NEED TO KNOW
A popular day trip from Prague, Český Krumlov is nestled scenically between two loops of the Vltava River and also boasts a very attractive medieval center.
The city’s main draw is a castle complex on a rocky outcrop above the river, which offers visitors guided tours to its 18th-century Baroque theater. But there is more to the city than its castle, and even with the trappings of modern tourism, it’s a pleasure to explore streets lined with medieval, Renaissance, and Baroque town houses.
In the summer, tourists and locals alike take to the Vltava River on kayaks, rafts, and even inner tubes.
Practical Information
Getting There
The easiest way to get to Český Krumlov is to take a bus from Prague. You can also take a train from Prague, but you’ll need to change at České Budějovice. If you’re coming from the south, it may be best to take a train to Linz in Austria, and from there, a shuttle bus.
When to Go
Visiting in summer means sharing the town with thousands of other visitors, but it also brings the best weather for rafting on the Vltava River.
Winter is cold, but the city can look very attractive at this time.