Pretty. Fascinating. Romantic.
A first glance and you are immediately captivated by the beauty of this small town, a real Gothic-Renaissance jewel.
The Old Town, dominated by the Castle, is undoubtedly the starting point for what to do and what to see in Cesky Krumlov. Here, you can admire splendid mansions, squares, charming alleys, and bridges with romantic views over the city.
An ideal place for a day trip from Prague, which is just 160km away.
WHAT TO SEE IN CESKY KRUMLOV
THE HISTORICAL CENTER
Cesky Krumlov represents an extraordinary example of a small medieval central European city whose architectural heritage has remained intact thanks to its peaceful evolution over the course of more than five centuries. With this premise, UNESCO included the historic center and the Castle, in 1993, on the list of World Heritage Sites.
The historic center, with its beautiful palaces and perfectly preserved buildings, has been able to maintain its most authentic medieval aspect over the centuries. A truly wonderful landscape, where you can get lost in the alleys and ancient squares, in a real step back in time.
Náměstí Svornost is the beating heart of the old town, particularly impressive at Christmas, when the traditional markets are set up. The glance is truly impressive, lined with restaurants, shops, bars, bourgeois residences and beautiful pastel-colored buildings.
In the square you can admire the Fountain with the Column, built to honor the numerous victims of the plague, and the Town Hall, housed in a really beautiful Renaissance building.
CATHEDRAL
Kostel svatého Víta, aka St. Vitus Cathedral, is located just a few minutes away from the main square. It is undoubtedly one of the must-see places on what to see in Cesky Krumlov.
Built in the late Gothic (14th century), in 1995 it was elected a National Cultural Monument.
You can visit it for free, admiring the splendid interior. Visits are prohibited only during religious services.
CASTLE
The real symbol of the city.
It can be reached by crossing the alleys of the old town and the beautiful (and crowded) Lazebnický most bridge, with splendid views over the Vltava. If you can manage to extricate yourself from the crowd, be sure to take one or more photos. Really romantic when the sun goes down!
Less romantic, however, will be the sight of the three brown bears raised inside the moat …
The Baroque Castle dominates the town of Cesky Krumlov. It was elected National Monument of the Czech Republic in 1989, and is considered one of the most important architectural monuments in all of Central Europe!
Do not miss the Arch Bridge and the wonderful Theater. More info from this link.
CESKY KRUMLOV MUSEUMS
Having some time available during your vacation, you can find interesting ideas at some museums in CesKy Krumlov. Among the most important is the Regional Museum Regionální muzeum v Českém Krumlově. It is housed in a charming baroque building.
During the visit of its three floors, you can admire weapons, furniture, antiques, and you can learn about the history of the city. Don’t miss the terrace with an enchanting view over the city.
Open Tuesday to Sunday, 09:00 – 12:00 and 12:30 – 17:00. Closed on Mondays.
The ticket costs 60Kč per adult and 30Kč reduced. The affordable Family ticket is also available at a cost of 100Kč.
Photo ©, Palickap
Fotoateliér Siedel is an interesting museum of photography, located in Linecka, outside the old town.
The museum is housed in what was once the home and studio of Siedel, an eclectic 20th century photographer who loved to photograph aspects of daily life, portraits, and landscapes.
All the original rooms and period instruments can be admired. Here, time seems to have stopped.
Open Tuesday to Sunday, 09:00 – 12:00 and 13:00 – 17:00. Closed on Mondays.
An old 16th century brewery houses a collection of works by the Austrian painter August Schiele. In the art gallery you can admire drawings, graphics, letters, dozens of photographs, the genealogy of Schiele’s ancestors, documentation of Krumlov’s stays and reasons for his work. Here, temporary exhibitions of contemporary artists are set up.
Open Tuesday to Thursday, 10am to 5pm. From Friday to Sunday, from 10:00 to 18:00.
The ticket costs 200Kč for adults.
WHAT TO SEE IN CESKY KRUMLOV WITH CHILDREN
At Pod Sv. Duchem 271, you can book a fantastic rafting on the Vltava, aboard rubber boats. Also recommended for beginners.
For the little ones, in Masná 129, in the historic center, the 3D Museum offers a good moment of leisure. A pretty nice museum overall, ideal for some fun photos with the whole family.