10 Things to Do in Cesky Krumlov + Helpful Info for Your Journey

If you’re planning on visiting Cesky Krumlov, Czech Republic, congrats! I’m certain you’ll fall in love with this charming medieval city, that includes a picturesque outdated city middle with slim cobbled streets and an incredible river!

Even if it’s a fairly small metropolis, it affords so many superb locations to go to, from the historic Cesky Krumlov Castle to attention-grabbing museums, lovely gardens, the tranquil waters of the Vltava river, and so forth… that’s why I made a decision to put in writing this information with the perfect issues to do in Cesky Krumlov, to be sure you don’t miss something!

And that’s not all, I additionally included some helpful details about learn how to get there, the place to remain, and the perfect eating places the place to eat in Cesky Krumlov, so you might have every thing you want for a enjoyable vacation!

This historic outdated city receives 2 million (!) individuals per yr and there must be a cause for that, proper? Actually, there are numerous causes, to seek out them out, begin studying this put up proper now! 

Let’s go!

If you might be in a rush 

Don’t have time to learn the entire put up? No worries, try this fast listing with the perfect excursions and locations to remain in Cesky Krumlov, Czech Republic:

Here are the primary issues to ebook upfront:

And listed below are the perfect accommodations: Hotel Mlyn (Luxury), Residence Muzeum Vltavínů (Mid-range), Hostel Merlin (Budget)

1. Visit the Cesky Krumlov Castle Complex

The primary attraction in Cesky Krumlov is for certain its large and beautiful castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site positioned within the outdated city. This is the second largest citadel within the nation after the Prague citadel (among the finest things to do in Prague), relationship again to 1240. 

The constructing is simply beautiful, providing an attention-grabbing look into the lives of the aristocratic rulers of the area via the centuries, and there’s even a quiet citadel cafe inside with a pleasant view, the place you possibly can sit and have a break.

“FUN” FACT: There are 2 huge bears who dwell within the citadel moat. They had been rescued from a poacher who tried to take them via the border they usually have lived on the citadel ever since. 

Some components of the citadel you possibly can stroll round freed from cost and you may go to by your self or with a free walking tour like I did.

In truth, the Cesky Krumlov citadel is definitely half of a bigger advanced that features a Baroque theater, a museum and chateau tower, and even some immense gardens (that we’ll see in part 2). 

Some components of the citadel are free to wander and a few are paid, let’s verify them out in additional particulars:

1.1 Check out the Castle Museum and Castle Tower 

On the Castle grounds you will see that a really attention-grabbing museum with a viewing gallery showcasing work, tapestries, lovely furnishings, and even a skeleton of a Saint which was introduced from Roman catacombs and dressed up, individuals used to go to hope to it prior to now!

The citadel partitions are virtually 10 meters thick – so thick that cannon balls would get caught within the partitions… How loopy is that?

The ticket to the citadel museum may even provide you with entry to the Cesky Krumlov Castle Tower, providing essentially the most beautiful view of Cesky Krumlov’s outdated city.

NOTE: To attain the point of view you’ll need to climb 162 steps and there’s no elevate!

PRO TIP: If you’re planning on visiting many museums in Cesky Krumlov, I counsel you purchase the Cesky Krumlov Card, which provides you with entry to five completely different museums, together with the Castle Museum and Castle Tower, for €13.

PRICE: 180 CZK (€7)

1.2 Take a tour of the Baroque theater 

One of essentially the most attention-grabbing issues concerning the Castle is certainly the Castle theater, one of many biggest Baroque theaters in the entire world. 

When the Cesky Krumlov Castle was inhabited by royals, it hosted some superb performances which lasted 6 hours and had been solely open to the individuals personally invited by the royals.

The reveals had been within the Italian language (you’ll get to know why throughout your go to) they usually even used wind and thunderstorm machines to mimic climate circumstances!

FUN FACT: Among all of the theaters in South Bohemia, this is among the oldest to outlive since most of them burnt down as a result of they had been illuminated by candles inside. 

The castle’s baroque theater might be visited with an official tour: English excursions run as soon as a day at 10 am (the right time to go to it with out crowds, since lots of the tour buses don’t arrive till 11) and might be booked on arrival to the citadel.

PRICE: 280 CZK (€11) 

2. Wander the gorgeous Castle Gardens 

A spotlight of the Cesky Krumlov citadel is for certain its fantastically manicured gardens, positioned in the direction of the again of the constructing, which might be accessed for free.

