Český Krumlov



Český Krumlov (German: Krumau) is a beautiful town of 14,600 inhabitants in Southern Bohemia, in the Czech Republic. Like Prague, the town is situated on the Vltava River and is full of Baroque buildings housing cafes and bars, features a spectacular castle (the second largest in the Czech Republic), and an old-town square. The town's appearance is little changed since the 18th century and the buildings have been well maintained and restored. In 1992, Cesky Krumlov was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List. The town is very popular among tourists, who outnumber the local population in the summer and are still a notable presence during Christmas time.

By train
Český Krumlov lies on regional railway line České Budějovice – Černý Kříž, going from regional capital to National Park Šumava via Český Krumlov.

Taking a train to Český Krumlov is possibly the most comfortable way how to get there. Czech Railways operates one direct long-distance Ex "Jižní expres" train from Prague and back, departing from Praha hl.n. in 8:01 and arriving in Český Krumlov in 10:55, on the way back it departs in 14:07 and arrives in 16:57. The SuperAction ticket costs from 195 CZK, Ordinary ticket costs 283 CZK, for more details see Rail travel in the Czech Republic. Three hours are not really enough to see the town (as there are more sights and the railway station is not in the center), so it is more advisable to sleep in Český Krumlov or take a train with a transfer.

You can use connections with transfer in České Budějovice. The train leaves every 1-2 hours, the trip takes 2h50min-3h40min. For more details look at IDOS. You will need to buy two separated tickets because regional Os trains from České Budějovice are operated by GWTR. These tickets can be bought at both railway stations or from the conductor onboard (which incurs an extra fee).

The train station is north of the main square and the castle; the walk to the center is 15–20 minutes downhill. Taxis often wait in the parking lot for tired travelers - it may be worth the 100Kč ride into town, especially at night. To make sure you get a taxi if you have heavy luggage, it's better to book it in advance. You can find the contacts in their websites. Some local buses although travel between the train station and the bus terminal (that isn't much closer to the old town though, but may be closer to your accommodation). Price: 10Kč. Walking is however the best option if you are reasonably fit.

By bus
From Prague, and other nearby cities or towns of Bohemia, getting to Český Krumlov by public bus can be sometimes faster and cheaper than by train.

Regiojet runs plenty of buses daily between Český Krumlov and the Na Knížecí bus station in Prague, near the Anděl metro station. A one-way journey takes ~3 hours and costs 200 Kč. The bus stops at Pisek and České Budějovice. Cheaper and more comfortable than other public buses. Ticket can be bought online.

A local bus from České Budějovice takes 45 minutes and costs 32 Kč.

Upon arriving in Český Krumlov, there are two bus stops: the first is north of the castle, the second is the main terminal and is located east of the main square. Both stations are about a five to ten minute walk from the main square—from the north, walk down Latrán ulice, from the east, head westward and look for Horni ulice off the main road. Check which stop is closest to your accommodation before your trip.

Green Shuttle offers transfers between Cesky Krumlov and many European cities/destinations like Linz, Vienna, Hallstatt, Salzburg, Budapest, Bratislava, Munich, Prague, Dresden, Berlin and more.

By car
It's possible to park in one of the paid north-west of the old town. Or if you arrive very early and are lucky, you may be able to take one of the few spots along the main road.

By boat
Canoe, kayak or raft are the most popular vehicles to reach Český Krumlov in summer (especially among Czech people). The boat trip usually starts at Vyšší Brod, a small town with historic monastery just beneath the Lipno dam. There are numerous boat renting companies in Vyšši Brod that will collect the boat anywhere lower the river. The usual boat trip goes from Vyšši Brod to Boršov (a village one train stop from České Budějovice) with Český Krumlov just in the middle. If you want to see the city, it is a good idea to camp in Český Krumlov for two days (there numerous camps both up and down the river from the center). Note that the river is severally overcrowded during summer (especially end of June, July and August). No tours are necessary, just google reputable boat renting in Vyšši Brod a they will sort everything out for you. If you are only interested in the Český Krumlov section of the river, see Do section of this article.

By foot
Ambling around the town's crooked ulices is the best way to get lost in Český Krumlov's 750 years of history. Bring solid walking shoes for the uneven cobblestones.

Český Krumlov is a jumble of 750 years of architectural design, and for this reason was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. Part of the fun is to get lost in its maze of cobbled ulices, while the Vltava River rushes along from almost every direction, adding to the confusion. Walking the length of Latrán from Budějovická Gate to the town square, Náměstí Svornosti, up Horní and across the bridge to the Barbakán, will take about an hour if you’re interested in stopping and gawping at sites.

By bike
Many good biking paths lead you to and from Český Krumlov, but you're not encouraged to ride through the streets once you get here. Park and lock your bike and enjoy not pedaling for a while.

By boat
No tours are necessary, boat rentals will sort everything out for you. If you are only interested in the Český Krumlov section of the river, it's about 2 hours long trip. Night rafting is also possible with some rental services.

