Český Krumlov is one of the most beautiful small towns in Europe — a UNESCO World Heritage jewel in southern Bohemia, encircled by a dramatic horseshoe bend of the Vltava River, whose perfectly preserved medieval and Renaissance centre is dominated by the sprawling, multi-coloured Krumlov Castle — the second-largest castle complex in the Czech Republic after Prague Castle. Often called “Little Prague,” Český Krumlov is anything but a miniature version of the capital — it has its own distinct character, a fairy-tale atmosphere that Prague, for all its grandeur, cannot quite match at street level, and an exceptionally well-preserved historic centre that has survived 700 years almost untouched by modern development or war damage.

Quick Facts: Český Krumlov, Czech Republic

• Best time to visit: Year-round; spring and autumn for the most pleasant exploring conditions and fewer crowds; summer is busiest — the town is a major day-trip destination from Prague and can be overwhelmed by midday coach tours (stay overnight to experience Krumlov after the buses leave, around 5pm — the transformation is magical); the June Five-Petalled Rose Festival (a medieval celebration) is the town’s biggest event; winter offers a romantic, snow-covered fairy-tale experience
• How to get there: ~2.5 hours from Prague by car or direct Student Agency/RegioJet bus; ~3 hours by train from Prague via České Budějovice; Krumlov’s centre is car-free — park in designated lots on the periphery
• Top attraction: Krumlov Castle — continuously occupied and expanded for over 700 years, the castle’s highlight is the Baroque Theatre, one of only two surviving 18th-century Baroque theatres in the world with its original stage machinery, sets, and props still intact (guided tour only). The castle tower offers the classic postcard view of the town. The castle gardens are free and beautiful
• Entry fee: Castle tour ~CZK 250–380 (€10–16 depending on route); Baroque Theatre ~CZK 200 extra
• Stay overnight: This is the single best piece of advice for Český Krumlov. Day-trippers see a packed tourist town; overnight guests experience the magic of Krumlov by evening lamplight, when the streets empty, the castle is lit up, and the restaurants and wine bars come into their own
• Best for: Romantics, photographers, history lovers, and anyone who thought Prague was beautiful but too crowded

Český Krumlov is a small city in the South Bohemian Region of the Czech Republic, best known for the fine architecture and art of the historic old town and Český Krumlov Castle. Old Český Krumlov is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and was given this status along with the historic Prague castle district.

Český Krumlov is close to the Šumava National Park, the Czech Republic’s largest national park. The Šumava mountains lie along the border with Austria and Germany and offer a range of natural habitats – peat bogs, Alpine meadows, old-growth forests, lakes, and rivers. The area is popular with walkers, cyclists, and canoeists on the Vltava.

Main sights

• Český Krumlov Castle
• Gothic Church of St. Vitus (Kostel Sv. Víta)
• Baroque theatre in Český Krumlov Castle – the theatre is only used three times a year (only two are open to the public), when a Baroque opera is performed in simulated candlelight
• Museum dedicated to the painter Egon Schiele, who lived in the town

There is one of Bohemia’s oldest monasteries, Zlatá Koruna (“The Golden Crown”) 10km from Krumlov. About 30 km from Krumlov is the Hluboká Castle, established in the twelfth century and later remodelled in imitation of Windsor Castle.

View Český Krumlov – little Prague in the south of Czech republic in a larger map

Have you stayed overnight in Český Krumlov or explored the castle’s Baroque theatre? Share your Krumlov experiences and tips in the comments! 🏰

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