If you’re looking for a charming and picturesque European town to visit, Cesky Krumlov is definitely worth considering. This small town is located in the Czech Republic, near Vltava River and at the foot of the Šumava Mountain.
Cesky Krumlov is a small town in the Czech Republic with a big personality. With a medieval castle looming over the river, Cesky Krumlov is like something out of a fairytale. But this place is more than just a magical town. With its charming medieval castle, church of St. Vitus and baroque theater, there’s plenty of tourist attractions to check in this quaint little town, for example enjoy medieval dinner in tavern.
Here is the full list of things to do in Cesky Krumlov; check out this first timers guide and make sure you’ve visited main tourist attractions in this town.
If you pan your trip to Cesky Krumlov from Prague, you can join day tour and explore city’s main attractions with a guide. Click here to check tour details and make your reservation.
Krumlov Сastle
Beautiful building of the 13th century in neo-gothic style with the addition of renaissance and baroque. Near the Cesky Krumlov castle complex there is a huge castle gardens with fountains, sculptures, bridges and theater.
Join 2-hour walking tour with guide in Cesky Krumlov, click here to book.
Castle Tower
One of the things to do in Cesky Krumlov is to take a look at the city center from the height. At the top of the castle tower there is an observation deck.
In order to visit it, you have to buy tickets to castle museum. Be ready to climb 162 steps Cesky Krumlov castle tower before reaching the top of the castle tower.
There are other castles in Czech Republic to discover, you can visit Lednice castle or Sychrov castle. They are both at the same distance from Cesky Krumlov castle, will take about 3 hrs to drive.
Church of St. Vitus
Vitus church was built for almost a hundred years – from the middle of the 14th to the forties of the 15th century on Vltava river. The exterior is made in the Gothic style, while the interior decoration reflects the Baroque and Neo-Gothic styles.
The temple is still functioning for religious purposes. If you are lucky you can get to a classical music concert, that takes place in St Vitus church.
- Address: Catholic church in Český Krumlov, Czechia
Cesky Krumlov Museums
Keeping in mind the size of this medieval town, there are many museums that are located here.
Museum of Torture
In the Museum of Torture, tourists will see the instruments of torture of the Middle Ages. The exposition is accompanied by special effects in the form of screams and rattles. Entrance costs 100 crowns. Hours of operation are from 9 am to 8 pm.
- Address: nám. Svornosti 1, Vnitřní Město, 381 01 Český Krumlov, Czechia
- Working hours: daily, 10.00 – 18.00
Wax Museum
Also in the city there is a wax museum. There you can find the wax figures of important historical personalities from South Bohemia region, like King Charles IV. You may not be impressed by the figures themselves, but the medieval music and appropriate lighting add charm to the place.
- Address: Kájovská 68, 381 01 Český Krumlov, Czechia
- Opening hours: 10.00 – 18.00
Marionette Museum
The Puppet Museum in Cesky Krumlov is a must-see for anyone interested in puppetry or history. The museum offers a wide variety of exhibits, from traditional marionettes to modern hand puppets.
Visitors can learn about the history of Czech puppets and its evolution, as well as see how puppets are made. The Puppet or Marionette Museum also has a library and workshop, where puppet-makers can practice their craft.
Whether you’re a die-hard fan of puppets or simply want to learn more about this fascinating art form, this museum is worth visiting during your Cesky Krumlov day trip.
- Address: Radniční 9 381 01 Český Krumlov
- Working hours: during high season (01.04 – 31.10) – 10.00 – 17.00, low season – 11.00 – 16.00
Museum Fotoatelier Seidel
This interesting museum will allow you to learn more about Cesky Krumlov’s history being told by photos. You can use audio guide while exploring museum Fotoatelier Seidel and enjoy unusual photosession.
- Address: Linecká 272, Plešivec, 381 01 Český Krumlov, Czechia
- Working Hours: closed on Monday, Tue – Sun – 09.00 -12.00, 13.00-16.00
Český Krumlov regional museum
Visit to regional museum is also one of the recommended things to do in Cesky Krumlov. The main exhibit there is mini version of historic city center. This ceramic-made model includes Old town gates and castle walls that are no longer exist.
- Address: Horní 152, 381 01 Český Krumlov, Czechia
- Opening hours: closed on Monday, Tue -Sun – 09.00 – 12.00, 12.30 – 17.00
Graphite Mine
One of the top things to do in Cesky Krumlov is to visit graphite mine and learn more about miner’s work. This can be done on behalf of guided tour. You’ll be provided with all necessary equipment to make this journey safe.
The most interesting part starts when special train will drive you to the depth of 70 meters. Accompanied by a guide, you can walk through the underground tunnels, see the equipment used for such a hard work and learn a lot.
The Egon Schiele Art Centrum
This is a small museum in the town of Cesky Krumlov, in the Czech Republic. The museum is dedicated to the work of the Austrian painter Egon Schiele, who lived and worked in Cesky Krumlov for a short time in 1911.
The museum houses a fine arts collection of Schiele’s paintings, drawings, and prints, as well as a selection of works by other artists from the same period. The museum also has a small research library and archives.