I made a decision to think about them as a separate exercise from the citadel as a result of they’re HUGE (they jogged my memory of the Gardens of Versailles), so you possibly can come right here to spend a calming night, wandering round and even bringing a picnic to share with household or pals!

Here you additionally discover a revolving auditorium (as a substitute of scene modifications, the seating space inside the theatre is mechanically rotated to indicate you new stage units) internet hosting many outdoor shows, particularly for teenagers. Usually, tickets are offered out so it is advisable purchase 5-6 months upfront if you wish to attend.

FUN FACT: UNESCO truly needs to take away the auditorium as a result of it’s one thing from a brand new period, and doesn’t match with the historical past of the place. That is why UNESCO asks for it to be eliminated, threatening town to remove funding in the event that they refuse to take action. 

This causes issues with the locals who find it irresistible in order that they now have 4 years to determine if it will likely be eliminated or not, (so you might have till 2026 to see it earlier than it might be eliminated)!

3. Take a strolling tour of Cesky Krumlov’s historic metropolis middle

One of the MUST issues to do in Cesky Krumlov, is certainly to discover the cobbled streets, colourful homes, and the Svornosti primary sq. of the charming city middle proclaimed a UNESCO space.

You can go to Cesky Krumlov metropolis middle with this 2-hour private walking tour, to study Cesky Krumlov’s historical past, life underneath communism, and life within the current day from an skilled, English-speaking information.

Otherwise, you might be like me and be a part of a free walking tour via town middle and primary points of interest. It was tremendous attention-grabbing and I came upon many issues about Cesky Krumlov.

FUN FACT: Cesky Krumlov is the place they filmed the well-known “Hostel” horror motion pictures. If you might have seen them you possibly can simply acknowledge the streets, buildings, and even actors from the film in actual life as they used locals because the extras!

Tour PRICE: €85

4. Get the perfect metropolis views from the Cloak bridge 

One of essentially the most picturesque issues to do in Cesky Krumlov is crossing the uniquely designed Cloak Bridge, connecting the outdated city with the citadel, and passing over the Vltava River.

This 3-story stone bridge with its lovely arches and statues took virtually 100 years to finish. It was lastly completed within the late 1700s and was used to guard the western facet of the citadel. Today, it affords the perfect views over Cesky Krumlov metropolis!

PRO TIP: I counsel you go both within the early morning, earlier than the day excursions arrive, or late within the day for sundown: essentially the most magical instances of the day!

The bridge is open to the general public, so that you gained’t need to pay any ticket payment!

5. Gaze on the Church of St. Vitus

The Roman Catholic Church of St Vitus, as soon as a burial place of necessary Bohemian households, is among the high points of interest in Cesky Krumlov. Located within the historic middle, a 1-minute stroll from the primary sq., the church faces the gorgeous Vltava river waters. 

The St Vitus Church is fairly tall and stands prominently above the city. During the day you possibly can stare upon its spectacular Neo-Gothic structure and at evening see it lit up. 

Its interiors are simply as lovely, with hovering arches and stained glass home windows… attempt to spot the spire with the pink painted particulars!

P.S.: If you need to study extra concerning the St Vitus Church and the historical past and tradition of Cesky Krumlov with out the day crowds, be a part of this guided tour, together with a go to to the citadel courtyards and gardens.

6. Take a ship experience down the Vltava River waters

You merely can not go away Cesky Krumlov with out exploring the Vltava River waters by boat. Not solely is it tremendous enjoyable however you possibly can gaze on the picturesque outdated city from a special perspective!

You can both rent a ship, canoe or kayak in one of many numerous outlets and navigate the river by your self (that’s what I did, it’s tremendous good and never exhausting in any respect). 

If you determine to rent a boat your self, you’ll begin within the north of the river and float downstream. At the top there’s a particular place the place you possibly can dock, go away the boat and they’re going to drive you again to town! They will clarify every thing to you and renting a canoe for two individuals will price you round €11. 

If it’s a scorching day, purchase some beer/water upfront (they promote it proper there on the rental stations) and take it with you. I beloved floating via the outdated city sipping on my chilly beer! 🙂 

Alternatively, should you don’t need to need to put in any effort you possibly can be a part of a wooden raft tour. During the 50-minute tour on the Vltava River, you’ll discover a few of Český Krumlov’s most well-known landmarks with dwell commentary of two skippers, and cease on the port of the Krumlovské Benátky, to get pleasure from a complimentary drink of your alternative!

