The first glimpse of Český Krumlov is enough to leave you spellbound. A huge castle rises above a tight bend in the Vltava River, and below it a medieval town of red roofs, cobbled lanes and pastel houses looks almost exactly as it did centuries ago. It is no surprise that the whole historic centre is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and one of the most beautiful small towns in Europe.
Český Krumlov Castle
The castle complex is the second largest in the Czech Republic, after Prague Castle. Step through the gates into a sequence of elegant courtyards with painted facades. Do not miss the bears in the castle moat – bears have been kept here for centuries and are part of the town’s identity.
Several guided tours are available. You can explore the lavish rooms of the noble families who lived here, the beautifully painted Masquerade Hall, and the Baroque castle theatre, one of the best-preserved historic theatres in the world, with its original stage machinery still in place.
Views from the castle tower
No visit is complete without climbing the colourful castle tower. From the top you look out over the whole castle complex and the picture-perfect town below.
The Cloak Bridge and the gardens
The striking five-storey Cloak Bridge links the castle with its theatre and gardens. Beyond it, the large castle gardens are home to a unique revolving open-air auditorium, where opera, plays and ballet are staged in summer – from Shakespeare to Verdi.
The old town
Across the river, linked to the castle by small bridges, lies the old town. The best way to get to know it is simply to wander: narrow lanes, colourful houses, small shops, galleries and traditional taverns. Come back in the evening, when the castle and the Cloak Bridge are lit up and the day-trippers have left.
The town owes much of its beauty to the Rosenberg family, one of the wealthiest noble houses in the Kingdom of Bohemia. Inspired by the Italian Renaissance, they built stately castles and founded towns across South Bohemia, and Český Krumlov was their seat.
Tips for visiting Český Krumlov
- Getting there: it is about a three-hour drive or bus ride from Prague, and around an hour from České Budějovice.
- Stay overnight: the town is at its most magical early in the morning and in the evening, without the crowds.
- Check opening times: castle tours run mainly from spring to autumn, and some are closed in winter.
- Book tours ahead: the theatre tour in particular has limited places.
- Try rafting: in summer, you can float down the Vltava through the town in a canoe or raft.
Combining it with the rest of the country
Český Krumlov fits well into a road trip through South Bohemia – see our list of the most beautiful castles in the Czech Republic, including nearby Hluboká. Starting in the capital? Read our Prague guide for a first visit and check the weather in Prague by season. For more places like this, see our hidden gem towns in Europe.
In cooperation with CzechTourism.
