Official Name

Český Krumlov, from now on written as 'Cesky Krumlov', since some computers do not display special characters correctly. The German name, which was in use for a long time, is Krumau (also 'Böhmisch Krumau' and 'Krummau'). Cesky means 'Bohemian'.

Location

	Český Krumlov

Cesky Krumlov is around 145 km south of →Prague and at the northern foot of Šumava mountains (also known as the Bavarian Forest). The Austrian border is only 25 km away. Almost the entire old city centre is surrounded by the Vltava (Moldau) river, which flows north towards Prague.

Population

Cesky Krumlov has less then 15,000 inhabitants and therefore it is not much bigger than centuries ago.

Orientation

Here, the small Vltava river winds through the mountains. Most of the old centre stretches on a narrow meander spur. In the north, the long castle and the monastery tower high above the river and city centre.

The small train station is quite out of the way. From there, one just has to go down a very long slope. After 1.5 km, you will pass Budějovická brána (Budweis gate). There, the historical core starts. If you keep on walking southwards, you will come across the ČEDOK tourist information on the right side. On the left-hand side of the street, there's a big monastery. Straight ahead there is a bridge leading to the old city centre on the peninsula with the central nám Svornosti (unity square) and many narrow backstreets. If you turn right at the monastery, you will pass the Červená brána (red gate) and enter the huge Zamek (castle). The colourfully ornamented Hrádek (castle tower) is Krumlov's landmark and easy to be seen from everywhere.

	View from the new city northwards to the castle

The whole city is rather small and easy to navigate. Still, it takes many hours to see everything more or less closely. By the way, the bus terminal is much closer to the centre - only 300 m.

History

History of the town began in the 13th century, when the south Bohemian noble House of Vítek erected a castle. Protected by the castle, a lower city started to develop. However, at the end of the 14th century there were less than 100 houses.

The Vítek's left the stage, to be followed by the Rožemberks. At that time, the Rozemberks were the biggest landowners of Bohemia. In the 18th century, the Schwarzenberg's took over. Eversince, the Sudeten-Germans outnumbered the Czech population, which of course suddenly changed in 1945 (see also →Czech history).

	The Vltava river, castle tower and lower castle

The castle as well as the entire historic centre managed to survive all wars and turmoils without being damaged at all. It seems like there's not a single new building in the centre. Additionally, the settings of the town, featuring the meandering Vltava river, is marvellous. Not surprisingly, the entire historic centre had been added to the world heritage list by the UNESCO in 1992. There's not only mankind but also nature to impose destructive powers. The disastrous flooding in 2002 hit the lower parts of the city hard. Reconstruction of affected areas is highly supported and shows visible progress, so by the time you read this, it might already have been completed. However, the small Vltava remains a potential source of danger. Due to historical reasons, streets are very narrow and don't provide much space to set up protective measures.

Getting there / transportation

You can get there by bus or by train. Be aware that buses are faster and, as already mentioned above, the bus station is much closer to the city centre. Although close to the Austrian border, there's no direct train to Linz or any other Austrian destination. In almost any case you will have to go via →České Budějovice (Budweis). From there, the local train needs almost one hour, the fare is 25 Kč (again, busses are faster). There is only one direct train a day to and from →Prague.

Without exception, the entire historic centre is worth a visit. It's not a bad idea to start a tour through the city at the dominating Hrádek (lit. castle stables), better known as the castle tower. Originally gothic, the tower had been redesigned as a renaissance building. The tower can be found next to the main entrance of the castle and is covered by colourful paintings. To get there, you'll have to cross a small square in front of the entrance (there you will find the tourist information) before passing a bridge. Below the bridge, inside the moat, there's a bear pit with three or four bears enjoying the visitors. Thanks to the bear odour, the entrance is easy to find.

	A view from the tower: Vltava and the city centre

As it is supposed to be, it's possible to climb the beautiful tower. Entrance fee is 30 Kč (students pay 20) and it's worth every Crown. From the top you can get a first view over the whole centre and the river loop.

	Market square and St. Vítus church

The zamek (castle) is definitely a highlight. Behind the tower, an area called Dolní hrad (lower castle) starts. This part was built during the 13th century and therefore it is the oldest structure in Krumlov. Inside the lower part, the visitor passes several small courtyards, all of them rich in incredibly detailed wall paintings. After passing the lower part, you will enter the monumental Horní hrad (upper castle). This part consists of massive, dark buildings almost intimedating the visitor. In contradiction to the lower part, it's possible to enter the buildings of the upper part. A guided tour in Czech, English or German through the castle will set you back 130 Kč (students pay half-price). There is plenty to see - a gallery, the castle theatre, renaissance halls and much more.

