If Central Europe was hosting a pageant, Český Krumlov would win every year. Often described as a smaller-scale version of Prague, this South Bohemian city is known for its glorious medieval architecture, which has survived intact for centuries (and earned it UNESCO World Heritage status in 1992). It’d be easy to describe Český Krumlov’s 13th-century hilltop castle as its crowning glory, but the city’s historic monasteries and winding Vltava River are just as scenic. After strolling among its straight-out-of-a-fairy tale cobbled streets, the best things to do in Český Krumlov range from nibbling trdelník pastries to exploring its photography museum.
Summer is prime time in Český Krumlov. There’s no better time to go for a canoe trip down the Vltava River, and the season brings several major annual events, including the Five-Petalled Rose Festival (a celebration of the city’s Renaissance roots, coinciding with the solstice) and the Festival Krumlov, which hosts numerous concerts around town. However, summer is also when Český Krumlov is at its busiest. To see a different (and calmer) side of the city, visit in winter to admire its snowy beauty.
The nearest major airport to Český Krumlov is Linz Airport in Austria, some 53 miles (85 kilometers) south. If coming from Prague, RegioJet and FlixBus services connect the two cities in as little as three hours. You can also travel by train from Prague to the nearby city of České Budějovice; local train and bus services connect České Budějovice and Český Krumlov. Much of central Český Krumlov is pedestrian-only and closed to vehicles.
The Czech Republic is the homeland of lager, and unsurprisingly, locals take their beer pretty seriously here. Český Krumlov has been a brewing center since as early as the 14th century, and that’s still true today. To experience its modern beer culture, head to popular local beer destinations like the Krumlov Brewery—just remember to ask for a světlý ležák if you want a pilsner.
