Cesky Krumlov
A perfectly preserved medieval town in a bend of the Vltava - a UNESCO fairy tale of a castle, red rooftops and cobbled lanes in South Bohemia.
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Illustrative image - a scene in the spirit of the place, not a photograph of it. Real photos are below.
UNESCO World Heritage
Cesky Krumlov is a jewel of a medieval town wrapped in a tight bend of the Vltava in South Bohemia, its huddle of red-roofed houses and cobbled lanes overlooked by a great castle with a painted tower. A UNESCO site little changed in centuries, it is one of the most beautiful small towns in Europe, a fairy tale you can walk through.
What you actually see
- The castle and painted tower - the great castle complex with its Renaissance tower.
- The old town in the river bend - the red-roofed houses in the loop of the Vltava.
- The castle gardens and Baroque theatre - the grounds and the rare 18th-century theatre.
- Rafting the Vltava - the gentle river trips through and around the town.
When to go
Late spring to early autumn for mild weather and river trips; December for a magical Christmas atmosphere. Early or late, or an overnight stay, avoids the day-trip crush.
Honest expectations
It is very popular and small, so by day it fills with coach and day-trip crowds from Prague. Staying overnight lets you enjoy it quiet in the evening and morning. It is a long trip from Prague, so an overnight makes sense.
Nearby
The South Bohemian lakes and Ceske Budejovice are nearby; Prague is three hours north.
What to pack for Cesky Krumlov
Chosen from what this place is for. Tap a kit for the full checklist.
Opening times, ticket prices and seasonal closures change - check the official source before you go: official site.
