23+ tips on what to visit in Český Krumlov

Český Krumlov isn’t just a town with a fairy-tale castle. It’s a place where the stone remembers centuries of stories and where even an ordinary walk through the centre draws you in. Whether you’re coming for the first time or, like us, returning for the tenth, you’ll always discover something new. Let’s look at the most interesting tips on what to visit in Český Krumlov.

When to visit Český Krumlov

It depends a lot on when you actually have time. Covid heavily affected visitor numbers, but three years on the situation is back to how it was. The days when you could have the town to yourself are gone. Even so there are hours and months when you can enjoy the town in relatively modest company – almost alone. 🙂

The town is at its liveliest in summer and during the Christmas markets – logically. In summer there are plenty of cultural events (concerts, theatre performances, exhibitions, the revolving auditorium and so on). In winter the town is dressed in its Christmas coat. That said, if you want lovely markets, head to České Budějovice.

Which brings us to the fact that you’ll enjoy the town most from January to May and from October to November. Ideally in the morning, from sunrise to 9am. After that the crowds of tourists pour out of the hotels and the solitude is gone.

Tip: The best light for photos is around 9am – mist over the Vltava turns Krumlov into a fairy tale.

Where to stay in Český Krumlov

Whether you’re here for one night or a whole weekend, Český Krumlov has an incredible choice of places to stay – from romantic rooms in historic houses to modern apartments with a castle view. You just have to decide whether you want to sleep in the middle of the action or somewhere quieter by the river.

Zdeňa and I regularly return to our beloved Pension Largo, where we also spent our first night as a couple (more on that later). Penzion Adalbert has not only an excellent location with a castle view but fantastic ratings too. Last of all I’d recommend the Authentic Apartment hotel – my parents have stayed there and raved about the breakfasts, which were included.

If you’re travelling light and would rather spend money on experiences than a bed, Krumlov has a few excellent low-cost options too – Hostelskippy or Vltavská pohádka (from 500 CZK a night)

In the romantic, or if you like experiential, category I’d recommend Krumlovský mlýn (they’re on Amazing Places too – the price matches) or Masná 130 House.

Where to go first in Český Krumlov?

For anyone arriving in Český Krumlov for the first time, the castle is certainly a “must see”. The castle itself is fairly extensive and has plenty of places worth seeing and properly enjoying. When it comes to what to visit in Český Krumlov, I’d first choose a good entry point for where your tour of Krumlov begins.

The nature trail around Český Krumlov

Now’s the moment to work out how much time you have for the town. If you’re not limited, I’d recommend walking the nature trail that starts at the castle riding hall, continues over Křížová hora, leads you through Krumlov’s cosy centre, takes you through the whole castle and finally ends back at the riding hall.

It took us just under three hours; we didn’t rush and at the top of Křížová hora we had time to take in the majestic view of the town with Kleť in the background.

You can see the whole route on the map below.

From the chapel at the top you then follow the blue waymarks all the way to the centre of Krumlov. You can’t get lost. Well, you can, but it takes real effort.

Český Krumlov Castle

When I was about 10 we canoed the Vltava with my parents. There’s a lovely memory of the castle attached to that. There was still plenty of water in the Vltava back then. As experienced canoeists, my parents set out to run the weir below the castle. All I remember is that when I surfaced after capsizing, the first thing I saw was that pure apparition – Český Krumlov Castle.

There are two ways up to the castle. The first from the riding hall, the second from the centre. You can walk through the castle beautifully without ending up back where you started by the same route. You’ll find a detailed plan of the castle here.

We’ve never been inside the castle. Actually we enjoy gawping at the surroundings more than what’s hidden inside. For keen visitors and castle lovers we’ll add the current prices including the tour circuits.

The bear moat with its bears

The first written mentions of keeping bears at the castle date from the second half of the 16th century, under the Rožmberk family. At the time the bears served, among other things, as a symbol of the family coat of arms. Today the enclosure also works as a sanctuary for bears in need – animals taken from unsuitable keepers or illegal imports.

