This medieval town in South Bohemia has a UNESCO-listed Old Town, a 13th-century castle with a Baroque theater, and the winding Vltava River perfect for rafting.
Český Krumlov, a small town in South Bohemia, Czech Republic, is known for its medieval architecture and well-preserved buildings. You can explore the expansive Český Krumlov Castle with its unique round tower and Baroque theater. Walk through winding cobblestone streets lined with colorful Renaissance houses. The Vltava River curves through the heart of the town, where you can go rafting or canoeing. Due to its historical significance and architectural preservation, Český Krumlov has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Exploring Český Krumlov Castle
The Český Krumlov Castle complex is prominent in the town's skyline. Dating back to the 13th century, it's the second-largest castle in the Czech Republic after Prague Castle. You can climb the distinctive round tower for views of the town and surrounding countryside. The castle's Baroque theater, one of the best-preserved in Europe, contains original stage machinery and props from the 18th century. On guided tours of the castle interiors, you'll see rooms with period furniture, artwork, and tapestries.
Wandering the Old Town
The Old Town of Český Krumlov has narrow lanes and well-preserved medieval and Renaissance buildings. As you walk through the car-free center, you'll see colorful townhouses with intricate frescoes and sgraffito decorations. The main square, Náměstí Svornosti, is surrounded by historic buildings and has a plague column at its center. You can explore small shops selling traditional Czech crafts, or stop at a café to try local pastries and coffee.
Vltava River Activities
The Vltava River winds through Český Krumlov in an S-shape, adding to the town's character and providing opportunities for water-based activities. In summer, you can rent canoes or rafts to float down the river, passing under old stone bridges and seeing the town from a different angle. Several companies offer guided rafting trips, from calm floats to more challenging routes with small rapids. During warm weather, people often use the riverbanks for picnics and sunbathing.
St. Vitus Church
The Gothic St. Vitus Church, with its tall, slender tower, is easy to spot in Český Krumlov's skyline. Built in the early 15th century, the church has both Gothic and Baroque elements. Inside, you'll see vaulted ceilings, medieval frescoes, and a Baroque altar. You can climb the tower for another view over the town and castle. The church often hosts classical music concerts, contributing to Český Krumlov's cultural activities.
Local Cuisine and Restaurants
Český Krumlov's restaurants serve traditional Bohemian dishes with modern interpretations. You can try hearty meals like svíčková (roast beef in cream sauce) or smažený sýr (fried cheese) at local eateries. For a taste of history, visit the 500-year-old Eggenberg Brewery, where you can tour the facilities and taste their beers. Krčma v Šatlavské, in a 14th-century building, serves medieval-inspired dishes in a candlelit setting. You can also try trdelník, a sweet pastry cooked over an open flame, from street vendors in the Old Town.
Getting to Český Krumlov
You can reach Český Krumlov easily from major Czech cities. From Prague, regular buses and trains make the journey in about 3 hours. If you're driving, the trip takes around 2.5 hours. The nearest international airport is in Linz, Austria, about 1.5 hours away by car. Once in Český Krumlov, you can explore the compact town on foot. Remember that the historic center is largely car-free, so if you arrive by car, you'll need to park outside the Old Town and walk in.
