The small town of Český Krumlov in the Czech Republic’s southern Bohemia region belongs in the pages of a fairytale. A UNESCO World Heritage site, the town has a charming medieval district and an imposing grey stone castle dating back to the 13th century. You can wander along winding cobblestone streets and bridges or sit by the Vltava River in a relaxed bar or shady picnic spot. At night, explore bars with live music and friendly taverns serving local Eggenberg beer.
You can stay in a 200-year-old house overlooking the Vltava with a large terrace for relaxing on after a day’s sightseeing, or a Český Krumlov hostel in a converted 14th-century hospital within the old town walls. Outdoor courtyards give you space to soak up the summer sunshine, while on-site restaurants serve up authentic Czech dishes. Some Český Krumlov hostels have cosy fireplaces burning in the winter. Look out for places with a free shuttle from the bus or train station.
Latrán is the name of the old town district as well as the main street passing through it. Sitting below the castle, this area is home to many medieval burgher houses from the 15th century. The town centre is on the other side of the Vltava River, where you'll find the Town Square (Svornosti Square) surrounded by narrow lanes and brightly coloured buildings. Cross over another bridge and you’ll reach Městský Park, a peaceful green space on the banks of the Vltava.
Český Krumlov Castle has a striking round tower, and you can climb the 162 steps for views over the city. There's also a vast garden with fountains and sculptures. The 16th-century Budějovická (Budweiser) Gate is a 10-minute walk from the castle and is the last remaining example of the nine original entrances to the city. If you fancy getting out on the water, hire a canoe and float down the river past the surrounding forests and villages.
The closest airport is Linz Airport in Austria. You can take a shuttle bus into Linz, then a bus to Český Krumlov (about a 3-hour journey). There are good train and bus connections to Český Krumlov from Prague. The train requires a change in České Budějovice and takes around 3.5-4.5 hours to the station 2km north of the centre. The bus journey is faster – it takes around 3 hours and ends in the city centre.
Top rated hostels in Cesky Krumlov