Do

 * Drehbare Zuschauer-Bühne 3.JPG
 * Drehbare Zuschauer-Bühne 3.JPG
 * Drehbare Zuschauer-Bühne 3.JPG
 * Drehbare Zuschauer-Bühne 3.JPG

Eat
There are no bad places to eat in Český Krumlov, but some are better than others. A good rule of thumb is to stay away from the tourist restaurants that charge more than 30Kč for a half-liter of beer. The following restaurants are good value:





Bars
Don't be afraid to walk into a pub alone. Locals are friendly, menus are in English, although a bit of Czech please (prosím) and thank you (děkuju) can go a long way. A night on the town (5 half-liters of excellent Czech beer) will cost you less than 200Kč.



Sleep
The good news is that all accommodation is within an easy 10-minute walk to the town square. The bad news is that accommodation tends to be on the smaller side, so in the busy summer months you will need to book ahead. The Infocentrum on the town square or Unios Travel Service at the 1st Castle Courtyard are happy to book hotels or bed and breakfast accommodation (also known as pensiony) for a nominal fee.

Go next
The Infocentrum on the town square has a wealth of information of where to go next, and are happy to provide maps, train and bus schedules and even book you a bed to your next port of call. Do your homework: Sometimes it’s a good idea to keep your bed in Český Krumlov and go on day trips to the following places (listed alphabetically):


 * České Budějovice. Boasting a massive town square, nam. Přemysl Otakar, is replete with shopping and dining opportunities. Off the town square, you’ll find many hidden nooks and special places of interest. It is definitely worth the day trip from Český Krumlov by either bus or rail, but not worth staying overnight, unless you have to make some sort of early train or bus connection. Ask for the schedules at Infocentrum or go to
 * Kleť. This is the highest point in the nearby region and offers relaxed forest walking, cycling and 360° panoramic view of South Bohemia from the top. It also has an observatory on top. It can be climbed right from Český Krumlov. You can rent kickbikes for 11 kilometres long downhill ride on asphalt route in beautiful nature in national park. This experience could be all- or half- day long, if you are hiking to the top of the mountain.  Or if you don’t want to hike or if you want just 2 hours long trip, scooter rental could take you from Český Krumlov to the top by minibus. There are 3 different final destinations – Český Krumlov, Zlatá Koruna and Krásetín (under the cableway).
 * Kramolín Ski Resort . Open November through April, this small ski resort is perfect for learners and children. At the base of the main ski lift are quite a few shops that rent and sell gear and a few nice restaurants and cafes to while away the time. The ski bus runs to and from Kramolín from Český Krumlov. See their website for prices and ski bus schedules.
 * Lipno dam Slideland & Aquaworld. 32 km southwest of Cesky Krumlov. This artificially-made lake harnesses the power of the Vltava River at Lipno Dam. In the summer, there are campsites at Černá v Pošumaví, Frymburk, Horní Plána and Lipno nad Vltavou. In the winter, cross-country ski trails alongside Lipno Lake beckon. Aquaworld, next to the Marina, houses an attractive modern swimming pool and aquapark. The bobsleigh track, Slideland, across the road, is a fun for kids and parents alike.
 * Rožmberk Castle. This idyllic town, featuring a picture-perfect castle built in 1253, was the official seat of the Rožmberk family, whose power stretched over the region of South Bohemia. A tour of the lovingly maintained castle is worth the 30 minute trip by car or bus from Český Krumlov.
 * Šumava, the Bohemian Forest, a spot for nature lovers, and one of the best places in the country to hike, bike, and cross-country ski.
 * Vyšší Brod. One of the best things to do in the summer months is to rent a boat from Vyšší Brod, visit the monastery, and then navigate your raft for 8–10 hours all the way back to Český Krumlov. This can take one or two days, depending on your fitness level and flow of the river. Along the way, there are a few good camping areas to pitch a tent. To book your boat in the high season, try Ontario boat rentals or Maleček Boat Rentals.
 * Zlatá Koruna. 7 km from Český Krumlov, this beautifully-restored monastery is set in a stand of ancient oaks. You can reach the Monastery by rafting from Český Krumlov with Ontario boat rentals or Maleček Boat Rentals, or you can take a local bus from the main bus station. Or you can do interesting trip on a kick-bike from Kleť mountain and take 11km long downhill ride to Zlatá Koruna.
 * Dívčí Kámen Castle. Just a short train ride from Český Krumlov (take the local train to Třísov) and hike the 1.5 km through the forest opposite the train station. You may start to feel lost as you trek along the dirt path and down a hill covered with exposed tree roots, but the river should be just below you and the castle might start peeking out between the trees from the opposite hill. The alternative is an easier 3 km walk from the next stop on the train, Holubov, where you can get directions from the information office just up the hill from the station.

Also see the Get Out section of České Budějovice.