Places / Europe / Czech Republic
Český Krumlov
Visited in June 2022
At a glance
- Country
- Czech Republic
- Region
- Český Krumlov District
- Population
- 12,797
- Best time to go
- May to June, September
- Main airport
- None — nearest is Linz (LNZ); most visitors come via Prague (PRG)
- Coordinates
- 48.82°N, 14.32°E
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Overview
Český Krumlov is a small Bohemian town wrapped in a tight loop of the Vltava, crowned by a huge castle with a painted tower. Its medieval and Renaissance streets have barely changed in centuries.
Day-trippers fill it at midday, so stay overnight if you can: early mornings and evenings, when the lanes empty and the castle lights up, are when it's at its best.
Things to see
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Photo: VitVit, CC BY-SA 4.0 Český Krumlov Castle
The country's second-largest castle complex, with courtyards, a bear moat and that colourful tower.
Tickets and tours -
Photo: Mona, CC BY-SA 4.0 Castle Baroque Theatre
One of the best-preserved baroque theatres in the world, with original stage machinery.
Tickets and tours -
Photo: Rene Cortin, CC BY-SA 4.0 Castle gardens
Formal terraces and fountains stretching along the hilltop behind the castle.
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Photo: Jirka Dl, CC BY-SA 4.0 Egon Schiele Art Centrum
A gallery in a former brewery remembering the painter, who lived here briefly.
Tickets and tours -
Photo: Jakub Hałun, CC BY 4.0 St Vitus Church
A Gothic church whose spire rises above the old town opposite the castle.
Things to do
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Photo: Art Anderson, CC BY-SA 3.0 Float down the Vltava
Hire a canoe or raft for a gentle paddle through and below the town in summer.
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Photo: Comfyquiettree, CC BY-SA 4.0 Eggenberg Brewery
The town's historic brewery offers tours and a beer garden.
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Photo: Czcharlie, CC BY-SA 3.0 Day trip to Hluboká Castle
A white neo-Gothic castle near České Budějovice, a short drive or bus ride away.
Find tours
Where to stay
Inner Town
Stay within the river loop for the full atmosphere after the crowds have gone.
Hotels in Inner TownLatrán
The quarter below the castle, slightly quieter and still a short walk from everything.
Hotels in Latrán
Getting around
The town is small and best explored on foot; the streets are cobbled and steep in places.
Direct coaches from Prague take around three hours, while trains usually involve a change at České Budějovice.
When to go
Late spring and September are mild and less crowded than July and August. The Five-Petalled Rose Festival brings Renaissance costumes and fairs in June, and winter is quiet and often snowy.
Plan your trip to Český Krumlov
- HotelsBooking.com
- Tours and ticketsGetYourGuide
- FlightsKiwi.com
- Attraction ticketsTiqets
- Airport parking, lounges and transfersHoliday Extras
- Car hireAuto Europe
- Mobile data (eSIM)AiraloCode DAN9406 for money off
- GuidebooksAmazon
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Guide last checked October 2026. Opening times and prices change, so check before you go.