Cesky Krumlov is a near-perfect medieval town wrapped in a tight loop of the Vltava river, its huddle of red rooftops crowned by a vast painted castle and one of Europe's most photogenic towers. It is tiny, so the trick is timing rather than logistics: the day-trip coaches from Prague pour in around 11:00 and thin out by 17:00, which means the golden hours belong to anyone who stays overnight. Rise early to walk the empty cobbled lanes, climb the castle tower before the queues form, and save the panoramic viewpoints for the soft evening light. The Old Town is almost entirely pedestrian and steeply cobbled, so pack proper shoes and expect to cross the river again and again on its little bridges. Eat hearty South Bohemian food (roast duck, svickova, freshwater carp and trout from the local ponds), drink the regional Eggenberg beer brewed in town since the 16th century, and paddle the river in summer if you can. Two unhurried nights let this UNESCO gem reveal itself between the crowds.
A full, walkable day in Český Krumlov, free for everyone. Set your pace and start time.
The magic hour in Krumlov is early morning; start on the main square and drift down toward the river while the streets are still quiet.
Buy the tower ticket at opening to beat the queue; the view over the river bend and red roofs is the town's signature shot.
Interiors are only seen on a timed guided tour and popular slots sell out, so book online ahead; Route I covers the Renaissance and Baroque rooms.
A rustic grill tavern up in the gardens; order the spit-roast meats and escape the midday crowds down in the town.
Wander the old craftsmen's street below the castle; the brewery runs tours at set times, so check the schedule and finish with a tasting.
See the Gothic nave, then the Schiele gallery in the old brewery; a good pairing as the afternoon crowds start to thin.
Book ahead for this candlelit medieval cellar; go for the grilled meat platters and a mug of honey mead.
The sprawling second-largest castle complex in the Czech Republic, with painted courtyards, bear moat and lavish interiors, book a guided tour of the state rooms in advance as they sell out.
Candlelit vaulted cellar on a former prison lane where meats are grilled over an open fire, the mixed grill platters and honey mead are the draw, and booking is essential in season.
The town's candy-coloured Renaissance tower rising over the rooftops, climb its narrow stairs early for the definitive view over the red roofs and river bend.
The dramatic multi-tiered covered bridge spanning a deep ravine to link the castle theatre and gardens, one of the most striking photo spots in town, best in morning light.
The intimate main square ringed by pastel merchant houses with the plague column and town hall, the natural heart of the Old Town and a good orientation point.
The soaring Gothic parish church with vaulted nave and river views from its terrace, a peaceful contrast to the busy lanes and free to enter outside services.
One of the world's best-preserved Baroque theatres with original stage machinery, sets and costumes, viewable only on a timed guided tour so book ahead.
Rare meat-free spot with a terrace right on the Vltava, serving generous vegetarian and vegan plates, lentil dhal and homemade cakes with a front-row river view.
The brewery's own beer hall and garden pouring unpasteurised Eggenberg lager beside classic Bohemian roast pork, dumplings and goulash under the chimney.
Long-running Italian-run pizzeria with a sunny courtyard, wood-fired pizzas and homemade gelato, a reliable and good-value break from Bohemian meat and dumplings.
Rustic tavern hidden up in the castle gardens serving spit-roast meats and old Bohemian dishes by candlelight, worth the climb for the atmosphere and quiet.
You're reading the free preview. Members get the full Český Krumlov guide, every spot mapped and built into ready-to-walk 1, 3 & 7-day plans, plus 100+ cities across Europe.
$49 a year, under $1 a week. Less than one tourist-trap coffee.
Cancel anytime · keep access until your term ends
Create your account at checkout. · Already a member? Sign in
Czechia