The Egon Schiele Art Centrum is open to the public from Tuesday to Sunday, and admission is free.
- Address: Široká 71, 381 01 Český Krumlov, Czechia
- Working hours: closed on Monday, Tue – Sun – 10.00 – 18.00
Cesky Krumlov Old Town
If you are looking for a place that has an authentic atmosphere, then Cesky Krumlov is the perfect destination. It’s easy to get around this historic center due to its convenient location.
Everything including transportation and places to stay in Cesky Krumlov can be found within walking distance from each other or cycle distances away!
The best part about visiting such historic old town? You’re able take in all those wonderful sights without having any interruptions. There aren’t many car avenues, so visitors can enjoy town center of Cesky Krumlov where pedestrians rule supreme in the area (with some exceptions).
Here you will not hear car noise, the only thing you can hear is the sound of the waters of the Vltava River.
Cesky Krumlov Castle Baroque Theater
The Baroque Theater in Cesky Krumlov, Czech Republic is a must-see for any theater lover. The theater was built in the early 18th century and is one of the best-preserved examples of greatest Baroque theaters.
The castle theater is intimate, with just over 400 seats, and offers a unique experience for audiences. The acoustics are excellent, and the sightlines are perfect from every seat in the house.
The theater also has a beautiful garden that is perfect for a pre-show stroll. If you are lucky enough to catch a performance at the Baroque Theater, you will be treated to an unforgettable experience.
- Address: Cesky Krumlov Castle, Zámek 59, Latrán, 381 01 Český Krumlov, Czechia
Náměstí Svornosti
The picturesque town of Cesky Krumlov, Czech Republic is home to a beautiful square known as Náměstí Svornosti (Concord Square). It is the main town square in the historical center of the town, located in walking distance from St. Vitus Cathedral.
The square is lined with pastel-colored houses and features a stunning Baroque-style fountain at its center.
Visitors of the main square can enjoy views of the castle looming above or take a seat on one of the many benches that line the perimeter. On warm days, the square is often filled with locals and tourists alike, enjoying the sunny weather and lively atmosphere.
There are plenty of cafes where you can relax after long walks along the medieval streets. Restaurant serves traditional Czech food as well as international dishes, so you can easily satisfy your hunger.
Minorite Monastery
Located at the foot of the hill Minorite monastery (Roman Catholic church) is the pefrect place to visit during summer months. It’s a nice place if you would like to escape the crowds of tourists and enjoy the views on church of St. Vitus and castle grounds.
But plan your visit during early morning. Cesky Krumlov monasteries is worth exploring as they contain a collection of frescoes and paintings.
- Address: Latrán 50, 381 01 Český Krumlov, Czechia
- Mon -Sun: 10.00 – 18.00
Cloak bridge
A stone arch bridge rises above the castle moat and had a goal to connect courtyards. Cloak bridge was built in 1767. Even though it is a part of the castle, Cloak bridge is considered by visitors as separate attraction you must visit in Český Krumlov.
Only castle owners were allowed to walk along the upper gallery, which was connected to castle gardens. Nowadays, tourists can explore the lower gallery from which you can enjoy the views on picturesque old town and Vltava river.
Cesky Krumlov Walkthrough Video
Cesky Krumlov Card
As most of the things to do in Cesky Krumlov are related to museum visits, buying Cesky Krumlov card might be a great idea. This card includes visit to some of the most important attractions, like Castle museum, Egon Schiele art centrum, Monastery museum, Photoatelier Seidel and others.
This card is valid for 12 months. It will save you about 50%.
How to get to Cesky Krumlov from Prague
There are three options for getting from Prague to Cesky Krumlov:
Bus
The most suitable option for tourists is to use this public transport. Hourly from the bus station Na Knížecí (on the map) there is a direct flight to the city of Český Krumlov. The bus runs from 6 am to 9 pm. The ticket price is 7-10 euros. The journey will take about three hours.
Train
There is no direct train. You need to take the train to České Budějovice at the railway station in Prague, and then transfer to the train to the city we need. The journey will take at least three and a half hours.
Car
You’ll need to drive 176 kilometers on road number 3 (D3). Travel time depends on your speed – 2-2.5 hours.
Even if you’re far from the center of Český Krumlov, you’ll still see this big castle, which is, by the way, the second largest castle in the Czech Republic after Prague Castle.
FAQ
This city has managed to preserve its medieval beauty. You should visit it during your trip to the Czech republic. In order to explore Cesky Krumlov be ready to walk a lot.
If you have enough time, it’s better to spend two or three days there. This way, you’ll have a chance to enjoy leisurely walks around the city and visit its attrations without any haste. But even during a day trip you’ll see and do a lot in this charming city.
Being under the protection of UNESCO, all buildings and architectural structures have been preserved in the form in which they were back in the 14th century.
Being pretty small and surrounded by Vltava river, Cesky Krumlov is a perfect place to make a lot of photos.
It’s really difficult to compare those two places, as they’re both worth a visit. Karlovy Vary is more about hot springs and spa, so if your goal is to relax and improve your health, you should visit this city.
Cesky Krumlov is more about walking, exploring and admiring. As many tourists state, it’s a small version of Prague.
