Český Krumlov Guide: Highlights, Hidden Gems & Tips
In May, I headed back to the Czech Republic once again. This time, I took advantage of a few beautiful days to visit a town that had been on my travel wishlist for quite some time: Český Krumlov. From the outskirts of Vienna, it took me just two and a half hours by car before I found myself standing in the middle of this fairytale-like town on the Vltava River.
I spent two days there and honestly, I would have loved to stay even longer. Even though the town may seem small at first glance, I really enjoyed taking my time rather than simply ticking off the main sights. For me, that is exactly what makes Český Krumlov so special.
In this blog post, I’ll take you around Český Krumlov, show you some of my favourite places and explain why I think it deserves more than just a quick day trip.
The Best Way to Experience Český Krumlov
Before we get to the highlights, here’s my most important tip right away: take your time and simply wander around.
The town is pleasantly compact and everything can easily be explored on foot, making it the perfect place to set off without any real plan. I can only recommend strolling through the narrow streets, walking along the Vltava River and enjoying the many viewpoints overlooking the town. Make sure to stop at one of the cosy cafés or restaurants, whether on a terrace by the water or tucked away in a quiet side street. In short: slow down and soak up the atmosphere. That’s what Český Krumlov is all about.
As lovely as it is to simply wander through the town, there are places that stood out to me in particular and those are exactly the ones I’d like to show you now.
The Castle and Château Complex
If there’s one place you simply can’t miss in Český Krumlov, it’s the enormous castle complex towering above the town. No matter where you are, the colourful Castle Tower keeps appearing between the rooftops. That’s exactly why it became my very first destination. Even the walk there along Latrán Street is beautiful. Eventually, you’ll find yourself standing in front of the large red gate leading into the castle grounds, impossible to miss.
Tip: To the left of the red gate, you’ll find the former castle pharmacy. Today it houses a bar, but the historic façade is still absolutely worth seeing.
The entire outer castle complex, including the castle gardens, can be visited free of charge. You only need a ticket if you want to see the interiors, climb the Castle Tower or visit the Baroque Castle Theatre. Unsurprisingly, I chose the view first and then spent some time exploring the castle courtyards afterwards.
OPENING HOURS AND TICKETS:
Tour route 1(interior)
Tour route 2 (interior)
Baroque Castle Theater
162 steps up the Castle Tower
The castle complex consists of five courtyards, all connected to one another. The entrance to the Castle Tower is located in the second courtyard. A covered staircase on the left leads to a small courtyard with the ticket office. The ticket also includes admission to the Castle Museum, but I skipped it this time and headed straight for the tower. The climb consists of 162 steps, which I found very manageable.
At the top, you’re rewarded with a truly stunning view. This is where you really understand what makes Český Krumlov so special: the Vltava River winding its way through the town, the sea of red rooftops in the historic centre and the impressive castle complex right beside it. The open viewing gallery allows you to walk all the way around the tower and admire the town from every angle. I could have stood there forever and I’d rather not count how many photos I took.
CASTLE TOWER OPENING HOURS
Apr 1 – May 31: daily 9 am – 4.30 pm
Jun 1 – Aug 31: Mon – Thu & Sun: 9 am – 5.30 pm / Fri & Sat: 9 am – 6.30 pm
Sep 1 – Oct 31: Daily 9 am – 4.30 pm
Nov 1 – Dec 20: Tue – Sun 9 am – 3.30 pm
TICKETS
Adults: 280 CZK (~€11.50), Young Adults (18–24 years) / Seniors: 220 CZK (~€9), Children (6–17 years): 80 CZK (~€3.20)
Free with the ČK CARD
ADDRESS
Zámek 59
Five Castle Courtyards and the Cloak Bridge
Eventually, I managed to tear myself away (knowing there were still plenty of amazing views ahead) and continued exploring the remaining courtyards. It’s absolutely worth doing because each courtyard looks different and has its own character.
Tip: In the passageway between the second and third courtyards, there’s a small balcony on the left-hand side. From here, you get a fantastic view over the town and it also makes for a lovely photo spot.
