Český Krumlov walking tour & city guide

The castle

Český Krumlov Castle is the second-largest castle complex in the country, with a colorful painted tower, a baroque theater and gardens. Its Cloak Bridge offers a wonderful view of the town.

The old town

The old town has cobbled lanes, Renaissance houses and the Egon Schiele Art Centre. In summer, rafts and canoes float down the river through the town.

A day in Český Krumlov

Český Krumlov is a small medieval town wrapped in a tight bend of the Vltava River, and the whole historic center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Begin at the castle, the second-largest in the country, where you can climb the colorful round tower for a view over the red roofs, then cross the unusual Cloak Bridge, a multi-level covered bridge linking parts of the castle.

Behind the castle, the baroque gardens are a peaceful place for a walk, and the castle's Baroque Theatre is one of the best-preserved of its kind in the world. In the afternoon, rent a raft or canoe and float down the river through the town.

Good to know

The town is busiest at midday, when tour groups arrive from Prague, about three hours away. Staying overnight lets you enjoy the quiet lanes in the evening and early morning, which is when the town is at its most magical.

In June, the Five-Petaled Rose Festival brings a Renaissance celebration with costumes, music and jousting. In winter, the castle and town are lovely under snow.