Things to Do in Cesky Krumlov

Located in South Bohemia, Cesky Krumlov is one of the most picturesque towns in Europe and was one of the first sites in the Czech Republic to be named a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It features a lively old town, lovely Renaissance and baroque architecture, the magnificent Church of St. Vitus, and a stunning castle towering over the Vltava River. This medieval town is a popular—though long—day trip from Prague, but makes an even better overnight trip.

Cesky Krumlov is small—you can walk from one side of town to the other in about half an hour. Visit as part of a daylong group or private tour from Prague, or join an overnight tour that offers plenty of time to explore on your own plus a stop in nearby Ceske Budejovice.

Cesky Krumlov is located in the southwestern part of the Czech Republic, about 105 miles (170 km) or two hours from Prague by road. All day trips and multi-day tours from the city include roundtrip transportation. It’s also possible to take a three-hour ride on the public bus. Book in advance as the buses do fill up, especially on Fridays and Sundays. Once in Cesky Krumlov, the bus station is a 10-minute walk from the center of town.

Although Cesky Krumlov Castle is closed in winter, this can be an ideal time to visit—tourists are few and far between, and the castle is beautifully covered in snow. Spring, summer, and fall can be great for taking advantage of outdoor activities around the town, but crowds can be particularly heavy in summer.

Cesky Krumlov Castle is one of the largest in Europe, with 40 different buildings and palaces. Highlights for castle visitors include St. George’s Castle Chapel, Eggenberg Hall, the Schwarzenburg Portrait Gallery, Masquerade Hall, the baroque theatre, the Castle Museum, the Castle Garden, and the castle tower. Various entry fees apply and multiple castle tours are available. You can climb the tower and, after 162 steps to the top, be rewarded with panoramic views of Cesky Krumlov and the surrounding area.