Over the years, Cesky Krumlov has become increasingly popular with European bus tours. It is particularly popular with Asian tourists. The castle was the second most visited attraction, with 243,000 tourists in 2023. With a population of around 13,000, Cesky Krumlov receives approximately two million visitors every year. It is often referred to as the second most popular tourist destination in the Czech Republic after Prague. But what is all the fuss about, and is it actually worth visiting? Read on for my tips on visiting Cesky Krumlov.
Introduction into Cesky Krumlov
Cesky Krumlov is located in the South Bohemian Region of the Czech Republic. It lies directly at the Vltava river and is famous for its medieval old town.
The name originates from German “Krumme Aue” which translates in crooked meadow and refers to the natural topography of the city or actually the river Vltava. Cesky stands for Czech. In 1253 the name of the town was first mentioned in documents. The first settlers of the region date back to the Bronze Age. The route along the waterway was very important back in the days.
What makes Cesky Krumlov special?
First of all the old town of Cesky Krumlov is a gem. I don’t have to tell you that you can just look at one of the photos to know that this is not an ordinary old town.
The medieval town lies on the banks of the Vltava River, surrounded by historical buildings, an enormous fortress and majestic church towers. No wonder it has been UNESCO World Cultural and Natural Heritage since 1992.
The town is a mix of gothic, renaissance and baroque architecture.
Furthermore the town has many important cultural events, music festivals, theaters, exhibitions. Another fun thing to do next to sightseeing is taking a vintage photosession.
What do in Cesky Krumlov?
With a size of seven hectares the castle is the second biggest in the Czech Republic and counts to one of the largest in Central Europe. It was built in the 14th to 19th centuries and is very well preserved. It is one of the most important sights of the town. You can take a tour and dive into the interior and gardens of the castle. There are eight different tours.
The former monastery is now home to a museum, gallery, a historical play world, and craft alley. You can easily spend some time in both the castle and the monastery.
Another fun thing to do in Cesky Krumlov is a boat tour at the Vltava. Especially in summer, during high season it is a highlight. You can either take a raft or kayak to see the medieval architecture from the riverside.
What would Czech be without their beer culture. It is the country in Europe that drinks the most beer. You can take a tour at the brewery, the original malt house and learn more about the process of beer making.
Additionally the surroundings of Cesky Krumlov and the South Bohemia region invites you to various activities. For instance the Josef’s Tower at Mount Kleť or the Lake Lipno also called the Czech Sea.
Cultural Highlights in Cesky Krumlov
In Cesky Krumlov are a lot of cultural events. In the huge castle garden you can find an open air theater where in summer regular events are held.
Here are some of the highlight events that take place in Krumlov:
- Five-Petalled Rose Festival
- Contemporary Circus and Theatre Festival
- Baroque Night and Festival of Chamber Music
- International Music Festival
- International Folklore Festival
- River Marathon
- Beer Festival
When should you visit Krumlov
If you want a day to visit Krumlov, choose a day out of the high season or go very early in the morning. Peak season is from June to August, however the season has already extended from April to September. Still the highest numbers of visitors are in the summer months but during spring and autumn when the weather is nice the town can become busy, especially during the weekends. Since Cesky Krumlov has also a Christmas market the Christmas session is another highlight for visitors.
So if you avoid the crowds at all costs, it is best to visit at the less popular months, like January to March or October to November. However if you really want to visit during summer I would recommend you to start your tour early in the morning, so you have less crowded town. You can also visit during weekdays to avoid weekend visitors.
I think although this town is on the peak and slowly suffers from extended numbers of visitors it is still worth visiting. You can easily combine your visit with a stay in the surroundings or in the town and explore the surroundings.
Cesky Krumlovs old town is one of the few old towns that truly deserves the title of “old town.” Additionally it is also very manageable, you can have a morning of strolling around, taking in the views and enjoying a coffee or beer at one of the bars/restaurants.
My personal recommendation that you will not regret is the restaurant Laibon, which is a vegetarian-vegan restaurant. The owner embodies hospitality. I don’t remember when I had such a good chat with a restaurant owner. Of course, the food is top-notch. The restaurant’s hospitable atmosphere, food, and ambiance (especially the outdoor seating area right next to the Vltava) all add to the experience.
The author of the blog
Lisi is an adventurous, mostly solo traveler from Austria. She likes to travel slowly, discover underrated countries/regions, and of course, learn about cultures. She has been traveling the world and creating travel content since 2016. With a degree in tourism management and a passion for travel and cultures, she wants to tell stories that inspire her readers and help them travel more consciously.
