The medieval town of Český Krumlov is a true gem and one of the first places in the Czech Republic that was listed on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
The neglectful times of Communism saw the town grey and dilapidated. But even then its beauty could have been perceived under the rough surface. In the 1990s, Český Krumlov was reborn and transformed into a place of charm and near perfection.
That perfection was scarred in August 2002 when the Vltava River that otherwise snakes peacefully through the center of town, flooded the restored medieval buildings to a level that had not been seen in centuries. A year later, almost all damage had been undone.
Český Krumlov deserves some quality time. Although many tourists pop down from Prague for a day, we recommend spending a night to fully appreciate the town without having to rush. Taking a night stroll along the quieter streets with the lit-up castle towering over the town is an experience to remember.
The Český Krumlov tourist information office is located on the town square.
Infocentrum Český Krumlov
Nám. Svornosti 2
www.ckrumlov.info
Český Krumlov sister cities: Miami Beach, Florida; San Gimignano, Italy; Vöcklabruck, Austria
Getting There from Prague
Český Krumlov is located about 160 km/100 miles south of Prague.
By Car
Driving is the fastest way to get there and will also give you freedom to stop along the way. Czech countryside is very pretty, with roads gently following the natural landscape and passing through forests, fields and villages. Take D1 to E55 towards České Budějovice/Český Krumlov.
By Bus
A bus ride from Prague to Český Krumlov takes about 3 hours. It is a direct trip. Please note that if the bus is crowded (especially on Fridays and Sundays) and you don’t have a seat reservation, you may not be able to get a seat and may have to stand for at least a part of the trip. From the bus station, it is about a 10-minute walk to the center of town. Call a taxi if you have heavy luggage, trouble walking, or if your hotel is far.
Bus schedules
By Train
A train ride is nice and more comfortable than the bus but there are no direct trains going all the way from Prague to Český Krumlov. You have to change trains in České Budějovice, which is easy enough. It takes 2.5 – 3.5 hours to get from Prague to České Budějovice and then an additional 45 min. to get to Český Krumlov on a local commuter train, which will give you the genuine Czech countryside experience! The Český Krumlov train station is rather far from the city center (about a 30-minute walk), so you will probably want to call a taxi.
Train schedules
Český Krumlov Taxi Companies
Unlike Prague, taking a taxi in Český Krumlov is perfectly fine, the drivers are usually courteous and honest.
Green Taxi – www.green-taxi.cz
Krumlov Taxi – www.krumlov-taxi.cz
What to See and Do in Český Krumlov
Český Krumlov is a wonderful town to walk around. A visit to the Castle is a must – be it for the tour of the interiors or to enjoy the castle grounds, gardens, and the view. Besides visiting the Castle, you should allow enough time for a walk around the historical town.
Castle Tower
Climb the tower of the Český Krumlov Castle for a great bird’s eye view of the town and river below (160 steps, small entrance fee).
Castle Gardens and Rotating Auditorium
When you’re in the castle area, make sure you take a stroll through the large gardens. They are beautifully maintained and are especially nice to walk around on a sunny day. Also take a look at the outdoor theatre with its rotating auditorium. The auditorium can be turned during a play to follow acts performed in different areas of the park.
Walk Around the Historical Center
You can spend a few exquisite hours simply walking aimlessly along the narrow streets and lanes of the historical center and exploring on your own. If you’re staying overnight, try to take a walk after dark when the day-trippers are gone and you can almost have the town to yourself.