This is among the finest issues to do in Cesky Krumlov, particularly within the hotter summer time months and you will notice so many boats with each vacationers and locals doing this to beat the warmth!

PRO TIP: Locals arrange little bars alongside the river in the summertime months so you possibly can cease alongside the way in which and switch your boat journey right into a enjoyable pub/river crawl if you want! 

PRICE: Canoe rental €11, guided tour: €20

7. Admire artwork on the Egon Schiele Art Centrum

Art followers shall be very pleased to know that the Cesky Krumlov middle hosts the superb Egon Schiele Art Centrum, an enormous artwork gallery with classical and up to date Twentieth-century paintings.

Apart from the works of Egon Schiele, an Austrian painter well-known for his distorted varieties and provocative nudes, right here you’ll see the creation of quite a few up to date Czech/worldwide artists, like Gustav Klimt, Salvador Dalí, Pablo Picasso, and extra.

There can be an excellent good cafe contained in the Egon Schiele Art Centrum, with cozy sofas and armchairs (seems like a lounge), the right place to have a tranquil espresso and recharge your batteries!

The Egon Schiele Art Centrum is part of the Cesky Krumlov Card, which provides you with entry to five completely different museums for €13 so it’s price it if you’re visiting no less than 2.

PRICE: €8

8. Check out the Museum Fotoatelier Seidel

The Museum Fotoatelier Seidel is THE place to go to for pictures lovers, tracing the historical past of the artwork from the Nineteenth century (the early years of European pictures) till trendy instances.

The museum is positioned in a Nineteenth-century house & studio of the Seidel photographer household, so that you’ll be capable to see historic photographs, postcards, glass plate negatives, outdated cameras, and darkroom tools, in addition to private belongings and unique furnishings.

Here you possibly can even take enjoyable photographs dressed up with costumes of the time, a cool exercise to do with the children (or simply if you wish to get these likes for the ‘gram!)

PRICE: €6

9. Travel again in time on the Cesky Krumlov Monasteries

If you need to see one among Ceský Krumlov’s oldest surviving buildings, you must move by the Cesky Krumlov Monasteries, positioned proper within the coronary heart of town.

Building began within the mid-14th century and continued till the top of the Baroque period, and in the present day the Minorite Monastery continues to be in use and open to the general public. Here you possibly can go to museum expositions, neighborhood halls, and gardens.

Some of the highlights of this superb advanced are the Beguine Convent (with Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque structure), the gorgeous statues of saints, and the Baroque altar.

You may even be a part of a cool workshop to check your conventional abilities like glassmaking, blacksmithing, shoemaking, in addition to tailoring and traditional-style clothes… an actual strategy to journey again in time!

PRICE: €7 or free entry with the Cesky Krumlov Card

10. Live a fairy story within the State Chateau of Hluboká citadel

The State Chateau of Hluboká is a Disneyland-like citadel positioned solely half an hour’s drive from Cesky Krumlov. It was the previous home of the Cesky Krumlov royal household who since moved to the citadel within the metropolis.

With its snow-white facade, 11 towers, lovely design particulars, and immaculate gardens, it’s thought of probably the most lovely castles within the Czech Republic (they even host weddings right here!)… so why not test it out?

Here you possibly can wander across the citadel grounds and the gorgeous courtyard, try the chapel, go to the artwork gallery, and chill within the tea room… the right spot for a Cesky Krumlov day journey!

There are excursions organized on-site to go to completely different components of the citadel, each has its personal value and hours of availability so try the website for more information!

FUN FACT: You gained’t imagine it, however the citadel and the entire of Cesky Krumlov metropolis had been truly ugly and grey in the course of the communist period. But when it grew to become a UNESCO World Heritage website, numerous work was put in for 30 years to assist the city turn into what it’s now!

The best strategy to get right here is by rental car or taxi as no public transport reaches the citadel. A taxi will price round €30 and take 30 minutes drive. You also can be a part of this day trip exploring the South Bohemia area together with castles, abbeys, and the Budweiser Brewery in Ceske Budejovice!

