Cesky Krumlov, a World Heritage city. Highlights of day trips and overnight stays from Prague

[What is Cesky Krumlov?] A World Heritage city surrounded by rivers

Cesky Krumlov is a small city in the southern part of the Czech Republic, close to the Austrian border. It is about a three-hour bus ride from the Czech capital, Prague.

The city is registered as a World Heritage Site with the 13th century castle at its center. The medieval streetscape has been preserved, and the scenery is like a fairy tale world that you dreamed of as a child.

The origin of the name Cesky comes from the Czech word for "Bohemia" and Krumlov from the German word for "marshland at the bend of the river." As the name suggests, the city is surrounded by the meandering Vltava River.

The city is very compact, and it takes about 30 minutes to walk around the old town. Because it is a tourist destination, some English is spoken, so you can take your time to explore the city.

[Climate/Temperature] The warm season from late June onwards is recommended

Located at almost the same latitude as Hokkaido, the Czech Republic has four seasons, just like Japan, and the differences between the seasons are clear. The winters from November to March are very cold, and in Cesky Krumlov, located in the mountainous region of the Czech Republic, the temperature can drop below minus 5 degrees Celsius. However, the quiet townscape covered in snow is a fantastic sight that is worth seeing at least once.

The average summer temperature is around 18°C and the weather is stable, so if you want to sightsee comfortably, the best season would be from late June to early September.

[Transportation] By bus from Prague. Enjoy the city's charms even on a day trip.

To get to Cesky Krumlov, we recommend taking a local bus from Prague. The journey takes about three hours, so if you take an early morning bus, you can enjoy plenty of sightseeing from morning to night and return to Prague on the same day.
Cesky Krumlov is also connected to Vienna, the capital of neighboring Austria, by direct buses. If you are touring Europe, it would be a good idea to stop by Cesky Krumlov on your way from Prague to Vienna.

Besides local buses, you can also use tours that depart from nearby cities. For example, a one-way bus tour from Munich, Germany, to Vienna via Cesky Krumlov can be a great way to increase the efficiency of your trip.

[Krumlov Castle] A castle full of things to see, from bears in the garden to optical illusions on the walls

The highlight of Cesky Krumlov is the Krumlov Castle, the symbol of the city that overlooks the old town. It was built in the 13th century by the Vítkowicz family, who ruled over the area.

The castle's subsequent history was extremely complicated, with owners changing rapidly over the years from the Roggenbergs to the Ebenbergs to the Schwarzenbergs, but this is one of the notable points. As it was repeatedly remodeled and expanded, it is possible to see a variety of architectural styles, including the original Gothic style, as well as the Renaissance and Baroque styles.

Cesky Krumlov has a sad history, with the city once falling into ruin, but even under those circumstances, Krumlov Castle supported the hearts of the people as the symbol of the city. If you visit Cesky Krumlov, why not start by touring the castle and reflect on its deep history?

A view point overlooking the old town

Krumlov Castle has undergone many expansions and renovations throughout its long history dating back to the 13th century. The cylindrical tower known as the Castle Tower is in the Gothic style and was built in the 13th century, but the entire castle was rebuilt in the Renaissance style in the 16th century.

The view of the old town from this tower is amazing, and it is popular among tourists. Please note that it is closed during the winter season from November to March and cannot be visited. Please note that there is a separate tour to see the inside of the castle and tower.

Stroll through the spacious garden. What a bear is kept in the moat!

Speaking of castles, one of the highlights is the large gardens, which consist of five courtyards and gardens within the grounds.

Each garden has its own unique features, such as a gate bearing the Schwarzenberg family coat of arms and an elegant fountain, but the most famous feature is the bear kept in the moat under the stone bridge leading to the second courtyard. It is said that they started keeping the bears around the 17th century, and they have become a famous feature of the castle.

However, it is not guaranteed that you will be able to see them, so you will be considered lucky if you are able to see them.

The gorgeous decoration is actually an optical illusion

Krumlov Castle looks impressive when viewed from afar, but when you see it up close you'll be amazed to see that most of its luxurious architectural decoration is painted.

The stone walls are decorated with flat patterns, and most of the three-dimensional sculptures are also paintings. This mysterious world can be seen not only inside the castle, but all around the town.

Cesky Krumlov was originally a city based on handicrafts, and was by no means a wealthy town. Therefore, even the castle owner could not afford to make lavish decorations, so it is said that he had optical illusions painted all over the town.

[Old Town] Get your beer and souvenirs here. Don't miss the Christmas market.

The area of Cesky Krumlov is about 22 square kilometers, almost the same as Chofu City, Tokyo. The old town can be walked around in about 30 minutes, so it is recommended for those who want to enjoy a leisurely trip rather than a hurried sightseeing. The town is paved with cobblestones and has many slopes, so it is best to wear comfortable shoes such as sneakers.

The beautiful cityscape is photogenic wherever you walk

With its European-style uniform buildings, the Vltava River, and the lush trees and colorful flowers surrounding it, anywhere you take a photo is picturesque.
This spot is especially popular with tourists, as you can take pictures of the entire city from the buildings near the Castle Garden. You can capture the Old Town surrounded by the Vltava River in one shot.

Relax with a beer at the restaurant

The Czech Republic is a beer powerhouse. In fact, the country with the highest per capita beer consumption in the world is not Germany or the United States, but the Czech Republic.

The most popular beer in the Czech Republic is the golden-colored Pilsner Urquell. In fact, it is said that over 90% of the beer consumed in Japan originates from this beer. There are restaurants and cafes in the town squares, so those who like alcohol can easily enjoy it.

The recommended souvenir is a wooden doll.

When it comes to souvenirs in Cesky Krumlov, the main ones are wooden dolls and miscellaneous goods. As you walk around the city, you'll notice many shops displaying colorful souvenirs in their show windows. They're all cute and perfectly suited to the fairy-tale atmosphere of the town, and are sure to please women and children.

Also, if you're looking for a souvenir for adults, we recommend the coffret from Botanics, an organic skincare brand with its main store in Prague.

Don't miss the Christmas market in the most beautiful city in the world

If you travel to Europe during the Christmas season, you will find Christmas markets opening up all over the country, giving you a different atmosphere than usual.

In Cesky Krumlov, a Christmas market is held on Svornosti Square in front of the town hall. It is a small market with a local feel, but you can enjoy the traditional atmosphere with the tree lighting and Christmas carol singing.

[Accommodation] If you want to enjoy the night view, stay at a hotel with a great view

If you want to fully enjoy the charm of Cesky Krumlov, we recommend booking a hotel and staying there.

As mentioned earlier, it is a small town that can be explored in just a few hours, so many people visit for day trips. However, this is also why the atmosphere of the town changes completely at night when there are few people around.

Walking through the streets without tourists makes you feel like a local. The beautifully lit Krumlov Castle and the streets are worth a visit. The night view from the windows of hotels with good views, such as Bellevue and Rouge, is also exceptional.

A beautiful city that can be enjoyed for both day trips and overnight stays

Cesky Krumlov is a city where you can experience the precious townscape that has been designated a World Heritage Site. It is also attractive that it is easily accessible as a day trip from neighboring cities, so if you are traveling in Europe, why not include it in your itinerary and enjoy the beautiful townscape?

Originally posted: January 19, 2016