When you think of the Czech Republic you automatically think of Prague and all the things you can do there, even visiting Prague in winter. But in south Bohemia, situated on the Vltava River is one of the most beautiful Czech towns, Český Krumlov. The town centre is built around a 13th-century castle, not much has changed in this medieval town. Becoming a UNESCO world heritage site in 1992, it was one of the first places in the Czech Republic to achieve this designation and is the best place to go to get that old town feel.
Getting there
The best way to get there is taking a direct train from Prague or one of the other smaller cities in south Bohemia. The public transportation in Europe in general is awesome compared to North America, or America in general I guess, so renting a car isn’t that necessary.
But it also depends on the amount of time you want to spend in a place or if you want to get out into nature a bit, because the Czech Republic has some incredible hiking and bird watching too. Then you will likely need a car.
Best time to visit
The warmer months are a perfect time to visit, particularly the summer months. It does snow and it does get very cold in the Czech Republic in winter, so going during warmer months will allow you to get out and see more.
Top Things to Do in Český Krumlov
This charming town has small cobblestone streets surrounded by colorful buildings and the imposing figure of the main castle above. You could spend several days just walking the streets of Český Krumlov, and it’s a great place if travelling to Český Krumlov with kids. But if you only have one day to see the entire town, these are the top things to do.
Miroslav Paral Art Gallery
The perfect spot if you are into dark tourism. Miroslav Paral managed to create something that tends to make people uncomfortable. As one comment on Trip Advisor said, “It frightened the children.”
Located just before the entrance to the main castle this is not your traditional art gallery. You can find the exhibit underground sprinkled throughout various caverns and tunnels. From mandibles (bottom jaw) for wash basins, finger paper clips, and deformed creatures having sex.
Visit Cesky Krumlov castle
Not only is the castle over 700 years old, it is also the second largest castle and is an incredibly beautiful castle in the Czech Republic. The český krumlov castle was passed down through the Rosenburg family. The castle itself is an imposing figure situated above the city, watching sentinel over its people.
If you have the opportunity stick around until the sun goes down for a beautiful view of the castle lit up in all its glory. The castle area itself is one of the largest in central Europe and is more of a complex. It is made up of forty buildings and palaces around 5 castle courts and a castle park situated on seven hectares.
You can take a guided tour of the castle to learn more about the various sections. We took the Czech tour, mainly because it was cheaper than the English tour. I do not speak any Czech, but my husband is Czech so he translated for me.
Bear Moat
Surrounding the main castle is a moat. And without knowing it can be surprising to see brown bears living in the moat. Bears have been a part of the Rosenburg family and have been thought to have been living at the castle since the 16th century. They began living in the moat in 1707.
There are currently 4 bears living in the moat between the castle’s first and second courtyards. Naturally the initial bears have died but over the years various aristocrats have donated bears.
More recently renovations were made to the area to provide more appropriate living conditions for the bears. With trees, lagoons and toys to enrich the bear’s lives. You can regularly see them munching on vegetables or playing with barrels in their lagoons.
There is even a festival just for the bears. This is a time of year when outsiders are allowed in the enclosure. In the morning children bring gifts for the bears and put it under the tree. This is all monitored by the bear keeper to ensure the bears are not given anything inappropriate. After all is set out the bears are released and allowed to enjoy honey, apples, and Christmas cookies.
Kids can also listen to talks by the keeper to learn more about the bears. Or you can just hang out and enjoy watching the bears from above the moat itself.
Local restaurants in Český Krumlov
The Czechs make delicious food (my mother in-laws makes amazing traditional Czech food it’s not joke) and you can’t talk about a place and a culture without talking about the food. There are several places to eat in this town and a lot of these places are hidden in caverns of stone. In these secretive spots you can get pork knee, fruit dumplings (one of my favorite things) and fried cheese.
You should also make sure to grab a trdelník on your way up to the castle. This amazing pastry is made in front of you. Dough wrapped around rotating rods and then rolled in cinnamon sugar. It is the most delicious pastry and a true Czech classic. Though I am told the literal translation is “Czech Dummy.”
Concluding Thoughts
Český Krumlov is one of the most beautiful towns in Czechia and some of the best things to do is wander around the castle grounds and stop in places that just draw you in.
Located just south of Prague, Český Krumlov is the perfect day trip to get out of the city and experience the Czech culture at its finest. Though many recommend that if you have the time, take in the sites around the Vltava river over two days.
Eat great food, drink slivovice (fruit based distilled liquor) in the main square, and wander the fairytale cobbled streets, ducking into stores, cafes and galleries that catch your eye as you go by.
After that head to the small town Hluboká nad Vltavou to visit the Hluboká castle with its incredible castle gardens, it’s another beautiful place in south Bohemia that is a must visit and another perfect day trip.
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