One of my personal highlights was the Cloak Bridge, which connects the castle with, among other places, the castle gardens. From the top, you once again get sweeping views across the town. Combined with its statues and open arcades, the bridge itself is also incredibly beautiful. My real “wow-moment “came later, though, when I stood underneath the bridge and looked up. Seeing its massive structure from below was genuinely impressive.
A beautiful viewpoint and the Castle Gardens
The fifth courtyard is another incredibly photogenic spot. The wall with its elegant arches perfectly frames the town below.
And this is also where I discovered one of my favourite viewpoints in all of Český Krumlov. A small door to the left of the pathway leads to a terrace with one of the most beautiful views in town. Even though quite a few people were around, I spent a long time simply standing there and taking it all in.
Tip: If you need a break, there are also benches and a small snack stand nearby.
A little further uphill, you’ll reach the Castle Gardens. I visited early in the morning on my second day and it felt incredibly peaceful. There wasn’t another person around, just birdsong and the soft golden morning light spreading across the town. When I visited in May, the gardens were only just waking up from winter, but it was already easy to imagine how beautiful the Baroque Gardens would become later in the season.
CASTLE GARDEN OPENING HOURS
from May: daily 7 am – 7 pm
in October: daily 7 am – 5 pm
ADMISSION
free
Tip: Within the gardens, you’ll find the Baroque Summer Palace Bellarie and the famous revolving auditorium of the open-air theatre. Watching a performance here under the open sky must be a truly special experience.
Charming streets, the Vltava River and another beautiful viewpoint
Yes, I know, at the beginning I said that the best way to experience Český Krumlov is simply to explore without a plan or a specific destination in mind. But there are still a few favourite spots and hidden corners that I don’t want to keep from you.
The lively Latrán Street
Latrán is not only its own district but also probably the most famous street in town. I absolutely loved wandering along here. The historic houses with their colourful façades, together with the many small shops, create such a lovely atmosphere. You’ll find plenty of souvenir stores, but also shops selling gingerbread, ceramics, jewellery, wooden crafts, flowers and much more.
A special eye-catcher is the former Church of St. Jošt ((Kostel svatého Jošta), which today houses the Rafting Museum.
Among all the historic buildings, one modern building stands out as well. It is home to Café & Bistro Kolektiv. I made myself comfortable on one of the small window benches outside and simply watched the world go by for a while. Those are exactly the moments that make a city break feel perfect.
CAFÉ & BISTRO KOLEKTIV
Daily: 8 am – 6 pm
Latrán 13
Latrán Street and the adjoining Radniční Street are also the perfect starting point for exploring the surrounding area. You can simply turn into one of the many side streets whenever you feel like it and discover something new.
Tip: This is exactly how I came across the lovely little restaurant Nonna Gina, hidden away in a tiny side alley off Latrán Street. There are only a few outdoor tables, but it feels incredibly cosy. The pizza was very good and it was simply a wonderful place to spend the evening.
PIZZERIA NONNA GINA
Daily: 11 am – 11 pm
Klášterní ulice 52
Across the Barber’s Bridge into the Old Town
If you follow Latrán Street all the way to the end, you’ll arrive at the historic Barber’s Bridge (Lazebnický most). The bridge connects the castle district with the Old Town. Looking one way, you’ll see the Vltava River and the houses lining its banks. Looking the other way, the castle rises dramatically above you. Once you cross the bridge, you’ll find yourself right in the heart of the Old Town.
Na Fortně: an art installation and a view of the Vltava
Although parts of the Old Town can naturally get quite busy, especially on weekends, it only takes a few steps away from the main routes before things become much quieter. One place I particularly recommend is the tiny lane called Na Fortně. As you stroll through it, you’ll come across a small art installation that makes for a very unusual photo spot. It was created by the Czech sculptor and ceramic artist Miroslav Páral, who had his studio there and was very closely connected to Český Krumlov.
The best part, however, awaits at the end of the lane. As soon as you step through the small archway, you suddenly find yourself standing right on the banks of the Vltava River. The view of the river and the scenery with the houses on the opposite bank is simply beautiful. I spent some time walking along the water here. It was wonderfully peaceful and the view (yes, I know I keep repeating myself) was stunning. Next time, I’m definitely going to grab a drink and sit by the river for a while. Maybe I’ll even make it there for sunset.