	Outer walls of the lower castle

When you have passed both parts of the castle, you will find yourself on the top of a very high gallery called Most na pláštl (castle bridge). Under the bridge is a small path leading to a narrow bridge. Behind the bridge, Vnitřní Mésto (inner city), which is almost entirely surrounded by the river, starts.

	Part of the beautiful courtyards inside the castle

On the other side of the gallery, the castle theatre (this for a change is rococo) and the beautiful Zámecká zahrada (castle garden) can be seen. The inner city appears to be a tangle of narrow backstreets and countless souvenir shops. Cesky Krumlov has completely dedicated itself to tourism, which doesn't come as a surprise. It doesn't matter how you criss-cross the backstreets - somehow you will end up on the central nám. Svornosti (unity square).

	Historical archway outside the inner city

On unity square you will see the baroque pest column built in 1716, the gothic town hall and another tourist information, together with a nice ensemble of renaissance burgher houses. The Egon Schiele gallery facing the square is another treat for art buffs. Only 100 m away from the central square, the Kostel sv. Víta (St. Vitus church) can be seen - a large, gothic church built in the 15th century.

	The nám. Svornosti (unity square) and the pest column

There's no need to worry about food - there are countless restaurants catering the hungry visitors in Cesky Krumlov. The quality is mostly good, and there shouldn't be a communication problem, since most staff speak German and English. German menus and ads can be seen everywhere, because Austria is very close. Although a tourist place, prices are still reasonable.

	U Mesta Viane Hotel
	Rating: 3 Price: from US$59 Price: from US$5 Room amenities: hair dryer, internet access (wireless), internet access, in room safe, bathtub, shower, mini bar, satellite/cable TV, coffee/tea maker, non smoking rooms >>Check availability

>>Description

Discover all that Cesky Krumlov has to offer with U Mesta Viane Hotel as a base. All 52 rooms at the hotel have all the modern facilities guests' would expect from a hotel of this class. Each guestroom is tastefully appointed with non smoking rooms, hair dryer, internet access (wireless), internet access, in room safe. This beautiful Cesky Krumlov accommodation provides executive floor, meeting facilities , restaurant, room service, disabled facilities to suit all guests' utmost convenience. In addition, the hotel's guests can enjoy the leisure and sports facilities provided on the premises: massage, sauna. Modern comfort and convenience are seamlessly combined to ensure the guests' satisfaction. The hotel creates a balance of rich culture and modern convinience to ensure you a memorable stay. To proceed with your reservation at the U Mesta Viane Hotel via our secure online booking form, please enter your period of stay.

	Old Inn Hotel
	Rating: 4 Price: from US$52 Price: from US$5 Room amenities: non smoking rooms, hair dryer, in room safe, television, shower, mini bar, satellite/cable TV >>Check availability

>>Description

Discover all that Cesky Krumlov has to offer with Old Inn Hotel as a base. This 4-star hotel offers 52 comfortable guestrooms with a range of in-room facilities suitable for the modern traveler. The guestrooms are equipped with non smoking rooms, hair dryer, in room safe, television, shower, mini bar, satellite/cable TV. Hotel facilities offered at this Cesky Krumlov accommodation include room service 24hr, elevator, laundry service/dry cleaning, meeting facilities , restaurant. In addition, the hotel's guests can enjoy the leisure and sports facilities provided on the premises: massage, pool indoor, gym/fitness facilities, sauna, spa. These top-class facilities are complemented to excellent services to meet the needs of visitors to Cesky Krumlov. To make your booking at the Old Inn Hotel Cesky Krumlov, please enter the dates of your stay and sumbit our secure online booking form.

