The small town of Cesky Krumlov in Czech Republic is famous for its beautiful historic town center that is in the UNESCO World Heritage List, as well as its medieval castle that is the second biggest in the country. Besides impressive Gothic, Baroque, and Renaissance architecture, Český Krumlov also hosts cultural festivals and many shops, restaurants and pubs. The countryside around this pocket-sized Prague offers many attractions as well as activities from rafting or fishing in the Vltava River to hiking, biking, golf, and skiing.
Beautiful Medieval town located in Southern Bohemia in Czech Republic, Cesky Krumlov was founded in the late 13th century along Vltava River that used to be an important trade route. Once called Krumau and ruled by German emperors, the city is filled with architecture from the 14th to 17th centuries. Český Krumlov later became part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire and was ceded to Czechoslovakia in the First World War. Annexed by Nazi Germany during the World War II, the town was restored to Czechoslovakia after the war, but fell into disrepair during the communist era. Now Český Krumlov is a major tourism destination in Czech Republic with a wide range of facilities for visitors.
Outdoor activities. Český Krumlov is not all about history. There are also plenty of opportunities for outdoor sports around the town. Rafting in Cesky Krumlov is very popular during the summer in the Vltava River that flows through the town. You can also try tubing here with a rubber ring, and wooden raft sightseeing tours are available, too. The green, hilly countryside around Český Krumlov is perfect for a variety of sports such as hiking, horseback riding, fishing, kayaking, golf, and biking. Bicycling in the town is not encouraged, though.
Nearby attractions. The nearby umava National Park is the largest in Czech Republic, offering nice trekking around Cesky Krumlov. There is also a skiing center called Kramolín near the town, a skating stadium, and a famous Eggenberg Brewery to visit. The nearby Lake Lipno has a water park and offers boating in the summer and cross-country skiing in the winter.
Beautiful Medieval town located in Southern Bohemia in Czech Republic, Cesky Krumlov was founded in the late 13th century along Vltava River that used to be an important trade route. Once called Krumau and ruled by German emperors, the city is filled with architecture from the 14th to 17th centuries. Český Krumlov later became part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire and was ceded to Czechoslovakia in the First World War. Annexed by Nazi Germany during the World War II, the town was restored to Czechoslovakia after the war, but fell into disrepair during the communist era. Now Český Krumlov is a major tourism destination in Czech Republic with a wide range of facilities for visitors.
Sights & activities in Cesky Krumlov: historical architecture, sightseeing & outdoor sports
The main attraction in Český Krumlov is the historical town center that is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with its interesting architecture that spans through 750 years. The Cesky Krumlov Castle is the most visited site in town with a large garden, a Baroque theater where opera is played at times, a scenic bridge, cellars, restaurants, museum exhibitions, and even a Bear Moat with live brown bears. Other popular attractions in Cesky Krumlov are the Gothic Church of St. Vitus, the Regional Museum, and the museum for the famous painter Egon Schiele. Nearby historical sites include the beautiful Zlatá Koruna Monastery and the Hluboka Castle. There is also a popular medieval festival in Cesky Krumlov in June.Outdoor activities. Český Krumlov is not all about history. There are also plenty of opportunities for outdoor sports around the town. Rafting in Cesky Krumlov is very popular during the summer in the Vltava River that flows through the town. You can also try tubing here with a rubber ring, and wooden raft sightseeing tours are available, too. The green, hilly countryside around Český Krumlov is perfect for a variety of sports such as hiking, horseback riding, fishing, kayaking, golf, and biking. Bicycling in the town is not encouraged, though.
Nearby attractions. The nearby umava National Park is the largest in Czech Republic, offering nice trekking around Cesky Krumlov. There is also a skiing center called Kramolín near the town, a skating stadium, and a famous Eggenberg Brewery to visit. The nearby Lake Lipno has a water park and offers boating in the summer and cross-country skiing in the winter.
Photo: Chris Yunker, used under Creative Commons License (By SA 2.0)
Cesky Krumlov travel information and practical tips
The climate in Cesky Krumlov is milder than in the more northern parts of the country. There are four seasons of relatively the same length. Weather in Cesky Krumlov is generally warm during the summer from June to August, while the winters here are cold with some snow. Occasional rainfall should be expected in any part of the year.How to get there. Traveling to Český Krumlov is done by bus, train or private car. Buses to Cesky Krumlov are available in many towns in Czech Republic. You can also take the train to Cesky Krumlov from Prague and Ceske Budejovice. Coming from the south, Linz in Austria has a good shuttle bus connection to Český Krumlov. Walking is the best way to explore the historical town, and taxis are available. You can also go on a sightseeing tour or a boating tour along the Vltava River. Car rental in Cesky Krumlov is available for trips in the surrounding region, and boats and rubber tubes are also rented.
Services & safety. A number of small hotels in Cesky Krumlov is available at the historical town center. You can also find many local guesthouses and hostels in town. The over 80 restaurants in Cesky Krumlov serve both local and some international cuisine. There are many pubs and bars to visit in Český Krumlov. It is a small town with little crime, but petty crime such as theft and pick-pocketing does occur, especially during the high season of tourism in summer, so watch out for your belongings. Many Czech people in Český Krumlov, especially the younger generations, speak also English.
hint See also these nearby destinations: Salzkammergut, Prague, Salzburg