You’ll definitely notice the red benches, chairs, and the “foot-bench” here as well. These were also created by the artist Miroslav Páral, whom I mentioned above. Since 2025, the riverside promenade has even been named after him (Náplavka Miroslava Párala).
Through Parkán Street and up to the Seminary Garden
Like many of the small lanes in Český Krumlov, Parkán Street doesn’t seem particularly remarkable at first glance. And yet, it has its own special charm, with its cobblestones, colourful houses and quiet atmosphere. There’s even a small piece of art history hidden here: House No. 111 is the birthplace of Egon Schiele’s mother.
Tip: Make sure to walk all the way to the end of the street. From there, you’ll have a view up to the Regional Museum, housed in the yellow building. Just a few minutes further on, you’ll reach another viewpoint that easily made it onto my list of favourites in Český Krumlov, the Seminary Garden.
To get there, walk through the passage in the red building at the end of Parkán Street, turn right towards the river, climb the stairs, keep left past the Regional Museum and you’ll soon find yourself in the Seminary Garden. And what can I say? The view from up here, from yet another perspective, was absolutely breathtaking. It’s easy to understand why Český Krumlov inspired Egon Schiele so much (more on that later).
Tip: If possible, visit during golden hour, when the light creates a particularly beautiful atmosphere.
If you continue along Horní Street afterwards, you’ll reach the town’s main square, náměstí Svornosti. This is where the Town Hall is located. And honestly, how pretty are those colourful houses surrounding the square? It’s also a wonderful place to sit down on one of the benches and take a short break.
More charming streets of the Old Town
Another delightful discovery was Masná Street. String lights are suspended above the lane, creating an especially lovely atmosphere in the evening.
My personal highlight here was the small café Masná 130. I stumbled upon it almost by accident and was lucky enough to grab one of the few outdoor tables. I really enjoyed sitting here. While the café is particularly known for its coffee, I ordered a chai latte, which was excellent. And I can highly recommend the banana bread as well.
CAFÉ MASNÁ 130
Wed: 11 am – 5 pm
Thu – Sun: 9 am – 5 pm
Masná 130
Directly opposite Masná Street lies Dlouhá Street. If you follow it to the end, it leads into Široká Street and one of the town’s most postcard-perfect views. I don’t want to sound repetitive, but I absolutely loved the colourful houses here. And the little shops with their traditional shutters are simply adorable.
The Egon Schiele Art Centrum
From a distance, you’ll already spot the equestrian statue standing in front of the Egon Schiele Art Centrum. The museum isn’t just for Schiele enthusiasts. In my opinion, it’s a fascinating place in general.
The permanent exhibition offers insights into Egon Schiele’s life and his connection to Český Krumlov. His mother was born here and he himself spent several months in the town in 1911, living and working in a small garden house. His stay didn’t last long, however. The local population strongly disapproved of both his lifestyle and his art, and he was eventually forced to leave the town. Nevertheless, he continued returning for short visits throughout his life. The exhibition includes drawings, prints and sketches, as well as many personal belongings such as furniture, letters and photographs. I thought the entire exhibition was presented in a very modern and engaging way. It provides fascinating insights while also being visually impressive.
Alongside the Schiele exhibition, the museum regularly hosts temporary contemporary art exhibitions. During my visit, these included impressive wooden sculptures by Austrian artist Lois Fasching, as well as works by Czech artist Luděk Rathouský. I particularly enjoyed his large-scale paintings.
Tip 1: Before leaving, make sure to visit the museum shop. Besides art books, exhibition catalogues, posters and postcards, you’ll also find beautiful gifts and souvenirs made in the Czech Republic.
Tip 2: After the museum shop, take the exit towards Hradební Street and look up. You’ll spot several red deer seemingly flying above the alley.
EGON SCHIELE ART CENTRUM OPENING HOURS
Tuesday – Sunday, 10 am – 6 pm
TICKETS
Adults: 280 CZK (~€11.50), Students / Seniors: 230 CZK (~€9.40), Children under 6: free
Free with the ČK Card
ADDRESS
Široká 71
The view of the Castle Rock, the Cloak Bridge and another great coffee spot
From the Egon Schiele Art Centrum, the route leads back towards the castle. First, you’ll pass the Krumlov Mill and cross a small wooden bridge.
