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Český Krumlov is a picturesque town in the South Bohemian Region of the Czech Republic. Also known as the Gate to Šumava, it was added to UNESCO’s List of World Culture and Natural History in 1992. 

This enchanting town makes up for the perfect day trip from Prague. Wondering how to plan one? Don’t worry. We’ve got you covered. In this guide, we take you through essential information such as timings, entry fees, how to reach the place, how to commute, what currencies and payment modes to use, the places to visit, and more. Allow us to help you make your day trip a memorable one. 

A Day Trip Guide To Český Krumlov

What Český Krumlov Means?

The word Český means Czech or Bohemian. The word Krumlov is derived from the German phrase “Krumme Aue,” which translates to “crooked meadow,” referring to the natural topography of the town.

Best Time To Visit Český Krumlov

The Summer months (June, July, and August) are the best time to visit Český Krumlov. During this period, the days are longer, and the climate is warm, enabling you to spend more time outdoors. You can visit the place during winter too, but the climate is slightly harsh, and there’s little daylight. The only advantage is that you can avoid the summer crowd. 

How To Reach Český Krumlov?

Train 

There is only one direct train each way, departing at 09:21 from Prague and 14:07 from Český Krumlov. Another option is to change the train at Ceske Budejovice. The train journey takes about 2 hours 30 minutes. Since Český Krumlov train station is located on the outskirts, you have to walk from there for about 20 minutes or rent a taxi to reach the town center. The direct train costs 265 CZK, and the trains with transit costs 352 CZK.

Road

The best and cheapest way to reach Český Krumlov is by bus. RegioJet and Flixbus offer direct bus services between Prague and Český Krumlov, and their ticket prices range between 168 CZK and 336 CZK. The first bus from Prague departs at 06:00 while the last from Český Krumlov departs at 19:00. The journey will take about 3 hours. 

These buses are fully air-conditioned with comfortable seats, have free Wi-Fi (although their speed is not good), have charging outlets, a toilet, and also provide free hot drinks.

Alternatively, you can visit Český Krumlov in your vehicle. However, you must know that the historic center is a designated pedestrian zone and allows vehicles to enter the zone only between 3 PM to 10:30 AM. You will also need proper permits issued by the authorities. You are not allowed to park the vehicles, but only to transport them to/from accommodation facilities. The permits can be purchased for 100 CZK for 24 hours.

Getting Around

Český Krumlov is a small town that can be easily covered by walking. You can also rent a bike to commute to the town. Some rental companies offer combos to rent a bike and a boat together.

What To Eat?

If you want to try Czech cuisine in a place with a good ambiance, we recommend Šatlava Tavern, Maštal restaurant, U Dwau Maryí Tavern, Na louži pub, and Eggenberg Brewery restaurant.

Where To Stay?

We took a day trip to Český Krumlov from Prague and did not stay overnight. However, if you want to spend more time in the town, there are various accommodation options available. Choose the best based on your budget.

Use of Public Toilets

You can find toilets at the bus stop, Horni Street, Castle courtyard, and parking lot. For visitors, 20 CZK or 1 EUR is charged for toilet use.  

Currency

The Czech Koruna, or Czech Crown (Kc/CZK), is the native currency widely used in Český Krumlov. Some restaurants and shops do accept Euro (EUR). It is better to carry some funds in the local currency as there are only a few banks and agencies where you can exchange currency in the town. 

Must Do Activities In Český Krumlov

Swim In The Vltava River

Don’t forget to pack your swimsuit while visiting Český Krumlov. You can swim in the Vltava River at 2 places – From the studio of Egen Schiele and on the border of the city park (Městský park). There is a playground nearby to entertain the kids. 

You can also take a refreshing dip in one of the natural lakes or swimming pools.

Water Sports And Activities

Between May and October, you can try kayaking, rafting, and canoeing in the Vlata River. Although you will find several renting options, our recommendations include Surfsport, Vltava Sport Service, and Expedicion. Depending on the number of people, time, and distance, the price varies.

Additionally, You can also go on a historical sightseeing cruise on wooden rafts with Maleček Rafting or Voroplavba Radek Šťovíček.

Rock Climbing At The Via Ferrata Havranka

Ferrata Havranka is located on the Havraní skála rock formation on the right bank of the Vltava River. It is just a few minutes away from the town center. You can find two routes with difficulty B (beginner-friendly) and C (advanced). You must be at least 15 years of age to do rock climbing.

Join The Free Walking Tour

One of the best ways to get around Český Krumlov is by joining the Wiseman Free Tour, which starts at 10:30 AM or 2 PM in front of the Infocentrum office in the main square (Náměstí Svornosti). Find the guide in a red T-shirt and a red umbrella. The tour is in English, and a reservation is mandatory. In just 2 hours, you will learn about the history of different sites and places. You also get to meet people from around the world, and the experience is quite fulfilling. This tour is a must, and we promise you’ll never get tired of going around and learning about this beautiful historic town. However, if you want to go solo and experience the surroundings in your own way, you can tour the town on a bike.

Best Places To Visit In Český Krumlov

Twin’s Tip: Buy the Český Krumlov Card from the Inforcentrum (luggage storage available at extra cost), which includes entry to Egon Schiele Art Centrum, Český Krumlov Monasteries, Castle Museum And Castle Tower, Museum Fotoatelier Seidel, and Regional Museum In Český Krumlov.

Cost: 400 CZK for adults,  800 CZK for families (2 adults and max 3 children up to 15 years) and discounted entry, 200 CZK for children up to 15 years, seniors over 65, students up to 26 years, and handicapped with disabilities. This will save you a lot of money, time, and hassle.

