It may look like a set designer’s fantasy, but behind Český Krumlov’s picture-perfect façade is a town steeped in centuries of cultural and historic significance.
(Photo: Ralf Peter Reimann via Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0)
Tucked into a crook of the Vltava River in the Czech Republic’s South Bohemia region, Český Krumlov has been fending off the word “quaint” for decades. Yes, there’s a 13th-century castle with its own bear moat and an Old Town so photogenic it’s hard to take a bad picture – but there’s more to this UNESCO-protected town than surface beauty. We’ve hand-picked some of the most unique things to see and do here.
Visit a fairytale fortress
Sprawling over five courtyards and a hilltop promontory, Český Krumlov Castle is a magnificent patchwork of Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque architecture. The climb to the top of the castle tower rewards visitors with the best views in town, while the bear moat below is a bizarre but genuine tradition dating back to the 16th century, when the noble Rosenberg family kept bears here. For a more immersive experience, join one of the regular guided tours that take you inside the castle’s ornate staterooms, frescoed halls and lavish 18th-century masquerade ballroom.
Zámek 59 / Tues-Sun 9am-4pm Closed Mon
For visitors travelling from Prague, there are also a number of Český Krumlov tours that start in Prague and include trips to the castle. Check out our favourites here.
Take a river cruise
Locals have used wooden rafts to navigate the waters of the Vltava – the Czech Republic’s longest river – for centuries, and today’s boat ours honour that tradition in style. Visitors can hop aboard lat-bottomed boats once used by traders to move timber along the Vltava for a gentle drift past medieval towers, Renaissance façades and riverside gardens, while lively guides regale you with stories of yore. With a maximum of ten passengers, it’s intimate, relaxed and you never feel cramped. As an added bonus, there’s even stop for a complimentary local drink.
You can book a Český Krumlov river boat cruise at GetYourGuide
(Photo: VOROPLAVBA.CZ s.r.o. / Courtesy GetYourGuide)
Visit a museum
Housed in a former school building with sweeping views over the old town, Český Krumlov Regional Museum is a treasure trove of artefacts spanning prehistoric tools to Communist-era curios, all designed to shine a light on the town’s fascinating past. Exhibits are well-curated and there’s enough quirkiness to hold the interest of even the most indifferent of visitors, including an entire room of pipes. Other highlights include an enormous hand-crafted ceramic model of Český Krumlov.
Horní 152 / Tues-Sun 9am-5pm Closed Mon
For something a little more offbeat, the Muzeum Marionet offers an enchanting detour into the theatrical world of Czech puppetry. Set inside a former church, this eccentric museum celebrates a centuries-old tradition with an endearing mix of antique marionettes, elaborate stage sets and larger-than-life characters. You’ll find everything from classic fairy tale figures to devilish villains and royal courts -many of which are still used in performances today.
381 01 Český Krumlov 1 / Tues-Sun 10am-5pm Closed Mon
Enjoy some world class art
Český Krumlov also has a rich artistic heritage and at its creative heart is the Egon Schiele Art Centrum. Situated on the site of a former brewery, the gallery pays tribute to the celebrated Austrian expressionist who briefly lived in the town before being booted out for scandalising the locals. Alongside Schiele’s drawings and letters, you’ll find rotating exhibitions from Czech and international contemporary artists. There’s also an on-site café and a well-stocked gift shop stocked.
Široká 71 / Tues-Sun 10am-6pm Closed Mon
(Photo: Egon Schiele Art Centrum)
Get a taste of the local beer scene
You can discover Český Krumlov’s brewing history independently, or for a deeper dive you can also join a guided beer tour. Starting with a behind-the-scenes look at the town’s main brewery, including its centuries-old cellars, you’ll follow your guide to a handful of atmospheric pubs. Along the way, you’ll sample several Czech beers, each paired with traditional bar snacks like pickled sausage and marinated cheese. As you sip, your guide will share stories of the town’s deep-rooted beer rituals and customs. All tastings are included in the tour price.
You can book a Český Krumlov brewery tour at GetYourGuide
(Photo: Erich Ferdinand via Flickr / CC BY 2.0)
Escape to a public park
Located a short stroll from the castle and old town, Český Krumlov City Park offers the ideal antidote to the cobbled hustle and bustle. Set along a scenic stretch of the Vltava River, this relaxed green space is dotted with shaded benches and tall trees, and also serves up one of the best views of the castle skyline you’ll find anywhere in the town. There’s also a small sculpture garden and a playground for families with smaller kids to enjoy, plus plenty of spots to lay out a picnic or watch the riverboats drift by.
Linecká, 381 01 / Open all hours