My First Glimpse of Cesky Krumlov, Czech Republic

Cesky Krumlov is a small medieval town in the southern part of the Czech Republic (Czechia), and it’s a truly magical place you need to visit. With its winding cobblestone streets, stunning architecture, and enchanting town square, Cesky Krumlov perfectly blends old-world charm with modern-day conveniences. If you’re planning a cruise, consider adding Cesky Krumlov to your list of ports of call. In this blog post, I will share my thoughts on this Bohemian gem.

A personal note: The day my Viking Danube River cruise arrived in the Czech Republic, I checked off my 45th country. My friends and I spent five hours exploring the beautiful small town of Český Krumlov. I love saying it out loud, “Ches-kee Crumb-lov,” because it rolls right off the tongue. This is the jewel of Bohemia and the second largest city in the country, only behind Prague.

Getting to Cesky Krumlov

Getting to Cesky Krumlov is relatively easy, and you have a few options. If you’re on a river cruise, many river cruise lines offer excursions to this lovely town. Alternatively, you can book a private shore excursion, take a bus, or rent a car if traveling alone.

Cesky Krumlov is about a three-hour drive from Prague, and the scenic journey will take you through stunning countryside views. Once you arrive, you’ll instantly fall in love with the picturesque streets, castle, and the Vltava River that winds through the heart of town.

A Unesco World Heritage Site

The town center of Cesky Krumlov is a UNESCO World Heritage site, and for good reason. It’s a beautifully preserved medieval town that looks like a fairytale. You can spend hours wandering down narrow streets to explore the incredible architecture, ancient castle, and churches that dot the city’s landscape. 

The best way to get around the pedestrian area of Cesky Krumlov is to walk or rent a bicycle. Make sure to bring your camera, as every corner of the town is photogenic.

Another fun way to see Cesky Krumlov is by boat riding on the Vltava River. You’ll get to see the town from a new angle and admire the views of the castle and surrounding landscape. Boat rides usually last around 45 minutes, and they’re an enjoyable way to take a break from walking and sightseeing.

The Castle and Historic Sights

Cesky Krumlov Castle is the town’s main attraction, and it’s a must-see. The castle dates back to the 13th century and is situated on a hill overlooking the town. You can take a guided tour of the castle and its 40 buildings, plus explore its five courtyards, gardens, and Baroque theater. The Rose Garden is a peaceful place where you can relax and take in scenic views of the town.

One walkway amidst the castle was painted so cleverly with bricks, doors, and windows that it was hard to tell if it was a mural or an actual building.

On my visit, the inside of the castle was off-limits, so we could only get outside photos.

If you want to learn more about the town’s history, head to the Egon Schiele Art Center. This museum is dedicated to the famous Austrian painter Egon Schiele, who lived in Cesky Krumlov at the turn of the 20th century. You can admire some of his works and learn about his impact on the town’s cultural heritage.

My Thoughts of the Medieval Town

During a Viking River Cruise tour, our guide led us through the charming cobblestone streets of Český Krumlov. With lush mountains as a picturesque backdrop, elegant bridges connected the river’s sides. The scenery, characterized by orange roofs, stark buildings, and domes, evoked memories of Tallinn, Estonia.

Pastel-colored buildings in mint green, pale yellow, and white lined the streets, complementing the heart of Český Krumlov, where a haunting yet beautiful fountain stood. Dating back to 1577, this focal point of the square had its newest stone added in 1843. Arched doorways showcased exquisite architecture while talented musicians entertained passersby.

Our time in Český Krumlov felt like a dream, immersing us in the Czech culture within just a few short hours.

Restaurant Don Julius

We had lunch at Don Julius, a charming Bohemian restaurant nestled inside Hotel Zlatý andel, the Golden Angel Hotel. The ambiance was cozy yet vibrant, with a romantic fireplace and captivating decor. Hotel Zlatý Andel is proudly associated with the Historic Hotels of Europe group.

The Duck Pate was delightful — flavorful and perfectly smooth. As we savored the dish, the restaurant played “Hard Luck Woman,” my favorite song by the rock band Kiss. It was a truly memorable moment. Opting for traditional Czech cuisine, I chose the Beef Goulash with bread dumplings and onions. It was absolutely fabulous!

The dumplings had a gingerbread-like flavor and a dense, delightful texture. The rich gravy coated the dish beautifully, complemented by the tanginess of cranberries and the creaminess of fresh cream. My friend enjoyed their Schnitzel-style meal as well.

Cesky Krumlov: A Fairytale City

After strolling through the crowds and taking hundreds of pictures, my friends and I retreated to the town square to people-watch and wait for the group tour to conclude. We found a quaint cafe, Krumlovská Fontána Cafe Restaurant, where we enjoyed hot chocolate (the temperatures were drastic, and this Florida gal was freezing) and a cream-filling iced donut. The outdoor patio was equipped with throws for keeping warm.

Cesky Krumlov is an incredible town that should be high on your list of places to visit on your next cruise vacation or road trip. It’s a perfect day trip from Prague, and it’s worth the journey. Whether you’re interested in beautiful architecture, rich history, or stunning natural landscapes, Cesky Krumlov has something for everyone.

So, pack your bags, get ready to experience a charming town like no other, and explore the magic of Cesky Krumlov.

Check out our other European cruise port cities: 

Remembering My Viking RIver Cruise

Discovering Vienna, Austria

Palace of Versailles in Pictures