Český Krumlov

The most beautiful small town in Bohemia — a UNESCO-listed medieval centre wrapped in a horseshoe bend of the Vltava.

60 hotelsSouth BohemiaBest season: May – Sep

DestinationČeský Krumlov, Czech Republic

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About Český Krumlov

Český Krumlov is one of the best-preserved medieval town centres in Central Europe. The old town, encircled by a tight meander of the Vltava river, is dominated by a castle complex second in size only to Prague Castle. The whole ensemble — castle, baroque theatre, gardens, riverside mills, cobbled streets — is on the UNESCO World Heritage list and deserves to be.

The town has fewer than 15,000 permanent residents, which means that tourism is the dominant industry and that the relationship between residents and visitors is more complicated than in larger cities. July and August are extremely crowded. May, June, September and early October offer something closer to the experience the town's architecture suggests it should provide.

Key facts

Country

Czech Republic

Region

South Bohemia

Currency

Czech Koruna (CZK)

Language

Czech (English widely spoken by tourist industry)

Airport

Nearest airports: Prague (3h by car) or Linz, Austria (1.5h)

Best time to visit

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

Great Good Busy/hot Cold

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Where to stay in Český Krumlov

Each neighbourhood has a distinct character — pick the one that suits your trip

Old Town

Staré Město

Medieval streets, the castle, main square, most accommodation

Castle quarter

Latrán

Street leading to the castle gate, good restaurants

Český Krumlov guides

Everything you need to plan your trip, written by people who've spent real time there

City Guide

Český Krumlov: how to see it without the crowds

UNESCO, baroque theatre, a castle and a river bend. Stay overnight — the day-trippers will be gone by 5pm.

5 min readRead →

Practical information

The essentials before you go

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Getting there

By bus Regular buses from Prague (3h) and České Budějovice (1h). Český Krumlov has no train station; all public transport uses buses.

By car Prague to Český Krumlov is approximately 2.5h by car. Parking is outside the old town; the centre is pedestrianised.

From Vienna Student Agency buses run directly from Vienna (3h). A popular option for visitors combining the two cities.

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Getting around

On foot The entire old town is walkable. The castle complex requires a timed ticket; the gardens are free.

Canoe Rafting and canoeing on the Vltava is a major local activity. Several companies hire canoes for the 18km river circuit.

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Good to know

Castle tickets The castle tour (Route 1 or 2) requires advance booking in summer. The baroque theatre is one of the best preserved in Europe and requires a separate ticket.

Overnight stay Most visitors come on a day trip from Prague or Linz. Staying overnight gives you the old town early morning and evening when day-trippers have left — an entirely different experience.

River The Vltava horseshoe bend is best appreciated from the castle gardens or from the river level. A canoe trip past the old town is the most beautiful perspective.

Nearby destinations

Easy day trips and next stops from Český Krumlov

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