1. State Castle And Chateau Český Krumlov

The castle was built by the Vikovci family in 1240. The archaic structure is the city’s main landmark and is listed as a National Heritage Site. It is the second most visited castle in the Czech Republic after Prague Castle and is one of the main tourist attractions in the town.

The castle complex comprises five courtyards, and the main entrance is from Latrán Street through the Red Gate. You must cross the moat bridge (where you may find bears) to enter the Lower Castle. On the left side is a living palace with a rounded six-storey tower known as the Little Castle. The Gothic Castle Tower is the oldest part of the complex and dates back to the 13th century. It was remodeled in 1951 in the Renaissance style and was decorated with paintings from 1580. When you reach the tower top (after climbing 162 steps), you’re rewarded with beautiful views of the city and the complex.

Once you cross the steep corridor, you’ll reach the Upper Castle, the Rosenberg Palace. The interiors of this part of the castle are open to visitors on two guided tours. The unique five-storey cloak bridge from 1764 connects the Upper Castle with the Český Krumlov Baroque Theatre from 1767. The latter is one of the most preserved Baroque theatres in the world. Moving further, you will find the Baroque castle gardens with a cascade fountain, the summer house Bellarie, and a revolving auditorium from 1959.

There are many shops and restaurants inside the castle gardens. 

• Cost: Free for entering the castle complex, 180 CZK for adults to enter the castle museum and tower.
• Timings: Open from April to October from 9 AM to 5 PM on all days except Mondays.

2. Náměstí Svarnosti (The Main Square)

The Main Square is decorated with the 16th-century Renaissance Town Hall and Marian Plague Column from 1716. You can visit the place at any time during the day. It has several shops, hotels, and restaurants for you to indulge in. Beside this resides the Český Krumlov Tourist Information Center.

3. Seminární Zahrada (The Seminary Garden)

Seminární Zahrada is a quaint little space that invites weary travelers and explorers to relax and revitalize their energy levels. The terrace in the garden offers stunning views of the castle and the Tower of St. Jošt Church. You can witness beautiful colorful houses and cozy winding streets from atop.

• Cost: Free
• Timings: Open 24 hours

4. Egon Schiele Art Centrum

Egen Schiele Art Centrum is a museum and gallery devoted to the Austrian painter Egon Schiele. His mother, Marie Soukupová, was born in Český Krumlov. You will find drawings, graphics, photographs, the artist’s furniture, personal letters, business cards, Schiele’s family tree, documentation about his stays in Krumlov, and the motifs on his paintings and drawings. In addition to this, they also have seasonally changing exhibitions of classical and contemporary 20th and 21st-century artworks. There is also a cute traditional cafe in the museum courtyard where you can meet other art lovers.

• Cost: 220 CZK for adults, 100 CZK for children between 6 and 15 years, free for children below 6 years, and 150 CZK for students, seniors over 65, and disabled people.
• Timings: Open from 10 AM to 6 PM on all days except Mondays.

5. Český Krumlov Monasteries

The large complex of medieval monasteries was founded by the Krumlov ruler Petr I. of Rosenberg and his wife, Kateřina. They established the place as a common monastery of Minorites and Clare nuns in 1350, with a common church in the heart of the complex. The Clare nuns stayed until 1785, whereas the Minorites stayed until the late 1950s. 

Today, the Monastery Museum (Klášterní Museum), 3+ Gallery (Maurizio Olivotto’s Bestiary, Collection of illustrations for children, and Interactive Exposition), and the monastery garden are open to the public. The monastery complex is the second largest historical complex in Český Krumlov after the castle. 

The area can be entered through the Baroque gate from Monastery Street (Klášterní Ulice), behind which a small courtyard, Tramín, is located. You can access all parts of the complex, including the Christ Church, the Minorite Monastery, the Beguine Convent, and the monastery garden. 

• Cost: 150 CZK for adults to enter the Monastery Museum, 220 CZK for adults for Maurizio Olivotto’s Bestiary + Collection of illustrations for children, and 220 CZK for Interactive Exposition. Free to enter the garden.
• Timings: The Monastery Museum and 3+ Gallery are open from June to August from 10 AM to 7 PM. The monastery garden and Tramín courtyard are open to the public throughout the day.

6. Church of St. Vitus

The Parish church is an important late Gothic monument from 1407 to 1438. In 1995, it was declared a National Cultural Monument. The church tower, where the uppermost part of the spire is in pseudogothic style, dominates the town’s skyline. St. Vitus Church is used for religious purposes even today. Classical music concerts are occasionally hosted here.

• Cost: Free
• Timings: Open from 9 AM to 4:30 PM on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays; 9 AM to 5 PM on Tuesdays and Saturdays; and 11 AM to 5 PM on Sundays. 

7. Regional Museum In Český Krumlov

The Regional Museum is located in the newly reconstructed Baroque building of the former Jesuit High School. The permanent museum exposition is “The Historic Presentation of the Český Krumlov Region from Prehistory to the End of the 19th Century.” It shows visitors the rich historical development of the region and the town. You must check out the detailed ceramic model of Český Krumlov’s old town, one of the largest models of this kind in the world. A part of the Regional Museum is the Memorial Birth House of the writer Adalbert Stifter in Horní Planá, mapping the life and works of this “poet of Šumava.”

The museum has collections from many sources. Currently, the Regional Museum in Český Krumlov administers 22,000 items from the registered collection fund, almost 34,000 collection articles, and 5,000 items in the museum library.

• Cost: 60 CZK for adults and 30 CZK for children, students, seniors, and disabled people. 
• Timings: Open from Tuesday to Sunday from 9 AM to 5 PM

Frequently Asked Questions

If you plan to visit the Czech Republic, we highly recommend a day trip to Český Krumlov. We hope this blog helped you plan your visit. Share your experience with us in the comments below and follow us on Social Media – Pinterest, Instagram, and YouTube.