoe or raft and paddling along the Vltava is a popular activity for both locals and tourists alike. You can choose to embark on a longer journey, starting or ending your trip well outside the city, or opt for a shorter excursion that takes you through the picturesque river loop around the old town. Along the river, you’ll find several charming terraces where you can stop, relax, and enjoy the view before continuing your journey. Rental companies are conveniently located throughout Český Krumlov, making it easy to begin your river adventure whenever you’re ready.
#4 The Great Castle of Český Krumlov
The main attraction in Český Krumlov is undoubtedly its impressive castle. Situated on the opposite side of the Vltava River, it lies just outside the loop where the rest of the old town is located. Over the centuries, the castle has expanded into a grand complex with multiple buildings spread across five courtyards.
Much of the castle’s design and grandeur can be credited to the Rosenbergs, who ruled the region for three centuries. They constructed the original Renaissance castle, which was later enhanced with Baroque elements. After the Rosenberg family line ended and their property was briefly owned by the emperor, the Eggenbergs took control and left their mark on the castle. Finally, the Schwarzenbergs took the castle to new heights by hosting extravagant parties, which became some of the most notable social events of the time. It was even said that the court in Český Krumlov rivaled that of Vienna.
Like many castles and palaces across the Czech Republic, Český Krumlov Castle was confiscated by the government after World War II. The last Schwarzenberg to own the castle was a strong opponent of the Nazis, and it is said that even Hitler himself would have been denied entry to the castle. However, his German-sounding surname was enough for the property to be seized. His descendants continue to fight to reclaim their family’s inheritance to this day.
Visiting the castle is easy and can be done without a ticket simply by exploring the exterior and walking through its courtyards. In fact, this is the best way to experience some of the most stunning parts of the castle. If you’d like to see the interior or climb the castle tower, you can purchase a ticket for one of the available tours. Tickets are available on-site or can be booked in advance through the official castle website. Don’t forget to make time for a visit to the beautiful castle gardens, which are free to access.
Recommended read: Prepare for your visit to the castle by reading this comprehensive blog about Český Krumlov Castle.
#5 The Baroque Theatre
The Baroque Theatre in Český Krumlov is one of the town’s hidden gems. It holds the distinction of being the oldest surviving Baroque theatre in the world that has remained unchanged over time. Prince Josef Adam of Schwarzenberg was responsible for a major renovation of the old castle theatre between 1765 and 1766, transforming it into a lavish venue that could easily rival theatres in Vienna. As a passionate theatre enthusiast, he also assembled a dedicated team to manage everything from the horses and small animals to sound effects and the intricate stage technology.
While many theatres from that era were either destroyed by fire due to the frequent use of fire in performances or altered to fit modern tastes, the theatre in Český Krumlov has been remarkably preserved, making it a truly unique place to visit. Despite its historical significance as part of the city’s most visited landmark, the castle theatre remains relatively unknown to many visitors.
Twice a year, the theatre is used just as it was in the time of Prince Josef Adam. Historians carefully select operas that were originally performed in the 18th century. Replicas of the original costumes are made, and 600 original costumes are still preserved. The 250-year-old stage designs are used exactly as they were back then. However, the theatre is also open to visitors outside of these Baroque festivals. Small group guided tours provide an opportunity to explore this remarkable space at any time.
Recommended read: For more information about this unique theatre and how to purchase tickets for a guided tour, check out this blog about the Baroque Theatre.
#6 The Cloak Bridge
Without a doubt, one of the most photogenic spots in Český Krumlov is the castle’s Cloak Bridge. Known as Plášťový most in Czech, or Mantle Bridge in English, it connects the fourth and fifth courtyards and is located in the western part of the castle. From the ground, you can admire three floors of sturdy, imposing pillars, topped with a passage in the Baroque style. Originally, a simple wooden drawbridge stood here, but over time it was expanded to include a covered gallery, and later, a second gallery was added. One gallery led from the castle to the garden, while the other connected to the theatre in the fifth courtyard.
Whether you view it from the bridge itself or from below, the Cloak Bridge is a truly captivating sight. Not only is the bridge itself a beautiful structure, but it also provides one of the finest viewpoints in all of Český Krumlov. When it was first built, the bridge was the highest stone bridge in the Czech Republic, so you are certainly high enough to enjoy a breathtaking view of the city from this vantage point.
Recommended read: For more details about this remarkable bridge in Český Krumlov, be sure to check out this blog.
#7 The Eggenberg Brewery
The noble families who once owned Krumlov Castle also played an important role in bringing beer to the city. Like the castle itself, the history of the brewery dates back to the Rosenbergs, followed by the Eggenbergs, and later the Schwarzenbergs. During the Nazi occupation and in the years following the war, the Czech government confiscated all the Schwarzenbergs’ family property. The brewery was subsequently renamed the Český Krumlov Brewery, and when it was later reopened as a historic brewery for tourists, the Eggenbergs’ name was once again revived as its namesake.
Visitors can book a guided tour of the brewery to learn more about its history and production process. However, if you prefer to enjoy the local beer right away, you can simply settle into the restaurant, where you can taste the refreshing brews made on-site.
#8 Hluboka Castle
The most beautiful castle in the Czech Republic is just a stone’s throw from Český Krumlov. Of the hundreds of castles in the country, Hluboka Castle is the most visited after Prague. It therefore meets exactly everything you want from a castle. From romantic gardens to classical battlements and from historic towers to impressive halls. It was rebuilt by the Schwarzenberg princes from Český Krumlov in the style of what we see today. With the English Windsor Castle clearly as a source of inspiration.
Several guided tours of the castle can be booked during the high season. The tour of the official areas shows you the largest halls, while the one through the princely apartments gives more insight into private life in the castle. But the kitchen, guest rooms and highest tower can also be visited. Please note that in winter less of the castle is visible and a separate tour is given. Allow at least half a day for your visit, so that you can explore the gardens in addition to a tour of the castle. Be sure to walk to the back of the castle to see the beautiful gallery on that side.
