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If Central Europe was hosting a pageant, Český Krumlov would win every year. Often described as a smaller-scale version of Prague, this South Bohemian city is known for its glorious medieval architecture, which has survived intact for centuries (and earned it UNESCO World Heritage status in 1992). It’d be easy to describe Český Krumlov’s 13th-century hilltop castle as its crowning glory, but the city’s historic monasteries and winding Vltava River are just as scenic. After strolling among its straight-out-of-a-fairy tale cobbled streets, the best things to do in Český Krumlov range from nibbling trdelník pastries to exploring its photography museum.
Summer is prime time in Český Krumlov. There’s no better time to go for a canoe trip down the Vltava River, and the season brings several major annual events, including the Five-Petalled Rose Festival (a celebration of the city’s Renaissance roots, coinciding with the solstice) and the Festival Krumlov, which hosts numerous concerts around town. However, summer is also when Český Krumlov is at its busiest. To see a different (and calmer) side of the city, visit in winter to admire its snowy beauty.
The nearest major airport to Český Krumlov is Linz Airport in Austria, some 53 miles (85 kilometers) south. If coming from Prague, RegioJet and FlixBus services connect the two cities in as little as three hours. You can also travel by train from Prague to the nearby city of České Budějovice; local train and bus services connect České Budějovice and Český Krumlov. Much of central Český Krumlov is pedestrian-only and closed to vehicles.
The Czech Republic is the homeland of lager, and unsurprisingly, locals take their beer pretty seriously here. Český Krumlov has been a brewing center since as early as the 14th century, and that’s still true today. To experience its modern beer culture, head to popular local beer destinations like the Krumlov Brewery—just remember to ask for a světlý ležák if you want a pilsner.
Attractions 2 | Tours 49 |
Yes, Český Krumlov is absolutely worth visiting. This UNESCO-listed town is renowned for being one of the prettiest cities in Central Europe, and its castle and Old Town are major attractions. The city also offers historic monasteries, museums, churches, and other landmarks, and kayaking the Vltava River is a popular summertime pursuit.
...MoreČeský Krumlov is special for its UNESCO World Heritage Site designation, which it has held since 1992. The city is celebrated for its mix of medieval, Renaissance, and baroque architecture, and its Old Town has been left intact for centuries. It’s also known for its castle and cultural institutions like the Egon Schiele Art Centrum.
...MoreThat depends on your mode of transit. Direct bus services connect the two cities in as little as three hours, making this one of the most convenient ways to travel. If you plan to travel by train, the journey is around four hours, as you’ll have to change in České Budějovice.
...MoreČeský Krumlov is a city on a small and accessible scale, and if you’re on a whirlwind tour, you can discover many of its top highlights in one day. However, it’s worth lingering in the city for at least a weekend to really soak up its relaxed pace of life.
...MoreYes, walking is often the best way to explore the city. That’s especially true of its historic center, which is closed to most vehicle traffic and can be traversed in as little as 20 minutes. For destinations outside of Old Town, local taxi services are available.
...MoreYes, you can go inside Český Krumlov Castle—and you should. The city’s top attraction, the centuries-old, hilltop castle is home to a variety of attractions, including a 162-step tower (which you can climb for exceptional views), a baroque theater, lush gardens, and a heavily ornamented Masquerade Hall.
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