Tip: The restaurant in the mill has a lovely terrace right by the water with fantastic views of the castle and the Cloak Bridge. I didn’t try the food myself, though.
And then you’ll arrive at the “wow view” I mentioned earlier. Standing in front of the Cloak Bridge is genuinely impressive. From here, you can either continue uphill towards the castle gardens (simply walk underneath the bridge and follow the stairs on the left) or spend a little more time strolling along the banks of the Vltava. To the right of the bridge, there’s a small peninsula-like area where you can sit on the steps or on one of the benches and enjoy the view of the rock face and the castle towering above it.
I also thought the little wooden bridge nearby was a lovely photo spot. This is where I discovered another lovely cafe, the Drunken Coffee. The terrace is cosy, the drinks were refreshing and, naturally, I couldn’t resist treating myself to a slice of cake as well. Somehow, this trip turned into a journey from one café or bistro to the next. But honestly, I came across so many charming places that I simply couldn’t resist.
DRUNKEN COFFEE
Daily: 10 am – 8 pm
Dlouhá 95
The Southern District
Once you leave the Old Town behind and head towards the southern part of Český Krumlov, things become noticeably quieter. Very few tourists seem to venture here, which I honestly found surprising because this area is definitely worth exploring and shows a completely different side of the town.
The Town Park
My first stop was the Town Park. Apart from a group of children playing, I practically had the entire place to myself. I followed the path along the river. On one side, you have beautiful views towards St. Vitus Church, while at the other end of the park, some steps leads directly down to the Vltava. There’s even a small wooden platform extending into the water. I was told that locals actually go swimming here during summer. I’m sure the area becomes much livelier on a sunny weekend, but during my visit I had this peaceful little spot entirely to myself.
The Egon Schiele Garden House & Studio
From there, I continued past the synagogue, a building that is now mainly used for cultural events and also houses a small café.
Not far from the synagogue, you’ll find another fascinating place: the Egon Schiele Garden House & Studio. The artist lived and worked here for several months in 1911, and it was here that some of his most famous Český Krumlov paintings were created. The house itself is beautifully situated overlooking the Vltava River and surrounded by a terraced garden where even a few grapevines grow.
The studio can be visited, although unfortunately it was closed during my stay. Still, the walk through the garden alone was worth it. There’s also a lovely café here during the summer months and I can already picture myself returning one day, sitting there with a good drink and a book while enjoying the peaceful surroundings.
EGON SCHIELE GARDEN HOUSE & STUDIO
Saturday & Sunday: 11 am – 5 pm
TICKETS
ADDRESS
Linecká 343
Tip: Right next to the upper entrance to the garden house, there’s a small rose garden. Nothing was blooming yet during my visit in early May, but I imagine it’s well worth a visit during summer.
Museum Photoatelier Seidel: a true Hidden Gem
One place I can wholeheartedly recommend is Photoatelier Seidel. Today, the former photography studio has been transformed into a small and lovingly curated museum. Walking through it felt as though time had simply stood still. The visit begins with a short film about the Seidel family and their history, and I have to admit that I found their story quite moving.
Afterwards, you can explore the historic rooms, including the original photography studio with its glass roof, the bedroom, living room and office. Everything has been preserved and recreated with incredible attention to detail. It genuinely feels as though the Seidel family might return home at any moment. Even the nightwear has been laid out on the bed. The entire place offers a fascinating glimpse into everyday life during that period.
Tip: If you’d like to take home a unique souvenir from your trip, you can have your photograph taken here in the style of the early 20th century. Authentic costumes, hats, shoes, gloves and accessories such as antique cameras, umbrellas and books are all provided.
The staff are incredibly passionate about what they do. They explain everything in detail and carefully adjust every little detail to make sure the photograph turns out perfectly. The whole experience was so much fun and definitely not the kind of souvenir you can find everywhere.
MUSEUM PHOTOATELIER SEIDEL OPENING HOURS
Tuesday – Sunday: 9 am – 12 pm and 1 pm – 5 pm
Last admission: 1 hour before closing
TICKETS
Adults: 170 CZK (~€7), students & seniors: 120 CZK (~€5), children aged 6–15: 100 CZK (~€4)
you can book a tour as well
Photography session prices
ADDRESS
Linecká 272
My Tips for Your Trip to Český Krumlov
How Many Days Should You Spend in Český Krumlov?
