Cesky Krumlov is one of the fairytale towns in Europe that makes you feel like you are in a Disney movie. From the massive castle to the delicious food, this UNESCO site is undoubtedly worth a visit.
A lot of people will go from Cesky Krumlov to Prague or vice-versa. Or, you can make it a day trip from Prague and see the highlights of this unique town.
Below is everything you need to know about the town, including what to do, where to stay, and how to get there.
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Things to do in Cesky Krumlov, Czech Republic
Cesky Krumlov is a small town, and the main attractions are the castle and seeing the fairytale town itself.
If you are only spending one day in here, I would start with a walking tour, a visit to the castle, and lunch at one of the restaurants below.
If you have multiple days here, add some museums or spend some time at a local tea shop or bar, meeting new people or experiencing Czech culture (hint, it’s all about drinking beer).
Here are all the best Cesky Krumlov attractions and the order I recommend you do them in if you are limited on time.
Go to Cesky Krumlov Castle
If you are only going to do or see one of the Cesky Krumlov attractions, it has to be the castle. Even if you are just driving through the town, you must make a quick stop here.
It is the second-largest castle in the Czech Republic, and it was built in 1240 by the Rosenbergs.
Here are some of the main things to see within the Cesky Krumlov Castle:
- Český Krumlov bears: Certainly, the most unique feature of the castle is the bears that live in what used to be the moat. I only saw one bear when I was here, but a family of four bears lives here.
- Castle Tower: The castle tower is one of the main points of the castle, and you can see it from all over the town. It dates back to the 13th century, and you can climb up it for a great 360-degree view of Cesky Krumlov.
- Castle Garden: The gardens are the biggest part of the castle, and they are at one of the highest points in Cesky Krumlov. The garden is home to the Revolving Theater. The garden closes in the winter when there is bad weather, so visit in summer if it is something you definitely want to see.
- Cloak Bridge: If you come with a tour or drive to Cesky Krumlov and start your day in the northern part of the city, the bridge will be the first site you come across. It is a five-story bridge that connects the castle to the gardens. There is an outside walkway where you can get a great view of the town and an inside part above it, which is where royalty would walk to be protected.
- Baroque Theatre – The baroque theater dates back to 1767 and is one of the most beautiful in the world, still in its original style. You can take a tour of the theater in the summer from May to October, but buy your tickets in advance as tours have limited space and will sell out.
Take a Walking Tour
A walking tour is the best way to see Cesky Krumlov, and since the historical center is relatively small, you can see it all in a few hours on a tour.
I booked my walking tour in Cesky Krumlov with Wiseman Free Tour. They run tours twice per day (except during the winter months), and it was a very informative, fun tour.
If you are visiting with a group on a day trip, you might have a walking tour included in your booking, so check with your tour provider.
Admire the Church of St. Vitus
St. Vitus Church is nothing too special, especially compared to the big cathedrals you’ll find scattered across Europe. But it’s worth popping in to see it, and it’s in the center of town.
There are two things you should note when you visit the church.
First, there are multiple organs. There is the usual one in the back, then another above the entryway. The second organ is from a church in town that closed since there are so few religious Czech people. Even though the church closed, they wanted to keep the organ (they are expensive), so they moved it to this church.
The other is the art on the left-hand wall of the chapel. The art is from medieval times, and you can tell as it is two-dimensional instead of 3D, like a lot of the religious art you see today.
Address: Kostelní, 381 01 Český Krumlov, Czechia
Visit the Museums
There are plenty of museums to visit if you are looking for things to do in Cesky Krumlov. No matter what you are interested in learning about, you will find a museum to see here.
- Museum Fotoatelier Seidel – Photography museum
- Egon Schiele Art Centrum – Art museum
- Moldavite Museum – Geology museum
- Film Legends Museum Český Krumlov
- Muzeum obchodu – History museum
- Regionalni Muzeum v Ceskem Krumlove – History museum
- Wax Museum
- Miroslav Paral Art Gallery
- Fairytale House – Puppet museum
See a Show at the Revolving Theater
The revolving theater is exactly what it sounds like, a revolving theater. It is outdoors in the castle gardens, and the seats rotate throughout the show for different scenes.