Where to remain in Cesky Krumlov, Czech Republic

If you need to discover Cesky Krumlov’s finest points of interest, it’s good to remain in an space that provides you quick access to them, and that is the historic metropolis middle. I gathered right here beneath the perfect lodging choices divided by value vary, verify them out!

NOTE: You can not park contained in the outdated city except you might have personal parking together with your resort (which normally prices additional), so it’s good to have an lodging that gives that (in any other case you possibly can park outdoors of the outdated city, it’s not a protracted stroll).

• Luxury (US€100 and up)
  Hotel Mlyn – This is among the finest luxurious accommodations in Cesky Krumlov, set in a historic constructing proper within the metropolis middle. I stayed right here and it was tremendous good with a view on to the Vltava River and parking offered at an additional price!

• Mid Range (US€40 – US€80)
  Residence Muzeum Vltavínů – This superb resort has a fantastic location in Cesky Krumlov’s outdated city, inside strolling distance of the Vltava River and the regional museum. It additionally offers free wifi and personal parking.

• Budget (as much as US€30)
  Hostel Merlin – If you need to keep on a finances in Cesky Krumlov, this hostel is for you, that includes a shared lounge, personal parking, a backyard, and a terrace. The property additionally has a handy location near the city sq. and the Minorite Monastery!

Practical Information 

Now I’ll give some extra sensible data that may prevent some money and time!

How to get to Cesky Krumlov from Prague

The best strategy to get to Cesky Krumlov is certainly from Prague, the place all of the worldwide flights land, additionally providing many places to stay and issues to go to! Let’s try the completely different transportation choices from Prague to Cesky Krumlov:

• Car: You can rent a car on the Prague Airport or town middle for round €80 a day, and also you’ll get to the Cesky Krumlov Town in about 2 hours.
• Bus: The most cost-effective possibility is to take a bus from one among these bus stops in Prague. The journey will take you round 3 hours and value you solely €6. Buses run each hour from 6 am to 7 pm.
• Train: If you don’t need to take the bus, a extra cozy approach of touring is to take the train, working each 2 hours from Prague. Getting to Cesky Krumlov will take you round 3 hours and value you €15.
• Tour: You will discover many day trips from Prague, however I completely don’t advocate visiting Cesky Krumlov as a day journey. The city has a lot to see that it can’t be all finished in 1 day, you’ll be drained from on a regular basis on the street, plus town is approach quieter within the afternoons as soon as all of the excursions have left!

Where to eat 

A visit to Cesky Krumlov will not be full with out attempting its unimaginable native Czech delicacies (goulash, garlic soup, dumplings, and meat ready in essentially the most numerous methods) and ingesting its well-known native beer.

It’s truly very exhausting to discover a place for dinner, particularly close to the water, so basically, I counsel you ebook upfront or have your resort booked for you!

There is that this very good website suggesting you some good cafes and eating locations, however I made a decision to provide you my private favorites in Cesky Krumlov, so you might have some extra choices:

• U Dwau Maryi – This historic tavern affords old-style Czech delicacies just like the Old Bohemian Feast, out there in meat and vegetarian varieties. Perfect for a gaggle of pals! 
• Papa’s Living Restaurant – This is a comfortable place within the coronary heart of Krumlov providing conventional Czech dishes and worldwide ones (Italian and Spanish)… attempt the lasagna!
• Apotheka Cafe Bar – If you need to have the finest cocktails on the town, it is advisable move via this superb bar, providing aperitifs and beers.
• Restaurant Bohemia – If you need to attempt the normal Czech meals, try this native restaurant, with a really laid-back setting and tremendous pleasant employees! 

FAQs about Cesky Krumlov, Czech Republic

Conclusion

Congrats! You are on the finish of this detailed journey information about the perfect issues to do in Český Krumlov, a magical metropolis positioned within the South Bohemian Region of the Czech Republic.

We noticed actions and points of interest for any style from historic castles to picturesque church buildings, boat excursions, attention-grabbing museums, and superb arts galleries… there’s no likelihood you gained’t fall in love with this city!

I hope you loved studying this put up as a lot as I did writing it for you, and that it’ll enable you to fill your Cesky Krumlov bucket listing! 

If you might have any questions for me otherwise you need to counsel different issues to do within the metropolis, please share them within the feedback beneath… I’m wanting ahead to studying all of them.

Have an unimaginable vacation, 

Yulia

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