Curled inside a tight bend of the Vltava in southern Bohemia, Český Krumlov looks like a town lifted straight from a fairy tale — a huddle of red rooftops beneath a great castle, its cobbled lanes barely changed since the Renaissance. UNESCO-listed and gloriously compact, it makes a perfect day trip from Prague or an unhurried overnight. Here is what to see.
The Castle
Second in size only to Prague Castle, the Český Krumlov Castle sprawls above the town in a mix of Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque. Climb its distinctive round, painted tower for the classic view over the rooftops and river, and don’t miss the rare 18th-century Baroque theatre, one of the best-preserved in the world, or the terraced castle gardens.
The Historic Centre
The whole old town is a joy to wander, its winding lanes lined with colourful Renaissance houses, cosy cafés and craft shops. Everything radiates from Svornosti Square, the perfect place to start, with its town hall and plague column, before losing yourself in the maze of streets around it.
Art and Culture
The town has a surprisingly lively arts scene. The Egon Schiele Art Centrum honours the Austrian painter who once lived here, alongside changing exhibitions, and the summer calendar is full of festivals — most famously the Five-Petalled Rose Festival, when the town celebrates with a Renaissance costume fair.
Food, Beer and the River
Local taverns and old breweries serve classic Czech fare — goulash, roast pork and dumplings — with excellent regional beer, including the nearby Eggenberg brew. In summer, join the locals drifting through the middle of town on a canoe or raft down the Vltava, one of the most memorable ways to see Český Krumlov.
FAQ
Is Český Krumlov worth an overnight stay?
Yes — once the day-trippers leave, the floodlit old town is magical, and you will have the lanes and viewpoints largely to yourself.
How do you get there from Prague?
It is about three hours by bus, train or car; direct shuttle buses also run and are popular with visitors.
What is the nearest airport?
Most visitors fly into Prague (PRG) and continue overland; Linz in Austria and České Budějovice are closer but have very limited service.
