Are you planning to visit Český Krumlov and don’t know how to do it? You have come to the right place.

I’m Andrea from Prague Tip and in this article we discover together what to see in Český Krumlov, what its history is, its main sights, sightseeing tours to see everything in a short time, where to eat and sleep, and how to get there from Prague Tip.

But before we begin, a brief preamble: if you wish to visit Český Krumlov from Prague and you only have one day to spare, my advice is to rely on an organized tour with a tour guide so as to optimize travel. The attractions in Český Krumlov are many, and with the help of an experienced guide you will be able to see them all (or almost all) in the space of a day. To find out about the tours, click on the button below.

What to see in Český Krumlov in one day

Český Krumlov is located in the southern part of Bohemia. This beautiful Czech town, called Krumau until the end of World War II, was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1992.

Today it is regarded as one of the most beautiful towns in the entire Czech Republic in which you can find so many sights. Let’s discover together the most important ones.

Český Krumlov Castle

Photo by Leonhard Niederwimmer on Unsplash

Český Krumlov Castle is perhaps the point of greatest historical interest in the entire city. It is a building of some grandeur, so much so that it can be considered second in the entire state only to Prague Castle.

The architectural complex consists of some 40 buildings, a large garden and as many as 5 courtyards. The important structure was over the years transformed into a fortress. Interventions were made several times on the architecture of this ancient manor, among other things.

The castle also houses a kind of mini-museum. Here the so-called mystic gulf and many everyday objects in the wings are still visible. There is a small revolving stage in the garden on which performances are occasionally held.

There are many of its exhibition rooms in the castle and some of them are located in the basement and mint of the building. The tower is walkable and indeed, once you get to the top, offers a splendid view from the top of Český Krumlov.

Attention, important warning!

There are some bears kept in captivity inside the Castle, and many tourists constantly complain about this situation. In my view, it is not a good idea to spend money to see the bears up close because their habitat in the tower moat is not ideal for them.

If you are planning to take a day tour to Cesky Krumlov from Prague, keep in mind that there is nothing educational or conservation in the bear exhibit. It is therefore ethically questionable that they are still there, in such a small, limited, and uninteresting space, unlike what you might find in some zoos or other wildlife attractions.

The story goes that two bears have been present at the entrance of the castle since 1707, which may sound fun and interesting. However, once you see the concrete moat in which they live, you realize it’s a bit of a sad situation. Consider this a warning: financially supporting the bears (in addition to the cost of admission to the castle) is not recommended.

The baroque theater

Of particular interest is the Baroque theater here, which has come down to the present day in all its splendor and equipped with the stage furniture used at the time.

However, the structure is very fragile. For this reason it can be used only once a year, on the occasion of the performance of a Baroque opera performed by candlelight.

The theater is one of the oldest of those still preserved inside European castles.

The Church of St. Vitus in Český Krumlov

St. Vit us Church is a three-aisled building built following the dictates of the Gothic style. The church was handed over to the citizenship in 1439.

Beautiful is its tower that almost seems to compete in height with that of the nearby castle. If you are lucky you may also be able to attend one of the concerts periodically held inside the house of worship.

The synagogue

The synagogue in Český Krumlov was built in 1909 through the efforts of the local Jewish community. The prevailing style is Art Nouveau-Romanesque.

A prominent element in the architectural economy of the building is the octagonal tower, which, precisely by virtue of its plan and windows, calls to mind the shape of the Torah.

Making the synagogue even more interesting is the fact that very few Jewish buildings remained intact in the aftermath of the outbreak of World War II.

The mill on the Vltava River

The great Vltava River was once considered not only a scenic asset but also a means of livelihood.

One example? The old disused mill in Český Krumlov. This building, dating back to 1300 or so, is now used as an art gallery and museum of historic vehicles.

Ptaci Hradek Castle

This small castle probably owes its compact size to the fact that it was left unfinished.

It was somehow meant to pay homage to Napoleon Bonaparte, veteran of the victorious Battle of Leipzig that ended in 1813.

The Egon Schiele Gallery

The Egon Schiele Gallery is dedicated to the great Austrian expressionist who lived in Český Krumlov for a period of his life.

The locals, paradoxically, were anything but happy to host the great painter at the time. In fact, his art and way of life did not fail to arouse scandal.

The gallery has a relatively recent history. It was founded by three citizens who privately started the art gallery between 1992 and 1993.

Seidl’s photography studio

Several photos with a distinctly retro flavor are collected in this photo studio .

There is also no shortage of postcards and negatives still made in glass. Finally, old photographer’s equipment, by the way, which to this day is in perfect working order, is also on display.

A Cesky Krumlov attraction aimed at photography enthusiasts.

The historic Eggenberg Brewery

When the noble Eggenberg family settled in Český Krumlov in 1662, they evidently left their mark.

The town’s old brewery bears the very name of that wealthy Austrian lineage and is now open to the public.

Between drinks you can learn all the secrets of the perfect brewer or stroll through the beautiful gardens of the facility.

The history of Český Krumlov

The primitive core of Český Krumlov arose in the Middle Ages, around the 13th century.

Initially, the town would take on the function of a ford on the Vltava River and help make Bohemia an important trading stop for the many merchants passing through Europe at the time.

Beginning in 1302 the small town was annexed to the fiefs of the Rosenbergs. This did not prevent Český Krumlov from developing and proliferating. In fact, many of the buildings here date from this period and the following century.

The architecture of the place is mostly Gothic and Renaissance, but there is no shortage of Baroque buildings.

