Cesky Krumlov and its sights
We were surprised Český Krumlov on the Vltava or Cesky Krumlov, as the city is called in Czech. On a day trip from our holiday apartment in the holiday village Landal Marina Lipno am Lipnosee we only need half an hour to get there. Since we were there in winter, a few hours in the city was enough. Many restaurants, shops and museums were closed in February. Instead, we almost had the city to ourselves. We only meet one group of Asian tourists again and again on our tour of the city. In the old town we met a few old women struggling to find their way on the cobbled streets. We easily found a seat in the few restaurants and cafes that were open.
In summer there are definitely more tourists in the old town of Krumlov. Then it's worth it, too to stay overnight in Cesky Krumlov. This is the only way to visit all the sights and take part in the summer activities that are offered on and along the Vltava during the warm season.
The old town of Cesky Krumlov is a UNESCO World Heritage Site
Cesky Krumlov is a beautiful town in the south of the Czech Republic and an absolute must-see for anyone with a love for architecture and history. The city is best known for its well-preserved old town, which was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1992. Strolling through the narrow streets of the old town, you can admire the old buildings that house mainly shops of interest to tourists. There are also several small parks where you can relax on nice days.
Cesky Krumlov is a medieval town in the Czech Republic, situated in a narrow meander of the Vltava River. The city was founded in the 13th century and was an important trading town in the Middle Ages. Over the centuries, Cesky Krumlov has developed into an important cultural and architectural site, with many magnificent buildings and works of art from the Renaissance and Baroque periods.
However, the history of Cesky Krumlov was not always marked by prosperity and art. In the 16th and 17th centuries, the city and its residents came under the influence of various noble houses, and over time there were political conflicts and military campaigns that hit the city and its residents hard.
Cesky Krumlov Castle
One of the main attractions of Cesky Krumlov is the castle of the same name. It was built in 1240 on a rock above the Vltava bends in the old town and is the second largest fortress in the Czech Republic. Visitors can visit the castle tower and the castle museum, and guided tours of the castle complex are offered regularly.
The last representatives of the noble houses that ruled Cesky Krumlov were the von Eggenberg family. The von Eggenberg family ruled Cesky Krumlov from 1622 to 1719, when the town and neighboring castle were sold to the von Schwarzenberg family. The von Schwarzenbergs ruled Cesky Krumlov until the end of World War II, when the Czech Communist regime finally expropriated the properties of the noble houses.
The noble houses shaped the image of the city
During their rule, von Eggenberg and Schwarzenberg made many important changes in Cesky Krumlov. They had the castle renovated and expanded, built new streets and squares, and supported art and culture in the city. Many of the historic buildings in Cesky Krumlov that are now known as tourist attractions date from the time when the noble houses ruled the town.
Our tip for the best view:
The most beautiful view of the old town of Cesky Krumlov is from the castle. The castle is built on a hill and offers an impressive view of the entire city and the surrounding countryside. From up there you can admire the picturesque roofs, towers and churches that make Cesky Krumlov's Old Town so special. It's worth making the climb up to the castle to enjoy the view while also experiencing a piece of history. In our video you can see the great views.
Book your Cesky Krumlov hotel in the old town here
- The hotel is located on the banks of the Vltava River Vltavska pohádka*, which offers comfortably furnished rooms.
- You will stay in a historic building near the city center Hotel Gold*.
- Stay in a restored medieval building Hotel Svambersky dum* in the old City.
- The restored rooms are comfortable Four-star Hotel Largo* in the center of the old town.
- Inexpensive and like staying at grandma's, for example, you can stay in the Pension Cert a Kaca*.
- The rooms in the are comfortable Penzion Thallerův Dům* downtown.
- Save on accommodation from luxury hotels to hostels*. We recommend Cesky Krumlov Hotels here.
The Cloak Bridge
Another highlight is the cloak bridge, which is part of the palace complex. It connects the individual buildings of the castle with each other. Its current appearance dates back to 1777, it is an important passage between the parking lot and the old town.
The palace gardens
Cesky Krumlov Castle Gardens are a place to visit. In the center of the chateau garden, next to an artificial lake, there is an open-air theater of the South Bohemian Theatre. The revolving stage was built in 1958 and has 644 seats. Drama, opera, ballet and, more recently, puppetry performances are shown in the theatre.
The Vltava Island
From the castle you can also visit the Vltava Island, which is separated by a small canal in the middle of the Vltava. The artificially created island was created to generate electricity. Today, however, there are several trees and benches that invite you to take a rest right by the water.
The Egon Schiele Art Center
Another place to visit in Cesky Krumlov is the Egon Schiele Art Centrum, which is a museum and gallery dedicated to the painter Egon Schiele. But also works by other artists with classical art of the 20th century as well as contemporary art are exhibited in the center, which opened in 1992.
Cesky Krumlov market square
Cesky Krumlov Town Hall is another highlight not to be missed. The building dates back to 1580 and has a very beautiful exterior. The "Museum of Torture and Torture Facilities" is located in the basement, in which various exhibits from bygone times are on display.
On the edge of the town hall there is also the Cesky Krumlov Tourist Information Office, which provides free information on visitors' questions. The market square with its beautiful fountain and the Marian column from 1716 is also a popular place to admire the silhouette of the baroque houses.