If you search for Český Krumlov online, you’ll often read that the town is so small that a day trip is enough. Many tour groups visit exactly like that: they arrive in the morning and leave again in the afternoon. But as I mentioned at the beginning, I would definitely recommend staying at least one night, preferably two.
It’s true that Český Krumlov isn’t a large town. But there is still so much to see and experience. Exploring the vast castle complex alone takes time, especially if you want to visit it at a relaxed pace, enjoy an early morning walk through the castle gardens or visit places like Photoatelier Seidel and the Egon Schiele Art Centrum. If you really want to get a feel for the town, you should also spend some time beyond the main tourist areas: sit down at a café tucked away in a side street or by the river, stroll along the Vltava or enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of the town park.
And perhaps most importantly, the atmosphere changes once the day-trippers and tour groups leave in the late afternoon. I really enjoyed my evening walk through town, and by the end of my stay, I found myself wishing I had even more time. One thing is certain: I’ll definitely be coming back.
Hotel Recommendation
I stayed at Hotel Bellevue and can really recommend it. The hotel is centrally located at the beginning of Latrán Street, yet quiet and only a few minutes’ walk from the castle. One of the main parking areas (P2) is also within walking distance, which is especially convenient if you’re arriving by car. I was lucky enough to receive an upgrade to a Junior Suite. The room was beautiful, the bathroom felt new and the bed was very comfortable.
Getting to Český Krumlov
There are several ways to reach Český Krumlov:
- By car: This is probably the easiest and most flexible option. From the outskirts of Vienna, the drive takes around 2.5 hours. From Linz, for example, it takes just over an hour.
- By shuttle bus: A shuttle bus is another convenient option, which offers door-to-door transfers from Vienna directly to Český Krumlov, with a journey time of approximately 3.5 hours. Long-distance bus companies such as FlixBus also operate routes to Český Krumlov.
- By train: Unfortunately, there is no direct train connection. One option is to travel from Vienna to Linz by train, then change to the S3 train towards Summerau and continue by bus to České Budějovice. From there, you’ll need to take another train or bus to Český Krumlov. From the railway station, it’s approximately a 30-minute walk to the Old Town, while the bus station is around 15 minutes away on foot.
Parking
The historic centre of Český Krumlov is almost completely car-free. Access is only permitted with a special permit and the restrictions are strictly monitored by cameras. The official car parks P1 to P7 are located around the town centre, with P1 and P2 being the closest to the Old Town. You can check online how many parking spaces are currently available.
The first 40 minutes are free of charge. After that, parking costs between 30 and 60 CZK per hour (approximately €1.20–€2.40), depending on the car park. There are also discounted long-term rates. For example, parking at P1 for 5 to 12 hours costs 290 CZK (approximately €11.50).
Tip: If you plan to leave and re-enter the car park several times during your stay, you can obtain a special ticket at the Tourist Information Centre on the main square. Once you’ve received it, you must exit the car park and immediately enter again using the new ticket. Only then will it be activated for multiple entries and exits.
Český Krumlov Card
The Český Krumlov Card includes one-time admission to five museums and galleries: the Egon Schiele Art Centrum, the Castle Museum, Photoatelier Seidel, the Regional Museum and the Monastery Museum. As an additional bonus, it also includes free admission to the Egon Schiele Studio. The card is valid for 12 months and costs 490 CZK (approximately €20), which is a saving of around 50%. You can purchase it at the Tourist Information Centre or at the participating museums (except for the Castle Museum).
Paying in Český Krumlov
Although the Czech Republic is part of the European Union, the official currency is the Czech Koruna (CZK). However, credit and debit cards are accepted almost everywhere. In some cafés and restaurants, I was even able to pay directly in euros.
Getting Around
Once you’re in Český Krumlov, you won’t need a car. As mentioned earlier, the Old Town is largely car-free and everything is easily accessible on foot. Even the southern district is only a short walk from the centre.
Language
The official language is Czech, but I had no trouble communicating in English throughout my entire stay.
