Your complete guide to visiting Český Krumlov

Step into one of Central Europe’s largest castle complexes, where Renaissance courtyards, richly decorated halls, and layered architectural styles reveal how the town evolved under powerful noble families. As you move through the grounds, notice how the bear moat and preserved Baroque theater connect daily life, symbolism, and spectacle in a single setting.

The Castle Tower stands out for its detailed Renaissance frescoes that create the illusion of carved stone and depth. From the top, you can clearly follow the town’s historic layout, with tiled roofs, church spires, and the Vltava River looping below.

The Old Town invites slow wandering, with narrow cobbled lanes that open into quiet squares, artisan shops, and small cafes tucked into centuries-old buildings. Instead of rushing through, take time to notice the changing facades and hidden courtyards that make the town feel lived in rather than preserved behind glass.

St. Vitus Church stands out for its elegant Gothic lines and calm interior, offering a reflective pause from the busier streets nearby. Step inside to see how light filters through tall windows, giving you a sense of the town’s spiritual life that complements its more famous castle views.

Follow the Vltava River as it curves around the town, shaping streets, viewpoints, and daily rhythms since medieval times. Along its banks, you can spot historic mills, riverside houses, and wooden rafts that reflect the river’s long role in trade and transport.

Hidden within the castle grounds, the Baroque Theater preserves original stage sets, props, and wooden machinery from the 18th century. You can clearly see how scene changes, sound effects, and lighting once relied on manual systems rather than modern technology.

The Egon Schiele Art Centrum highlights the town’s artistic ties through exhibitions dedicated to the expressive Austrian painter and rotating modern shows. As you explore the galleries, the contrast between bold contemporary art and medieval surroundings adds depth to the visit.

The Cloak Bridge connects different levels of the castle complex through a striking multi-story structure supported by massive arches. From the walkway, you can look down into the gardens and imagine the movement of court life passing high above the town streets.

Floating past medieval walls and riverside gardens gives you a completely different angle on the town, especially when the bends open up to postcard views of the castle above. The most popular season for canoeing and rafting on the Vltava typically runs from May to September, so summer visits offer the widest choice of rentals and shuttle supported routes.

The Graphite Mine opens a window into the industrial side of Český Krumlov that many visitors overlook, complete with helmets, lamps, and a ride on a small mine train. The guided route covers about 2km and lasts roughly 70 minutes, combining underground train sections with walking through tunnels and former working areas.

If you want the town at its most theatrical, time your trip for the Five-Petalled Rose Festival, when the Old Town fills with Renaissance costumes, parades, performances, and themed events tied to Český Krumlov’s noble past. The festival typically takes place on the weekend closest to the summer solstice, and future dates are published in advance, which helps you book early for accommodation and transport.

When you want something more contemporary than frescoes and altars, the Egon Schiele Art Centrum gives you a strong contrast, pairing Schiele-focused exhibitions with rotating modern shows. The galleries add a new lens on the town, especially if you like seeing how small places attract artists and outsiders across generations.

The Regional Museum fills in the context behind what you see on the streets, including how trade, crafts, and everyday life shaped Český Krumlov beyond its noble landmarks. This is a smart stop if you want your castle and Old Town walk to feel more meaningful, not just scenic.

Latrán, the district below the castle, feels more local and craft-oriented than the busiest squares. You can browse handmade ceramics, prints, and small galleries, then pause at a cafe that feels calmer than the Old Town center.

Český Krumlov’s best meals often come from places that treat the river as the backdrop, not the selling point. Look for seasonal Czech dishes and South Bohemian specialties, then stay long enough to watch the town shift from daytime bustle to evening calm.

A carefully curated design shop inspired by the town’s historic German name, blending modern aesthetics with local identity. You’ll find tasteful prints, books, textiles, and objects that feel connected to Český Krumlov without being overtly touristic.

A compact market-style shop focusing on Czech-made products and regional specialties. Shelves are stocked with food items, drinks, and giftable goods that make practical souvenirs rather than decorative clutter.

A long-standing textile and haberdashery shop supplying fabrics, threads, ribbons, and sewing essentials to local residents.

Specializes in handmade ceramics produced using traditional techniques and floral motifs. Each piece feels functional and decorative at the same time, making it a meaningful alternative to mass-produced souvenirs.

A small jewelry studio focusing on minimalist, handcrafted pieces made from silver and natural stones. Designs are understated and wearable, appealing to travelers who prefer subtle keepsakes.

Dedicated to traditional Czech gingerbread, decorated by hand and often shaped with regional motifs. The shop blends food, craft, and folklore, making it a charming stop for edible souvenirs.