The Three Monasteries

The monasteries in the historic centre of Český Krumlov are one of the most significant medieval monastic complexes in Central Europe. This unique group of three monasteries from the mid-14th century covers almost a fifth of the town’s historic core and is, after the castle, the second largest and most important heritage site in Český Krumlov. You can combine a walk around them with a stroll along the bank of the Vltava.

The craft lane

It’s near Latrán, right by the castle entrance. Officially it’s called the Latrán craft lane or the monastery courtyard and it’s part of the Český Krumlov Monasteries complex (the former Minorite and Poor Clare monastery). Here you’ll find open workshops and studios where you can try your hand at a craft or support genuine local craftspeople.

The graphite mine

Graphite deposits were known around Krumlov as early as the 18th century, with intensive mining starting around 1767. The greatest boom came in the 19th century, when the local graphite (the so-called Krumlov Lubín type) was exported across Europe.

After the Second World War the mines were nationalised (the state enterprise “Czechoslovak Graphite Works”). Mining continued until 1994, when it was stopped for economic reasons. In 2003, though, the mine was turned into a tourist underground attraction with an authentic mining atmosphere. The tour lasts about 60 minutes.

🕒 Opening hours	Daily April–October, 9:00–17:00 (closed in winter)
Admission	about 350 CZK adults / 250 CZK children / 900 CZK family
Website	www.grafitovydul.cz

The Budějovice Gate

An original gate stood here as early as the 14th century, as part of the town fortifications. It got its name from facing towards České Budějovice. It’s also near the excellent Cafein café, where you can have great coffee and a dessert!

The brewery gardens

Where the gardens are today stood the Eggenberg family brewery, founded in 1625 and later rebuilt and extended by the Schwarzenbergs. I’d combine the walk with a visit to the monasteries.

The wider centre – Latrán

You certainly won’t go wrong by dawdling through the town’s lanes for a while. You can wander onto Svornosti Square, discover the church of St Vitus or enjoy views of the castle from the vantage point in Horní street. A very interesting part worth visiting is the Latrán district.

Viewpoints over the town

There are several viewpoints over the town you shouldn’t miss. The reason is the magnificent photos you won’t tire of even in 10 years. The best known is the view from the Seminary Garden. Right next to it is the sundial by the former Jesuit college.

A walk through the parks and the Deer Garden

Just in front of the Budějovice Gate you get views of the state castle and the nearby Deer Gardens. You can walk in the gardens as you please – unlike the castle gardens, where access is often restricted (especially out of season).

The Krumlov mill

It once served as the manorial mill, grinding grain from the surrounding villages for the castle nobility. In the 1990s the building underwent extensive renovation, from which only part of the original water wheel, the technical equipment and the vaults survive. Today it houses a restaurant, café, gallery and guesthouse.

The castle riding hall and the revolving auditorium

Magnificent buildings that are part of the castle, open to the public at certain times of year. I have warm memories of the place myself, because I graduated here twice. I also had the chance to be part of an evening performance at the revolving auditorium. That was one of the best theatre experiences I’ve ever had. Sadly the passage of time and pressure from UNESCO mean the auditorium has to move out of the gardens.

Svornosti Square

The Christmas markets are held here and it’s also home to the information centre, which I warmly recommend visiting. When it comes to what to visit in Český Krumlov, your first steps could well lead here for inspiration. I can give you concrete tips on places, but you’ll find current information about what’s on in town at the information centre.

Via Ferrata Havranka

Via Ferrata Havranka is on the Havraní skála rock formation on the right (southeastern) bank of the Vltava, just a few minutes’ walk from the town centre. It’s a bonus activity if you have more time in town and have run out of ideas for what to visit in Český Krumlov.

The mirror maze

The maze was created during the revitalisation of the monastery complex around 2015, when the former convent buildings opened to the public. The aim was to create a modern attraction that would give visitors an interactive experience while respecting the historic setting. Admission is 150 CZK for adults and a bit less for children. It’s open from 10:00 to 18:00 daily.

The regional museum

A good way to spend time if it’s raining or if you like museums. You’ll find everything from prehistory to the present day of the Český Krumlov area. The exhibitions show how the region developed from the earliest times to the modern era. It’s open daily except Monday. Admission 150 CZK for adults, 80 CZK for children, students and seniors.