The shows are all in Czech, but you can get a tablet to see subtitles in English to help you understand what is going on.
It is closed in the winter, as the weather is too cold to enjoy a show, but you should certainly see one here in the summer if you can. But buy your tickets as far in advance as you can since they do sell out.
More Fun Things to do in Cesky Krumlov
Where to Stay in Cesky Krumlov, Czech Republic
Cesky Krumlov has a lot of great places to stay. There are plenty of boutique hotels throughout the town.
Or, you can book a home rental from Vrbo. There aren’t too many options for hostels in the town, but you can find a couple of options on Hostelworld.
And, there is not a bad location for where you can stay, as you can get anywhere in town within ten minutes on foot.
Here are some of the hotels I recommend:
Budget: Castle View Apartments
Castle View Apartments is the perfect place to stay in Cesky Krumlov if you want to be in the heart of the town, just a few steps away from the main square.
The apartments have kitchenettes, which are perfect for a longer stay or for someone who wants to cook their own meals.
Or, you can head right across the narrow street to Krčma Šatlava, which has traditional Czech dishes.
Budget: Hotel OLDINN
Another great, budget-friendly option in the heart of the town is the Hotel OLDINN. They have traditional hotel rooms, and you can add on breakfast.
You can get to any of the attractions in town in just a few minutes, and dogs are allowed here.
Mid-Range: Bellevue hotel Český Krumlov
The Bellevue Hotel is a four-star hotel just a block from the Red Gate, where you enter the castle grounds.
There is a bar and restaurant at the hotel, and you are also within a few minutes of a few of the best places to eat in the town.
Mid-Range: Hotel Grand
Hotel Grand is another four-star hotel that offers traditional hotel rooms and suites, some of which have a view of the castle.
The location is perfect as it is right off the main square and has a cafe and bar.
Luxury: Krumlov Mill Apartments
If you are looking for one of the nicest places to stay in Cesky Krumlov, and want a large, apartment-style room, check out the Krumlov Mill Apartments.
They have very nice rooms, and there is a restaurant where you can get lunch and dinner.
Luxury: Hotel Villa Beatika
Another high-end option is the Hotel Villa Beatika, which is close to the bus station, slightly outside the main town center.
The hotel offers complimentary breakfast, and the rooms are spacious.
How many days should I spend in Cesky Krumlov?
Most people take a day trip to Cesky Krumlov, usually from Prague, and I think that is enough time to see the main sights in Cesky Krumlov. But spending a night here is a good idea if you don’t want to be rushed or want to see some of the museums.
I spent two nights here. It gave me a full day to explore the town and castle, try a few different restaurants, and rest in a hotel instead of a hostel dorm.
Two nights here was enough here, but even if you can only take a day trip, I would highly recommend it, and you will have time to see the town and castle and enjoy a local meal.
How to Get to Cesky Krumlov, Czech Republic
You have a few options for getting to Cesky Krumlov, including by bus, car, and train.
Most people go to Cesky Krumlov from Prague, either as a day trip or for a couple of nights.
The best way to get to Cesky Krumlov is by bus. You can take a bus from Prague to Cesky Krumlov or from Austria.
Bus to Cesky Krumlov
Taking a bus is the easiest and fastest way to get to Cesky Krumlov.
If you are going to Cesky Krumlov from Austria, you will likely have to catch a train and a bus. The train will take you to Linz, and then you can take a bus from there.
Getting to Prague from places like Salzburg or Hallstatt also requires a train and a bus, so you might as well make a stop in Cesky Krumlov on the way 🙂
I went after visiting Hallstatt, Austria, so I had to take a train to Linz, Austria, then catch a bus to Cesky Krumlov from there.
The bus from Prague to Cesky Krumlov takes around two and a half to three hours.
If you are going from Linz to Cesky Krumlov, the bus takes around an hour and a half.
Once you arrive in Cesky Krumlov at the bus station, you can walk to the center of the town in less than ten minutes.