The St. Vitus Church
The Church of St. Vitus in Cesky Krumlov was opened in 1309 and rebuilt between 1407 and 1439. It received its baroque form between 1725 and 1726. Inside the church there used to be a sculpture of the "Krumau Madonna" from 1390, which is now in the Kunsthistorisches Museum in Vienna.
The Regional Museum
From the church building you can walk along Horní Street to the museums in Cesky Krumlov. The regional museum manages around 34.000 items in the collection, including a ceramic model of the old town.
The Mestske sady Park
The Mestske sady park with a small chapel is also on the other side of the Vltava.
The Atelier Seidel
The photo studio Seidel shows contemporary photographs, photo postcards, glass negatives, preserved and functioning cameras, enlargers and furnishings of the photo chamber. In the summer months there are also daily guided tours, except at 12 noon.
Our tip for a tour of Cesky Krumlov
If you visit Cesky Krumlov, you should definitely take a city tour! I recommend you to start from the main square, namestí Svornosti. Look at the architecture of the town hall and the St. Vitus Church. After that, continue up the castle-like streets or stairs to Cesky Krumlov Castle, where you'll have stunning views of the town and surrounding countryside.
Then visit the Egon Schiele Museum of Art. This is located in the center of the city in a historic building. It shows works by the famous Austrian Expressionist. Then stroll through the narrow streets and cobblestone streets of the historic center and discover the picturesque nooks and crannies of the city.
Be sure to visit the Renaissance Cesky Krumlov Castle with its rich history. In summer you can also take a boat trip on the Vltava River to experience the landscape from a different perspective. Also spend some time at the Parkan, a scenic promenade along the city walls that also offers views of the city.
When you get tired of all the sightseeing, visit one of the many restaurants or cafes in Cesky Krumlov, for example. Try a meal of Czech specialties or enjoy a coffee while immersing yourself in the city's atmosphere.
Parking lots at the old town of Cesky Krumlov
The old town of Cesky Krumlov is a pedestrian zone. You can only drive there by car with a special permit from the city administration and for a limited time.
- P1 (Jelenka car park): entrance/exit from Chvalšinská street, open all year round, 240 parking spaces, public toilets, charging station for electric cars, restaurant. We parked our car here. From here you have easy access to the old town. You go under the Cloak Bridge and then you are already on the banks of the Vltava and on the edge of the old town.
- P2 (Car Park Pod poštou/Under the Post Office): entrance/exit from U Poráků Street, open all year round, 180 parking spaces, public toilets, charging station for electric cars.
- P3 (Městský park/City Park car park): entrance/exit from Linecká Street, open all year round, 170 parking spaces, public toilets, charging station for electric cars.
- P4 (Zámecká zahrada car park/Castle garden): access from the I/39 state road near the V Oblouku restaurant, seasonal operation (June-August), 80 parking spaces, waiter-service parking.
- P5 (Autobusové nádraží car park/bus station): entrance/exit from Nemocniční street, open all year round, 107 parking spaces, public toilets, charging station for electric cars, snack bar.
- P7 (Chvalšinská car park): entrance/exit from Chvalšinská street, 66 parking spaces (36 paved area, 30 unpaved area), public toilets, possibility of parking caravans and campers.
You can inquire about the current parking prices by calling 380 711 190.
Have you been to Cesky Krumlov?
How were your experiences? Have you discovered something new? What did you like most? Share your experiences in Cesky Krumlov with our readers in a comment.
Camping Cesky Krumlov with a motorhome?
- Do you want to rent a mobile home? Then you will find information and a selection of booking options. Or do you prefer to travel with a roof tent on the car? In addition, the overnight stay in camping tents is possible.
- Be sure to check our packing list for campers to see whether you have packed everything for your motorhome tour.
- Cesky Krumlov campsites you can reserve here*. Or you can choose the motorhome parking space in Cesky Krumlov, which offers 10 parking spaces. You can relax there after a day trip Dutch Oven or on the portable grill or maybe on a campfire after a day trip. You can also find Dutch oven accessories .
- You want to know where you can stay overnight in Germany can and seek plots as well as campsites? You can find information about this under this link.
- Why is a folding e-bike useful when camping?
If you book via a link marked *, we receive a commission, which we use to run this blog.
Travel Arrangements
Parking at the airport
For example, you can reserve your parking space at the airport here.
Arrival to Cesky Krumlov
Compare and book flights here*. There are airports in Linz, Vienna, Munich as well as in Prague. It is also possible to arrive by car. It is also possible to continue your journey by bus or train.
Car Rentals:
Cheap Car Hire - Book Fast and Easy! *
Camper Rentals:
Do you want to rent a mobile home? Compare motorhome prices here.
What needs to be in the This must be in your suitcase to visit Cesky Krumlov?
- walking shoes for wide feet definitely make a stroll around the city's cobbled streets more enjoyable.
- For a visit to the city, one is sufficient a daypack is enough..
- Remember to bring a light jacket with you, which protects against wind and rain in summer.
If you purchase via a link marked *, we receive a commission, which we use to run this blog.
Do you know anything else?
- Czech Republic vacation and travel tips
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Slow Travel Destinations you can find here.
Sources: On-site research. For example, we organized this excursion ourselves. Our opinions definitely remain our own.
Updated on 26.03.2024
Text Cesky Krumlov: © Copyright Monika Fuchs and TravelWorldOnline
Photos: © Copyright by Monika Fuchs and TravelWorldOnline
Video: © Copyright by Petar Fuchs and TravelWorldOnline