Český Krumlov was over the years subject to different governments and became part of first theAustrianEmpire and then theAustro-Hungarian Empire. For a time the town also belonged to Germany.

In 2002 it suffered a flood when the Vltava River overflowed.

Where is it located and how to get to Český Krumlov from Prague

Český Krumlov is located in the southern part of Bohemia. To get to Český Krumlov from Prague you have essentially four options. Let’s look at them all.

Guided tour (€90)

If you would like to explore with a local guide, we suggest you take advantage of GetYourGuide’s services. For a reasonable cost starting at 90€ per person, you will get round-trip coach transfer, pickup at your hotel in Prague, a local guide, lunch, and tickets to Krumlov Castle. This way you won’t have to worry about anything. However, group tours may not be suitable for everyone. A good alternative might be to arrange your own transportation by bus or train (see below) and then secure a local guide in Krumlov.

Bus (5€)

One of the most convenient and popular options is to take a bus from Prague to Český Krumlov. There are several companies that run several times a day. I recommend you opt for a 6:00 a.m. morning departure from Prague to arrive in Český Krumlov by 9:00 a.m. This trip will cost €5 for a one-way ticket. You can choose from FlixBus, RegioJet, or Leo Express buses, all of which have amenities such as free Wi-Fi on board, air conditioning, toilets, and tables. The travel time is about 3 hours, almost equivalent to the travel time by car.

Train (€8)

If you prefer to travel by train instead of bus, you can opt for the Ceske Drahy railways. The main advantage is the greater comfort during the trip and the opportunity to admire the beautiful natural landscapes on the way from Prague to South Bohemia. However, the first train leaves at 8:00 am, so you will arrive in Český Krumlov at 11:00 am. As with the bus, the trip takes about 3 hours. The cost of the one-way ticket is €8. Since the last train leaves at 2 p.m. from Krumlov, it is advisable to stay overnight or return by bus.

Car rental (€80)

If you have a European driver’s license, you can rent a car and drive to Český Krumlov on your own. There are several car rental companies in Prague. The estimated cost of €80 per day includes the rental of an intermediate class car (such as a Toyota Corolla or similar), full insurance, and fuel. The drive to Český Krumlov is straightforward and takes about 2½ hours to cover the 180-kilometer distance. Traveling by car you will have the freedom to leave when you like and make stops along the way.

Where to stay in Český Krumlov

Here are some suggestions on where to stay in Český Krumlov:

1. Hotel Mlyn: a wonderful option located right on the river, offering fantastic views of the city. It also has parking, making it convenient for guests arriving by car.
2. B&B Alt Straninger: is a cozy property with a special historic charm. The location is great, allowing you to be in the heart of the action.
3. Apartment 23: is a great choice for those looking for eye-catching design and a central location. The apartment is clean, spacious, and located in the heart of the city.
4. Hostel Postel: is perfect for backpackers or those looking to save money. The atmosphere is warm and friendly, and the location is central, making it easy to explore the city.

By choosing one of these accommodations, you can make the most of your vacation in Český Krumlov!

Where to eat in Český Krumlov

In this paragraph I recommend a really good (vegetarian) restaurant and a very quaint café, not to be missed if you plan to visit the city of Cesky Krumlov in the Czech Republic.

• Laibon: Although the Czech Republic is not known for being vegan-friendly, you will have no trouble finding food in Český Krumlov. The Laibon restaurant offers delicious Indian and Middle Eastern dishes, with an exceptionally beautiful location right on the water’s edge. Even if you are not a vegetarian, I highly recommend eating at Laibon. Besides the delicious food, enjoying a drink along the river is an unforgettable experience and one of the best things to do in Český Krumlov.

• Gypsy Pub: Although it is possible to visit Český Krumlov in a day from Prague, the evenings here are truly atmospheric. One of the liveliest places in the city is the Gypsy Pub. Unlike other cities in Central and Eastern Europe, where Roma often live in segregated ghettos, Český Krumlov boasts a proud Roma community of about 1,000 people. The easiest way for travelers to immerse themselves in traditional Roma culture is through their lively, always engaging and passionate music at the Gypgy Pub.

Český Krumlov tourism: some practical tips

Winter in Cesky Krumlov is harsh. Therefore, I suggest you travel to these parts in summer or spring.

Besides appreciating the beauty of the place, you can take part in a large number of events. Many medieval- or renaissance-themed festivals take place right around this time of year.

Although small, this city hosts a large number of tourists. So to avoid being overwhelmed by the crowds, I recommend that you start your tour of its many sights early in the morning.

By the way, at this time of day, as well as at dusk, the atmosphere is magical.

Here are some tips for your trip to Český Krumlov:

1. Light backpack: Being a small town, Český Krumlov is easy to explore on foot. Take only the essentials with you to make it easier to get around and visit the city’s many cultural attractions.
2. Use public transportation: Despite its small size, you may wish to explore places further afield. The city has a good public transportation system, including buses and cabs, which will make it easy for you to get around even on a tight budget, without the need to rent a car.
3. Learn some basic Czech words: Being a Czech-speaking city, locals always appreciate it when foreigners show interest in their language. Even just learning a few basic phrases like “hello” and “thank you” can make all the difference and help create a more authentic experience.
4. Be safe: Český Krumlov is generally considered a safe city, but it is always important to take precautions to protect yourself and your belongings. Avoid walking alone at night and be sure to keep your valuables safe while you are out and about. Also, consider purchasing travel insurance such as IMG Global to ensure your peace of mind during your stay.

By following these tips, you will be able to fully enjoy your trip to Český Krumlov with safety and peace of mind.