Train to Cesky Krumlov
Another option to get to Cesky Krumlov is to take a train. Taking a direct train is an option from cities like Prague and Vienna.
A direct train from Prague to Český Krumlov takes two and a half hours. But it only runs once per day in each direction.
If you are taking a day trip to Cesky Krumlov from Prague, a train is not a good option, as you will be limited on time based on the train schedule. You are better off taking a bus or booking a day tour that will get you to Cesky Krumlov earlier.
You should know that the Cesky Krumlov train station is a 15 to 20-minute walk from the town, which is not ideal if you are limited on time or have bags to carry. The bus station is much closer, which is why I recommend taking a bus.
Get to Cesky Krumlov by Car
You can also opt to drive to Cesky Krumlov if you have a car. Cars are restricted in the town center, so you will have to park your car in one of the lots outside of town, then walk to your hotel or activities from there.
Or, you can get a permit for the pedestrian zone, but you are not allowed to enter between 10:30 AM and 3 PM.
Here are the Cesky Krumlov parking lots and the address you can put into your maps/GPS to get you to each one.
- P1 – North of castle (Chvalšinská 138)
- P2 – North of town (U Poráků 510, Horní Brána)
- P3 – South of town (Linecká 277, Plešivec)
- P4 – Near castle garden (Zámecká zahrada 62, Latrán)
- P5 – Bus station (Nemocniční 586, Horní Brána)
You will self-pay for your parking at all lots except P4, and you have to use a cashless payment method. P4 has a parking attendant.
Day Trips from Prague to Cesky Krumlov
Prague day trips to Cesky Krumlov:
Places to Eat in Cesky Krumlov, Czech Republic
I like the restaurants in Cesky Krumlov as you find less touristy traps, many of which have a mix of tourists and locals.
Here are a few of the places I recommend, but you will find many good food and bars around the city.
The last list in this section has a list of restaurants where you can see the castle from some of the tables.
Hostinec Depo
My favorite place that I went to when I was in Cesky Krumlov was the Depo. It is a pub and restaurant where you can get traditional Czech beer that is brewed in tanks at the depo.
And they also have traditional Czech dishes that you can get for a reasonable price with your beer.
Address: Latrán 74
Krčma Šatlava
Krčma Šatlava is one of the most popular restaurants in Cesky Krumlov. It is a medieval-style restaurant where you can get a lot of meat dishes that are grilled on an open flame. The place can get pretty busy on weekends, so try to visit during off-peak times.
Address: Šatlavská 157
Kolektiv Cafe & Wine Bar
Kolektiv is a good place to start your day. It is conveniently located by the castle, and you can grab breakfast and a coffee here.
Or, when you need a break from exploring this cute town, stop in for a glass of wine.
Address: Latrán 13
Hospoda Na Louži
Hospoda Na Louži is a bar and restaurant where you can get one of the most authentic Czech experiences without leaving the city. They have a lot of traditional Czech dishes and, of course, beer, which is crucial to any Czech meal.
It is best enjoyed at night, so consider booking a late bus out or staying overnight so you can enjoy it here.
Address: Kájovská 66
Authentic Cafe
A great place to grab coffee and breakfast is the Authentic Cafe which has pastries, coffee, and classic breakfast foods like eggs benedict and English breakfast.
They also have coffee and espresso to-go, which is why I loved it.
Address: nám. Svornosti 8
Dinner with a View
There are some restaurants on the river where you can eat with a view of the castle. I’m not saying the food or service is great… but the view is good.
- Krumlovska picka (Dlouhá 97)
- Restaurace ZDROJ (Na Ostrově 86)
- Terasa u Řeky (Široká 85)
- Restaurant Na Ostrově (Na Ostrově 171)
- Penzion Parkán (Parkán 102)
Remember, go for the view, not necessarily the food 🙂
Best Views in Cesky Krumlov
Cesky Krumlov is a hilly town which gives it some beautiful viewpoints. Many of them are part of the castle, as it is at the highest point in the town (obv, that’s how castles work).
- The Cesky Krumlov viewpoint, where you can see most of the castle without being in the castle, is from Vyhlídková Terasa. It is a little viewing plaza where you can see the castle and the northern part of the town.
