Český Krumlov – the most iconic city in the Czech Republic

Český Krumlov is a fairytale brought to life. It has beautiful old streets, a stunningly preserved medieval castle, and the Vltava river that winds through the city. The town feels magical, with colorful houses and charming little shops. Whether you love history, pretty views, or fun cultural events, Český Krumlov is a place you won’t forget. Let’s explore more.

WHEN TO VISIT?

Anytime is great, except during the summer break. It gets overcrowded and loses its charm. Spring months—March and April—are ideal, as well as autumn, especially October. November is also fine, but the days are shorter, some attractions close earlier, and the atmosphere can be quite gloomy

HOW FAR IS IT?

It’s a 2-hour drive from Prague and about 3 hours from Brno. To fully enjoy the trip without feeling exhausted from the journey, it’s best to stay overnight. If you’re traveling from Brno, you can also visit Telč, Třeboň, or Jindřichův Hradec along the way.

WHERE TO PARK?

There are several parking areas spread across the city, with clear directions available upon entry. All parking spaces require payment, so searching for a free spot isn’t worth the effort. One parking area is near the castle, another is at the far end of the castle gardens, and there’s also one conveniently located close to the Synagogue. The charge in 2025 is 200 kc for a day.

VIEWING POINT

The Cross Hill is a place to see the city from a different perspective. From the P3 parking lot, it was about a 20-minute uphill walk. Cross the river, follow Po Vodě Street, climb the stairs to Křížová Street, and then follow the blue trail. It felt like off the beaten path since there were not many people we crossed. Another option: If you’re already in the city center, you can take the red trail from Český Krumlov Castle to reach Cross Hill. The hike itself might be a bit challenging, but the view speaks for itself.

CESKY KRUMLOV CARD

If you’re the type of person, who loves to see interiors the famous buildings, you’ll not regret buying the cesky krumlov card. With this card you can visit 5 fabulous places within 12 months. It costs 490 kc, so you’ll save 50% on entrances. Here’s the list of the places you can visit:

– Castle Museum and Castle Tower
– Český Krumlov Regional Museum
– Museum Fotoatelier Seidel
– Egon Schiele Art Centrum
– Monasteries Český Krumlov

So, let’s do the tour around the most iconic places in Cesky Krumlov.

THE CESKY KRUMLOV CASTLE

Our first stop in the city was the castle—an enormous structure visible from almost every corner of Český Krumlov. As we explored, I overheard an interesting conversation about its history. Most people know that Český Krumlov Castle is the second-largest in the Czech Republic, but not everyone realizes it’s officially called Český Krumlov Castle-Château. From the outside, it looks like a fortress built of stone, yet its interiors are designed in an elaborate Baroque style, making it more of a château.

Even more fascinating is the tradition of keeping bears at the castle entrance—a practice that dates back to the second half of the 16th century, when William of Rosenberg introduced them as a symbol of nobility.

The castle complex itself is astonishing. It features over 40 buildings, including the grand castle courtyards, picturesque gardens, and the famous revolving theater, which hosts open-air performances in the summer. Walking through its grounds feels like stepping into another era, as each section showcases different architectural styles, from Gothic and Renaissance to Baroque.

From there, we headed to the castle tower, where breathtaking views of the entire city awaited us. If it hadn’t been for the strong, chilly wind, I could have stayed there forever.

THE CASTLE GARDEN

Don’t you dare skipping the huge castle’s garden. It is a true gem, offering a peaceful escape from the bustling streets of the town. Designed in the Baroque style, it stretches across ten hectares, featuring manicured terraces, fountains, and a charming Rococo pavilion. Originally planned as a formal aristocratic retreat, it has evolved into a tranquil space where visitors can stroll long hours and find breathtaking views of the castle.

One of the most fascinating highlights of the castle garden is the Baroque Theatre. It is one of the best-preserved Baroque theaters in the world, complete with original stage machinery, painted backdrops, and elaborate props from the 18th century. The revolving stage, added in the 20th century, adds a modern twist, making the theatre a rare blend of historic preservation and contemporary performance.

FOTOATELIER SEIDEL

The tour at the Seidel Fotoatelier starts every full hour, so it’s necessary to arrive at least five minutes beforehand. If you don’t speak Czech, an audio guide is included in the ticket price. The tour lasts about an hour. It costs 170 kc for an adult and 100 kc for kids aged 6-15. It’s open from Tuesday to Sunday from 9-12 and 13-17.

It begins with a fascinating history of the building. Interestingly, the first atelier was located in the garden, and the only structure at the time was the one that now houses the ticket office. Two years later, Seidel—who wasn’t the original founder but had started working there—managed to rebuild it. He created a brand-new studio, which also became the Seidel family’s home.

Photography was a highly profitable business back then, and the studio thrived during World War II, as soldiers stationed in Český Krumlov wanted photographs to send to their families.

Beyond being a photographer and traveler, Seidel also owned a stationery shop, and some of his original items are still on display. The atelier houses an extensive collection of his photographs, primarily showcasing the Šumava mountain range and the Alps. All the equipment exhibited today was originally used by Seidel, along with some early 20th-century outfits that remain intact.

