Státní hrad a zámek Český Krumlov · 남보헤미아주 (체스키 크룸로프)
Location
Overview
Český Krumlov Castle (Státní hrad a zámek Český Krumlov) is the second-largest castle complex in the Czech Republic after Prague Castle, rising above a medieval town cradled in a horseshoe bend of the Vltava River in South Bohemia. Built up over centuries by the Rožmberk, Eggenberg and Schwarzenberg noble families, its 40-odd buildings, five courtyards and remarkably intact Renaissance and Baroque interiors helped earn the whole town UNESCO World Heritage status in 1992. As of summer 2026 it operates normally, and in peak months (June–August) the lanes fill with day-trippers from Prague. The courtyards and gardens are free to wander, while the interiors are seen only on timed guided tours, so booking ahead is the key to a relaxed visit.
Castle Tower: the town's icon, 86 m above the Vltava; climb 162 steps for a 360° panorama of red rooftops and the whole castle. Note the delicate Renaissance sgraffito painted on its walls.
Cloak Bridge (Plášťový most): a multi-tiered arched viaduct linking the castle wings — the exact vantage point of the classic postcard view over the river and old town.
Baroque Theatre: one of the best-preserved Baroque theatres in Europe, keeping its original 17th-century stage machinery, backdrops, costumes and props. Shown only on a separate, small-capacity tour that sells out early.
Interior routes (Tour I & II) and the Masquerade Hall (Maškarní sál): 16th–19th-century aristocratic rooms crowned by the wraparound masquerade frescoes.
Castle Gardens with the revolving open-air auditorium (Otáčivé hlediště) and the Bear Moat (Medvědí příkop): expansive Baroque gardens, a summer performance stage, and real bears living in the moat by the entrance (do not feed them or lean over the railing).
Good to know
SafetyThe old-town lanes and the climb to the castle are steep cobblestone, slippery in the rain. Wear flat, non-slip shoes and expect wheeled luggage to be awkward on the pavement.
SeasonThe castle gardens run roughly May–October, and the interior tours and Baroque Theatre operate mainly in the warmer season, with most guided interiors closed on Mondays. In peak summer popular tours sell out days ahead, so book online (verify current dates and prices).
RulesCourtyards and gardens are free, but the interiors (Tours I & II, the theatre) are ticketed and enter only via timed guided tours. Czech is the default language; English and German tours are limited, so confirm the language when booking. Interior photography is generally prohibited.
MannersKeep quiet indoors and do not touch furnishings or exhibits. Never feed the moat bears or lean out over the railing, and respect that this is a living UNESCO town — avoid intruding into residents' doorways and private lanes.
CautionWatch for pickpockets at crowded spots like the tower and bridge; wear your bag in front. When paying by card, decline dynamic currency conversion (paying in your home currency) and choose Czech koruna (CZK), and avoid tourist exchange booths and overpriced restaurants around the square.
MannersA tip of around 10% is customary in Czech restaurants. Check whether a service charge is already on the bill, and note that cover charges or bread may be billed separately.
Practical info
Český Krumlov's main railway station sits about 1.5–2 km uphill from the centre, so direct buses from Prague or České Budějovice (around 3 hours from Prague) are usually easier; the old town is a vehicle-restricted zone, so park in the peripheral lots (P1, P2, etc.) and walk in. The courtyards and gardens are largely free, while the interior routes, tower and Baroque Theatre require paid timed tours — check the official website for the latest opening periods, hours, prices and booking.
On-site reviews📍 Verified on-site
No reviews yet. If you are here, be the first to leave one.