- Castle Tower – You can pay to go inside the castle and climb up the tower for a great view of Cesky Krumlov. You will have to walk up some old stairs, but if you can make it, you will get 360-degree views of the town and surrounding landscapes.
- Cloak Bridge – The view from the Cloak Bridge is great, too, and it overlooks the town to the south. You can also look north at some parking lots if you want 🙂
- Gardens and Cloak Bridge – If you keep walking west/upwards from the cloak bridge towards the gardens, there is another beautiful viewpoint where you can see the whole castle and the town from a high spot. This is my favorite viewpoint in the city and is well worth the climb.
Cesky Krumlov Weather
Cesky Krumlov has the best weather in the summer, although that is also when most people visit the town. If you can visit during Europe’s shoulder season in the spring or fall, you can enjoy good weather in Cesky Krumlov without dealing with massive crowds.
Or, visit in December when crowds are low, but the Christmas Market is open. After December, a lot of the attractions in the town have limited hours or close until March or April when tourists start coming back.
Here are the average temperatures in Cesky Krumlov throughout the year (High/Low):
- January: 35° / 24°F (2° / -5°C)
- February: 37° / 24°F (3° / -5°C)
- March: 47° / 31°F (9° / -1°C)
- April: 55° / 35°F (13° / 2°C)
- May: 65° / 44°F (18° / 7°C)
- June: 70° / 49°F (21° / 10°C)
- July: 73° / 53°F (23° / 11°C)
- August: 74° / 52°F (23° / 11°C)
- September: 66° / 46°F (19° / 8°C)
- October: 54° / 38°F (12° / 3°C)
- November: 43° / 31°F (6° / -1°C)
- December: 37° / 26°F (3° / -3°C)
Český Krumlov Christmas Market
Every December, there is a Christmas market in Cesky Krumlov’s main square. The market is not huge, but it fills up the square. You will find plenty to eat and drink, including delicious mulled wine. And there is a massive Christmas tree and some booths with gifts and handmade goods.
FAQs about traveling to Cesky Krumlov, Czech Republic
Here are some answers to frequently asked questions about Cesky Krumlov. If you have a question that is not answered below, leave a comment, and I’ll help you out 🙂
Is Cesky Krumlov worth visiting?
Cesky Krumlov is ABSOLUTELY worth visiting! It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site with the second-largest castle in Czechia. The town gives off fairytale vibes and has some of the best food and beer in the country.
How much time do you need in Cesky Krumlov?
You can visit Cesky Krumlov in one day and see most of the town. It is an easy day trip from Prague. But, if you have the time, I highly recommend spending a night or two here, as there is plenty to do and see.
Is Cesky Krumlov safe?
Cesky Krumlov is a safe place to visit. As a solo female staying there multiple nights, I never felt unsafe, and the locals were friendly and willing to help when I needed it.
Do people live in Český Krumlov?
People live in Cesky Krumlov, and it is not just a place made for tourists. Around 12,000 people live here, and you will encounter some of them at restaurants, bars, attractions, and tours.
Can you drive in Cesky Krumlov?
You can drive in the town center of Cesky Krumlov if you have a permit, and you will only be able to enter during certain times of the day. Without a permit or during peak times of the day, you will have to park outside the town.
What is there to do in Cesky Krumlov in the winter?
During a winter visit to Cesky Krumlov, you can visit the castle, eat and shop in the town, and visit the museums. However, some attractions and restaurants have limited hours between January and March when there are fewer visitors.
Why is there a bear at Cesky Krumlov castle?
The bears were first brought to Cesky Krumlov castle in the 16th century by the Rosenbergs since the family liked and idolized bears. The bears started living in the moat in the early 18th century and have lived there since.
Have fun in Cesky Krumlov!
Cesky Krumlov is everything you expect a fairytale town to be and more. From the huge castle to the cobblestone streets, you will love it here.
Whether you are taking a day trip from Prague or spending a night or two, I hope you have a great visit.
If you have any questions about visiting Cesky Krumlov or the Czech Republic, drop a comment below or send me a DM on Instagram.
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