It’s incredible to compare modern-day mini cameras to the large, heavy models Seidel used. Imagine how much weight he carried in his backpack—especially considering he traveled by bicycle!

Today, the Fotoatelier is more than just a museum; it still operates as a functioning studio. Visitors can dress up in vintage 20th-century outfits and have their portraits taken by a professional photographer. You can book your session at the ticket office. This is not a cheap souvenir, but definitely a memorable one.

EGON SCHIELE GALLERY

Reserve at least two hours for the Egon Schiele Gallery. It is vast and spacious, spread across several floors in a Renaissance building that once served as a brewery. History often repeats itself—just like Van Gogh, Egon Schiele’s work was not appreciated during his lifetime. In fact, his paintings were met with harsh criticism. He began his artistic journey by creating idyllic landscapes and townscapes filled with angular shapes. In 1910, Schiele settled in Český Krumlov but was later exiled. Despite this, he returned occasionally and stayed at the Golden Angel Hotel, which still stands on the main square.

His imprisonment in 1912 deeply influenced both his life and artistic style. It is said that he suffered from depression during that time, a struggle reflected in his dark and expressive paintings. While imprisoned on charges related to child pornography, he created 13 works. Later, in 1916, when he was jailed in Austria, he was forced to paint portraits of Russian officers. Schiele passed away on October 31, 1918, due to the Spanish flu, leaving behind around 300 paintings and approximately 3,000 drawings and sketches. His creativity extended beyond painting—he also designed clothing for Helena Fejková’s studio.

The gallery’s opening hour are Tue – Sun 10 a.m. – 18 p.m. The ticket prices are following: 250 kc for an adult and 200 kc for students, seniors (over 65 years).

REGIONAL MUSEUM

The Regional Museum is best known for its impressive ceramic model of the historic center of Český Krumlov, created by Peter Pešek and his wife, Jana Pešková. Built to a 1:2000 scale, it depicts the town as it appeared more than 200 years ago, in 1800. The model covers an area of 26 hectares, featuring 800 buildings, the meandering Vltava River, and the town’s fortifications. I personally see it as a masterpiece—every detail, from narrow streets to chimneys and windows, everything meticulously crafted. Comparing the town today with the ceramic model made one thing clear: two centuries have significantly transformed Český Krumlov’s urban landscape.

I was also captivated by the Baroque costumes on display. Men’s outfits were adorned with just as much gold as the women’s heavy gowns. While I can’t imagine myself wearing such elaborate clothing, I admire the women of that time for their elegance and endurance. Another fascinating exhibit was the original interior of a Baroque Jesuit pharmacy, which offered an intriguing glimpse into historical medicine and apothecary traditions. However, one aspect of the museum that didn’t appeal to me was the abundance of large posters filled with text explaining the town’s origins. I hardly saw anyone stopping to read them in full—there was simply too much information to absorb at once.

GUIDED TOURS

Tourist information centre offers a variety of guided tours such as daily tours, night tours, individual or group tours. It’s also possible to borrow the audio guide, which will lead you through the Renaissance centre.

WHERE TO EAT?

There’s a wide variety of restaurants in Český Krumlov—you’ll find one on nearly every corner, offering everything from vegetarian dishes to grilled meats. No matter what you’re craving, there’s something for everyone. After a long search, we chose to dine at Rožmberská Bašta, which is not just a restaurant but also offers accommodation. Their summer garden, set by the river, provides a lovely setting where you can even try your luck at catching your own fish. Another place worth considering is Krčma v Šatlavské Ulici. The food was beyond words—perfectly tender meat, fresh vegetables, and ice-cold beer. I didn’t want to leave, but if I’d stayed much longer, I might have spent all my savings there!

ACCOMMODATION

You can likely find accommodation without a prior reservation, but if you’re planning to visit Český Krumlov in the summer, it’s best to book in advance. The town offers a wide range of lodging options, including hotels, hostels, and private rentals. In fact, many restaurant owners also run accommodations. However, staying in Český Krumlov isn’t exactly cheap—you should expect to pay minimum 2,000 CZK per night. We stayed at Renaissance Hotel Leonardo, which was cozy and comfortable, featuring a spacious corner bath. We booked it through Slevomat.cz, so perhaps you can find a great deal there too.

PLAN AHEAD, VISIT SURROUNDINGS

Kleť Observation Tower stands about 7 kilometers from the city center, offering stunning views from the highest peak of the Blanský Forest. The green trail from the Red Gate at the castle leads directly to the summit, making for a rewarding hike.

Another fascinating place to visit is the village Holašovice, home to 17 original farmhouses built in the unique South-Bohemian peasant Baroque style. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1998, the village has an extraordinary history—it was completely deserted after World War II but was restored and repopulated in 1990. Every July, it comes alive with the Traditional Peasant Festival, celebrating its rich cultural heritage.

For more historical exploration, you can head northeast to the former monastery Zlatá Koruna, just 8 kilometers away, or travel 24 kilometers south of Český Krumlov to the picturesque Rožmberk Castle.

Let’s not forget about Maiden stone ruins, Ceske Budejovice and Hluboka castle, which I already wrote about.