CESKY KRUMLOV TRAVEL GUIDE

Cesky Krumlov Czech Republic is a medieval fairytale. It’s become increasingly popular in recent years due to its beauty and unique vibe. In my opinion, Cesky Krumlov surpasses the hype; it’s absolutely stunning! There’s nothing like walking through the cobblestone streets of the Old Town.

Český Krumlov is one of those towns that I was bound and determined to see! On my first trip, it took almost 7 hours to reach town. From Budapest, we took two trains and a bus to reach Cesky. It was hectic but beyond worth it. Max and I visited for a second time this past winter which was incredible!

Below I’ve put together a relatively quick guide to visiting this dreamy town. From how to get there and where to stay to the best things to do in town.

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Located in Southern Bohemia, Český Krumlov is a great addition on a trip to Central Europe. As a part of Southern Czech Republic, Cesky Krumlov a quick trip from cities such as Prague, Munich, and Salzburg. It takes approximately 2 hours to travel from Cesky Krumlov to Prague and Vienna to Cesky Krumlov is close to 3 hours.

There are a handful of ways to reach Cesky Krumlov by public transportation. The closest train station to Cesky Krumlov is approximately 30 minutes away in Cesky Budejovice. I’ve found the easiest way to reach Cesky Krumlov is by bus. I’ve used Regio Jet a few times and they’re great!

Another option is to book one of the Cesky Krumlov tours from Prague. The tour I’ve linked includes a guided tour, lunch, entrance fees in town, and hotel pick-up and drop-off. While I recommend staying the night, if you only have time for a day trip to Cesky Krumlov, it’s worth it!

Read More: Getting to Cesky Krumlov

Most people visit Cesky Krumlov on a day trip from Prague. While it’s easy to explore town in just a few hours, I recommend spending at least an evening in town. Since it’s a popular spot for day trippers, it’s quiet in the morning and evening. As a bonus, I’ve seen some excellent sunsets in Český Krumlov so it’s worth staying a night. With that said, if your itinerary only allows for a few hours, its worth the trek!

As a small town in Central Europe, Cesky Krumlov can be visited year round. Europe tends to be busy during the summer so I recommend visiting during the shoulder season. The months of May-June and September-October are perfect for sight seeing! The first time I visited Cesky Krumlov was at the end of May. It was a little hot but comfortable to walk around. Max and I visited during Christmas this past year and loved seeing the town during the Holiday Season! There is nothing like a Cesky Krumlov winter, while it was cold, the sun came out and the weather wound up being great for exploring.

There’s nothing like staying in the heart of Cesky Krumlov! I highly recommend staying in town if you can swing it. Since the town is small and walkable it’s nice not to rely on public transportation during your stay. There are a ton of boutique hotels at the center of town to choose from. One thing to be aware of is there are certain streets that are pedestrian only. The streets are cobblestone so it can be challenging to roll luggage through the streets.

On my first trip, we stayed at Pension Faber and absolutely loved it! The room was adorable and our window opened to the cobblestone streets. It’s honestly one of my favorite hotels!

Read More: Most Charming Hotels in Europe

I know it sounds basic but, the best thing to do in Cesky Krumlov is simply wander the streets. The cobblestone streets are filled with small restuarants and shops. Walking around town is like walking into a medieval fairytale.

The best time to wander the streets of Cesky Krumlov is in the morning before tours arrive. It’s quiet and perfect for photo ops. One of my favorite viewpoints in town is the “Classic Viewpoint“. I’ve linked walking directions to the location for a gorgeous view overlooking town. Another great view is from Lazebnický most, since the bridge overlooks the Vltava River. Since the town is small, it’s hard to miss either of these spots while wandering town.

I also recommend taking a walking tour of town to learn about the streets and history of Cesky Krumlov. There are a number of free walking tours you can book in town. If you prefer booking in advance, I’ve linked a tour.

As the heart of Cesky Krumlov, Svornosti Square cannot be missed. The buildings are colorful and lively but the most impressive building in the square is Town Hall. At the center of the square there’s a Statue of Virgin Mary with 8 Saints. The Renaissance and Baroque buildings give the square a unique charm. There are a number of events held in the main square throughout the year. During Christmas, the main market is set up here.

For the best view of town, head to toward the Cesky Krumlov Castle! To reach the viewing platform you’ll go through the Castle past the Castle Tower and Cloak Bridge. Shortly after walking over the Cloak Bridge, there will be a viewing platform on your left. It sounds confusing but it’s an easy walk from the center of town. This is easily the best photo op in Cesky Krumlov! As such, it’s usually pretty busy. With that said, if you wait a few minutes the crowd usually thins out. If you’re staying the night in Cesky, try to catch sunset here. We went to the platform during sunset and it was easily the most magical sunset I’ve ever seen!

There are a few areas to explore at the grounds of the Castle. For a great view, visit the Castle Tower. The ticket to the Castle Tower is combined with the Castle Museum for 150 CZK per adult. There are also a few different tours you can do of the castle as well as the Baroque Castle Theatre. For pricing and details click here.

Also! Make sure you look for the bears when you visit the castle. The bears are kept in the Bear Moat between the 1st and 11nd couryards at the castle.

The most popular restaurant in Cesky Krumlov is Krčma Šatlava. This Medieval Tavern is most well known for meats prepared over an open fire. As a hot spot in town, the restaurant books up quickly. I highly recommend making a reservation in advance. You can try to make a reservation the same day but your options will be limited.

If you’re into the beer scene, Eggenberg Brewery is another staple in Cesky Krumlov. The Brewery dates back to 1560. You can do a tour and tasting of the brewery to learn the secrets of beer production. You can also head there for something to eat and drink.

Another option is to try one of the restaurants along the Vltava River! Some of the restaurants have outdoor seating so you’ll have a great view of the river.

If you have some free time in Cesky Krumlov, you can go rafting, kayaking, or canoeing on the river. You can either rent one of these water activities or go on a tour. There are a ton of options on Tripadvisor.

As I’m sure you can tell by now, I absolutely love Cesky Krumlov! I hope you have an opportunity to visit this one of a kind place. As I mentioned, it’s the perfect addition to a trip to Eastern Europe. I always love visiting the smaller towns in Europe since they have so much character.

Headed to the Czech Republic? Here are a few articles to help you plan your trip.

• 4 Days in Prague
• Day trip to Karlovy Vary
• Prague Christmas Market

Safe Travels,

Sarah :)

I’ve linked some of my favorite travel gear below. Let me know if you have any questions!