Things to do in Cesky Krumlov

No. 5 of Night Attractions in Czech Republic

State Castle and Chateau Český Krumlov

State Castle and Chateau Český Krumlovis situated on a hill in a town in South Bohemia, where the horseshoe-shaped bend of the Vltava River embraces both it and the Old Town. The castle was first built in the mid-13th century, and over the following centuries, it was constructed and expanded by families such as the Rosenbergs, Eggenbergs, and Schwarzenbergs, gradually forming a massive castle complex consisting of over 40 buildings and palaces connected by 5 courtyards, second in size in the Czech Republic only to Prague Castle. A major highlight of the castle is climbing to the top of the Castle Tower to overlook the entire town, as if immersed in a sea of red roofs.

No. 9 of Best Things to Do in Czech Republic

Historic Center of Cesky Krumlov

Historic Center of Cesky Krumlovis located in the South Bohemian region of the Czech Republic. The Vltava River winds through the town, creating a bend that almost encircles the Old Town. The town unfolds in layers around a castle built in the 13th century, featuring a blend of Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque architecture. Thanks to over five centuries of stable development, the medieval street layout has been preserved almost entirely. Red-tiled roofs, winding cobblestone streets, and old houses with painted facades form the backdrop of the Old Town. In Central Europe, which has been ravaged by war several times, such a complete and well-preserved medieval town is rare. The castle complex in the town is second in size in the Czech Republic only to Prague Castle. The round tower with its painted facade is the landmark of the entire town, and climbing it offers a panoramic view of the Old Town embraced by the river bend.

No. 14 of Best Things to Do in Czech Republic

Church of St. Vitus

Church of St. Vitusstands on high ground in the old town of Český Krumlov, occupying the same hillside as the castle, embraced by a bend in the Vltava. The church spire and the castle's colorful tower echo each other, together defining the town's skyline. Construction of the church began in the early 15th century and was completed over the course of more than 30 years. The main structure is a late Gothic hall church, with a Baroque chapel and a Neo-Gothic spire added later. It was once the main church of the Rosenberg family's territory and has remained the center of faith for the local people for hundreds of years. Mass is still held here today, and classical music concerts are occasionally hosted as well. Stepping inside, you can see that the nave and side aisles are almost the same height, allowing you to take in the entire interior from a single spot. Eight stone pillars support the net-like vaulting, the design of which was inspired by the Church of St. Vitus in Prague, and can be seen as a continuation of the Bohemian Gothic tradition in the town.

The Castle Garden

The Castle Gardenis located on the hillside southwest of the Český Krumlov Castle and is a sizable Baroque garden within this castle complex. The garden was first built in the 17th century during the Eggenberg family era and was renovated in the second half of the 20th century according to the original 18th-century plans. It covers an area of approx. 11 hectares and is generally accessed via the double-arched bridge connecting the castle and the garden. The garden is roughly divided into two parts from bottom to top: the Lower Garden features neatly trimmed Rococo flowerbeds, with various flowers arranged in intricate patterns; the Cascade Fountain at the junction of the upper and lower gardens is the highlight of the entire garden. Built in the mid-18th century, it features a four-tiered cascade adorned with statues of Neptune, allegories of the four seasons, and aquatic animals, and is considered a treasure among similar fountains in the Czech Republic. The Upper Garden is more akin to a natural landscape garden, with the Rococo Bellarie Summer Palace, a music pavilion, and a castle pond scattered among tree-lined paths and lawns; the revolving auditorium open-air theater in front of the summer palace has been a venue for summer performances for decades, where operas, ballets, and plays are frequently performed, and many people also enjoy having a picnic or relaxing on the lawn.

Town Hall of Český Krumlov

The Old Town Hall is a simple, grand white building with 3 floors, surrounded by many souvenir shops, cafes, and pubs. Old Town Hall was originally a 14th-century Gothic structure, with an adjacent structure added in 1597. Now, it serves as offices for municipal authorities and newspaper distributors. There is a fountain on the southeast side of City Hall Square, and the Column of Pest is also nearby.

Český Krumlov Castle Tower

Observation tower Kleť

Fountain and Plague Column

The Black Death Memorial Column stands on Swarowski Square and is one of the famous landmarks of the town. There is a hexagonal fountain at the bottom of the stone column, which surrounds the memorial column in a circle. Above the bottom there is a group of figurative sculptures, the lower row has St. Wenceslas, St. Vitus, St. John the Evangelist, etc., and in the upper row, St. Judas Thaddeus and St. Francis, St. Sebastian Tian et al.

Revolving auditorium

Svornosti Square

Swarowski Square is the central square of the town and a hub for tourists and locals. On the southeast side of the square are the fountain and the Black Death memorial stone column, there is a historical sculpture on the right, and the Krumlov City Hall is also on the square. Around the square are all kinds of painted houses, which are colorful and very pleasing to the eye. The square is crowded with people, locals like to bask in the sun and chat in the square, and there are many street performers playing classical harps and dancing, which is a good place to experience the culture of the town.