Cesky Krumlov: top sights & tips / Cesky Krumlov Travel Guide

The beautiful Cesky Krumlov is a city in the Czech Republic and a true travel highlight! Also known as Krumau nad Vltava, this UNESCO World Heritage city is best known for its medieval castle and many magnificent buildings.

This is how Krumlov has become a popular destination for a city trip or short trip. Meanwhile, visitors come from all over the world and marvel at the historic old town with its wonderful sights. In addition to the famous castle and the romantic old city center, as well as the beautiful Vltava, there are other great highlights waiting for you. Krumau an der Moldau also has a lot to offer in culinary terms with its breweries and rustic restaurants.

In this post we will show you what to expect on a trip to Krumlov in the Czech Republic. We will also tell you our insider tips, show you where to stay and what activities and sights await you in Cesky Krumlov.

If you are still looking for a particularly nice place to stay in Cesky Krumlov, then we can recommend the Hotel U Malého Vitka right in the center.

The town of Cesky Krumlov can definitely be visited in one day. However, if you also want to explore the surroundings and the Hluboka Castle, you should stay longer.

Cesky Krumlov is also a popular destination for trips from Prague! You can find great day tours with ratings from Prague but also from Vienna on GetYourGuide.

One of the most popular activities are trips on historic wooden rafts, as well as canoeing and rafting tours along the Vltava River.

General information about Cesky Krumlov

Cesky Krumlov, also known as Krumau nad Vltava, is a beautiful Czech town in southern Bohemia. The historic old town, which is on the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and the Český Krumlov Castle, the second largest historic building in the Czech Republic, are famous. The Vltava flows through the enchanting center, a river that divides this city in two and gives the medieval town a very special Romanesque ambience.

Krumlov is now considered one of the most beautiful cities in Europe and is also one of the most visited attractions in the Czech Republic. During a tour you will be amazed by the colorful old town, the numerous historical buildings and the unmistakable flair on the river. There are also many excellent restaurants and local breweries in Cesky Krumlov, which spoil visitors with delicious Czech cuisine and excellent beer.

Sights in Cesky Krumlov

As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Cesky Krumlov offers its visitors a variety of sights and unforgettable activities. It is not for nothing that the town of Krumau is also called the “Pearl of the Bohemian Forest” or “Venice on the Moldau”. So that you don’t miss anything during your trip, we have summarized everything worth seeing in Cesky Krumlov, including travel tips:

The old town

Cesky Krumlov is famous for its very pretty old town. During a walk through the city center, you have the opportunity to stroll along the Vltava and enjoy the wonderful ambience. It is also worth walking through the narrow cobbled streets, marveling at the pretty old buildings and taking in the medieval flair.

Since the old town is almost car-free, you can get around here on foot and explore the corners of the city on your own. It feels like there is something new to admire every few meters. On a tour through the old town you will discover many small galleries, hip cafés and a few small museums.

If you feel like it, you should also take a look at the Doll Museum. More than 300 marionettes are on display in the fairytale house, and you can even try yourself as a puppeteer.

Náměstí Svornosti – main square

The old market square, the Náměstí Svornosti, is also particularly worth seeing. There are a few cafés and restaurants and a fountain with a baroque plague column. This extremely picturesque place is one of the most important squares in the old town with its pretty colorful houses from the Gothic and Renaissance periods. Whether summer or winter, the main square Náměstí Svornosti is a popular place for events.

Tip: In winter, the traditional Christmas market takes place on the main square, including an Advent concert and regional handicraft products.

Castle Cesky Krumlov

Cesky Krumlov Castle is probably the most important sight in Krumlov. Located on a castle hill, this magnificent castle can be seen from afar. The beautiful castle can be reached on foot from the old town in just a few minutes. As soon as you cross the Vltava River, you will notice a huge stone bridge, the Cloak Bridge, which offers a stunning view of the city. The castle complex is huge and includes around 40 different buildings, some exhibitions and many awesome viewpoints.

The castle complex itself can be visited free of charge. For example, you can walk over the Cloak Bridge, through the inner courtyards and to the gardens for free. Admission is only paid for the castle tower and for special tours, such as through the baroque theater or to the stables.

Castle tower

The landmark and a real highlight of Krumlov is the castle tower. It is located in the extensive castle complex and can be climbed over 162 steps. At a height of 86 meters, one of the best viewpoints on Cesky Krumlov awaits you. The view of the whole city, the Vltava River and the castle is magically beautiful and should not be missed.

A visit to the castle museum is also worthwhile, where you can experience a kind of journey through time and where you can admire exhibits from earlier times.

Entrance fee: approx. 50 CZK | Opening times: Castle Tower & Museum – daily from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Cloak BridgeOne of the most beautiful sights of Cesky Krumlov is definitely the Cloak Bridge. This multi-storey stone bridge spans the moat and connects the two courtyards of the castle. Above all, the view of the historic city center, the river and the tower of St. Vitus Church is overwhelming. With a bit of luck you can even see hot air balloons flying over the city from there in the early morning!

Admission to the Cloak Bridge is free and open all day.

Castle garden

A real insider tip for Krumau is a visit to the picturesque castle garden. Many tourists overlook this jewel, which is a pity, because it is one of the most worth seeing places in the city. The baroque garden created in the 17th century is located in the upper part of the castle area. Here you can stroll past ancient linden trees, beautiful flower beds and statues. The centerpiece, however, is the gorgeous cascading fountain in Rococo style.

Seminary Zahrada

Another highlight and one of the most beautiful vantage points of Cesky Krumlov is the Seminární zahrada. It is located right next to the regional museum and enchants visitors with an incredibly beautiful view of the castle and the magnificent old town.

Egon Schiele Art Center

The Egon Schiele Museum is another popular attraction in Cesky Krumlov. The exhibition of many contemporary Czech artists is really worth seeing. Here you will also find some works by Schiele himself, and his life story is also described in detail. A visit to the Egon Schiele Museum is not only worthwhile for art lovers.

The museum’s café is particularly inviting. With the many sofas and armchairs you feel like you are in the living room and you can enjoy your coffee in a cozy atmosphere.

Admission: costs about 180 CZK | Opening hours: 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m

Boat trip on the Vltava

One of the most popular activities in Cesky Krumlov is boat trips on the Vltava River. The river meanders picturesquely through the old town and whether you are rafting, canoeing or rafting – admiring Krumlov from the water is a great experience. Tours can be booked locally at a boat rental.

Hluboka Castle

Hluboka Castle is located about 30 kilometers from Krumlov on the Moldau and is one of the most beautiful destinations in the region. If you are also planning a short trip to Cesky Krumlov, then a detour to the snow-white fairytale castle is a must. A walk through the castle grounds and a tour of the magnificent rooms is really interesting and a great experience. The fairytale architecture and the beautiful gardens make the Hluboka Castle one of the most romantic places in Europe.

Eggenberg brewery

Another highlight in Krumlov is to taste the delicious Czech cuisine. If you visit the village, you should definitely make a stop at the Eggenberg brewery. In addition to the best beer in town, there is also really good and hearty food here. With huge portions, delicious dumplings and goulash, the sightseeing tour through Krumlov is twice as much fun.

Tip: Anyone interested in the art of brewing can take part in guided tours of the brewery on site.