Tucked away in the southern part of the Czech Republic, Český Krumlov feels like a town that time forgot — in the best way possible. With its winding cobblestone lanes, storybook castle, and red-roofed houses nestled in a bend of the Vltava River, this charming little town stole our heart in just one day.

How to get there?

Getting to Český Krumlov is easier than you’d think, especially if you’re coming from Prague or Vienna:

• From Prague:
  Buses like RegioJet and FlixBus run frequently and take around 2.5 to 3 hours. It’s a comfortable ride, often with WiFi and refreshments.
  Trains are also an option but take a bit longer and require a transfer, so I’d recommend the bus.
• From Vienna:
  Buses take about 3.5 hours, or you could rent a car for a scenic drive through the Austrian and Czech countryside.

Once you arrive, the town is entirely walkable — no need for taxis or public transport within Český Krumlov itself.

Some more necessary info

• When to Visit: Spring and early fall are ideal — fewer crowds, pleasant weather. Summer is beautiful but busier.
• Currency: Czech Koruna (CZK). Most places accept cards, but it’s handy to have some cash for small shops and cafés.
• Language: Czech, but most people in tourist spots speak English just fine.

An itinerary

If you’ve only got one day, here’s how to soak in the best of Český Krumlov without rushing:

Start with some spectacular Views

Once you are at the bus stop, take the small road that goes up the hill towards the village. Here you will find you first viewpoint, Vyhlídka. From here you will find a nice high vantage point looking into the beaitiful village. Next continue along the street called “Kaplicka” and you will reach the location called “Vyhlídková terasa”.

It can be a nice time to fuel yourself with some coffee, some pastry or a proper Czech breakfast as you prepare yourself for the rest of the day.

Now continuing along street Horni, you will find this nice park on the right, “Seminární zahrada” which again offers a nice view of the Krumlov Castle.

Explore Český Krumlov Castle

The next thing that should be on your plan has to be the castle. You can’t miss it — literally. The castle looms over the town and is the second largest in the country after Prague Castle. Wander the beautifully preserved courtyards, climb the Castle Tower for a 360° view, and if you’re into art, check out the Baroque theatre inside.

🎟️ Tip: Entry to the castle grounds is free, but some interior areas (like the tower and theater) require a ticket. Get there early to avoid the crowds.

Have Lunch at the village centre or by the River

For lunch, you can head to Papa’s Living Restaurant, right by the river. They’ve got great Czech and international options — and the terrace view is a bonus. If it’s chilly, their soups are the perfect comfort food. Or otherwise, you can have lunch right at the centre square of the village as there are some nice restaurants with nice Czech food options.

Wander the Old Town

Next, you can now burn those calories, as you go for a long walk around the old town, exploring the all the medieval lanes, popping into artisan shops and galleries.

Sunset from the Cloak Bridge

This spot at the castle complex offers an epic panoramic view of the town. If you’re a photo person, this is the golden hour shot.

Dinner and a Toast

Wrap up your day with dinner at Šatlava, a medieval tavern where the meat is grilled right in front of you. The ambiance is rustic, the portions are generous, and the local beer is cold. Perfect way to end the day.

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