The Seidel Photo Studio Museum

The Seidel Photo Studio Museum is certainly worth recommending. The museum has an invitation ready for you: “Step inside and be enchanted by a place that holds the story of the beginnings of photography, the turbulent fate of the pioneers of this craft and a photographic chronicle of the Czech-German-Austrian borderlands from the end of the 19th century and the first half of the 20th.”

The town centre

You certainly won’t go wrong by dawdling through the town’s lanes for a while. You can wander onto Svornosti Square, discover the church of St Vitus or enjoy views of the castle from the vantage point in Horní street.

A visit to the town theatre

From the revolving theatre straight to the classic one? Yes! We only did it several months later, when Jaroslav Dušek was in town with his Four Agreements show. The theatre is a beautiful place, as is the theatre café, where they pour excellent Bernard!

Through the town park and back along the Vltava

You can enjoy a smaller concentration of people by heading into the town park. From there you can walk on through Rybářská street along the bank of the Vltava all the way to the area below the castle, or rather into the town centre. When we walked through I didn’t take any photos, though. Sometimes I simply keep the nice memories to myself. Take it as a small tip.

A stopover on Křížová hora

If you take the circuit around Český Krumlov mentioned above, you can’t miss this gem towering over the town. Precisely because you walk on the flat the whole time and then suddenly have to scramble uphill.

On Křížová hora stands the chapel of Our Lady of Sorrows and the Holy Cross. Thanks to volunteer caretakers the chapel is still in good condition. That isn’t all, though. Just step in front of the chapel and you’ll see why it’s worth the scramble.

I’d never seen Český Krumlov from the other side, as if laid out in the palm of your hand. Only ever views from the castle down over the town. You could happily sit at that viewpoint all morning. So this place definitely deserves a spot on the list of what to visit in Český Krumlov.

EXTRA tips to finish on what to see in Český Krumlov

We could still give you a few tips for experiences, especially if you’re planning to stay in Krumlov longer. There really are plenty of activities and they’re clearly laid out by the Český Krumlov area destination management organisation.

Where to go for good coffee, dessert and food

In the centre there are plenty of little cafés and bistros where you can rest, enjoy good coffee and eat well. From our most recent experience we can recommend the café Masná 130

You can enjoy a good sit-down and good food at the DEPO inn. They also have a garden with a castle view. We’d vouch for this restaurant with our lives – we’ve eaten there about 4 times. Their prices are normal, they pour great Pilsner and they don’t play games in the kitchen. I’m not so sure about the rest of the restaurants. That said, walking through the town centre it’s completely normal to pay a highway-robbery 429 CZK for a main course (approx. 20 USD) !

Another café we’ve tried is Kafemlejnek, with seating by the Barber’s Bridge (which is partly why it’s on the list). Sitting right by the water was pretty good. We also really enjoyed the much-hyped Kolektiv. Their filter coffee is genuinely very good!

And so there’s no shortage of cafés to visit in Český Krumlov, we’ll also recommend Cafein, right by the Budějovice Gate. In all these cafés I’d recommend eating too – the food is tasty, nicely served and the staff genuinely care about you as a guest.

The Český Krumlov area destination management organisation has put together a complete list of all the cafés, patisseries, restaurants and bistros. Find your café here

Parking in Český Krumlov

Thanks to the influx of tourists in years gone by, the town has plenty of places to leave your vehicle. For those arriving by train or bus, one less worry. You can see the map of parking spots in the image. Detailed information about parking is here.

Being a thrifty sort, I took the liberty of marking on the map a place where you can park for free. From that spot you’ll be at the castle riding hall in about 5 minutes 😊

We’ve parked, let’s move on. Maybe you’d finally like to know where to actually go in Český Krumlov. All right, you impatient lot.

Yes, this paragraph may come across as far too chauvinistic, but I couldn’t resist it 😀

A map with tips on what to do in town

Save the map of the best places to visit in Český Krumlov straight to your device and have them with you at all times.