Český Krumlov

The charming city of Český Krumlov beside the Vltava river, with idyllic wooded hills and fields in the background, Czech Republic
The charming city of Český Krumlov beside the Vltava river, with idyllic wooded hills and fields in the background, Czech Republic

NEED TO KNOW

LOCATION Český Krumlov lies in the Southern Bohemia region of the Czech Republic, 110 miles (180 km) southwest of Prague
POPULATION Around 14,100
VISITORS PER YEAR Around 1.2 million
DAYTIME TEMPERATURES Jan: 37°F (3°C); Apr: 54°F (12°C); Jul: 70°F (21°C); Oct: 48°F (9°C)

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.

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