	Dvorak Hotel
	Rating: 4 Price: from US$68 Price: from US$6 Room amenities: daily newspaper, inhouse movies, hair dryer, ironing board, in room safe, television, bathtub, shower, mini bar, satellite/cable TV, non smoking rooms >>Check availability

>>Description

The airport of Cesky Krumlov is located only 180 km (112 miles) away from the Dvorak Hotel. All 17 rooms at the hotel are well-appointed with necessary amenities to ensure that each guest's satisfaction. Each guestroom features amenities such as non smoking rooms, daily newspaper, inhouse movies, hair dryer, ironing board, in room safe, television. Guests can experience the high standards of comfort while staying at this luxury Cesky Krumlov hotel with everything they need right on the site such as room service 24hr, shops, executive floor, elevator, bar/pub, laundry service/dry cleaning. In addition, the hotel's guests can enjoy the leisure and sports facilities provided on the premises: sauna. Being one of the good quality hotels in Cesky Krumlov, guests staying at this hotel will find its convenient location and tranquil atmosphere pleasurable. To book a room at the Dvorak Hotel, please select your dates of travel and complete fill out our secure online booking form.

	Ruze Hotel
	Rating: 5 Price: from US$88 Price: from US$8 Room amenities: hair dryer, television, bathtub, mini bar, satellite/cable TV, non smoking rooms >>Check availability

>>Description

With its central location, Ruze Hotel is within easy reach of most tourist attractions and business addresses in Cesky Krumlov. All of the hotel's 71 guestrooms are equipped with standard in-room amenities to ensure the maximum comfort for its guests. Each guestroom is fully equipped with non smoking rooms, hair dryer, television, bathtub, mini bar, satellite/cable TV. To suit guests' convenience, this Cesky Krumlov accommodation offers room service 24hr, shops, elevator, bar/pub, laundry service/dry cleaning, meeting facilities , restaurant, room service. To unwind, guests can enjoy the leisure facilities provided on the hotel's property, including massage, pool indoor, gym/fitness facilities, sauna. This hotel is characterized by a combination of modern comfort and traditional element of Cesky Krumlov, making it a distinct accommodation. To make your booking at the Ruze Hotel Cesky Krumlov, please enter the dates of your stay and sumbit our secure online booking form.

	Zlaty Andel Hotel
	Rating: 1 Room amenities: television, mini bar, satellite/cable TV >>Check availability

>>Description

With its central location, Zlaty Andel Hotel is within easy reach of most tourist attractions and business addresses in Cesky Krumlov. All hotel's guestrooms have all the conveniences expected in a hotel in its class to suit guests' utmost comforts. Each guestroom is tastefully appointed with television, mini bar, satellite/cable TV. Guests can experience the high standards of comfort while staying at this luxury Cesky Krumlov hotel with everything they need right on the site such as bar/pub, restaurant. Leisure and sports facilities available on the hotel's property comprise sauna. These top-class facilities are complemented to excellent services to meet the needs of visitors to Cesky Krumlov. To make your booking at the Zlaty Andel Hotel Cesky Krumlov, please enter the dates of your stay and sumbit our secure online booking form.

	Grand Hotel
	Rating: 4 Price: from US$59 Price: from US$5 Room amenities: air conditioning, desk, hair dryer, television, bathtub, shower, mini bar, satellite/cable TV >>Check availability

>>Description

The Grand Hotel is perfectly located for both business and leisure guests to Cesky Krumlov. All hotel's guestrooms have all the conveniences expected in a hotel in its class to suit guests' utmost comforts. Each guestroom features amenities such as air conditioning, desk, hair dryer, television, bathtub, shower. Services and amenities available for guests at this Cesky Krumlov accommodation consist of room service 24hr, shops, restaurant, safety deposit boxes, babysitting, business center, pets allowed. For a more enjoyable stay, guests can take advantage of a variety of recreational facilities, including water sports (non-motorized). Being one of the good quality hotels in Cesky Krumlov, guests staying at this hotel will find its convenient location and tranquil atmosphere pleasurable. To book a room at the Grand Hotel, please select your dates of travel and complete fill out our secure online booking form.

	Gold Hotel
	Rating: 4 Price: from US$50 Price: from US$5 Room amenities: non smoking rooms, air conditioning, daily newspaper, desk, hair dryer, ironing board, in room safe, television, bathtub, separate shower and tub, mini bar, balcony/terrace, satellite/cable TV, jacuzzi bathtub >>Check availability

>>Description

The Gold Hotel is perfectly located for both business and leisure guests to Cesky Krumlov. All hotel's guestrooms have all the conveniences expected in a hotel in its class to suit guests' utmost comforts. Each of the hotel's guestrooms offers non smoking rooms, air conditioning, daily newspaper, desk, hair dryer, ironing board. The amenities and services offered at this Cesky Krumlov accommodation include room service 24hr, shops, bar/pub, laundry service/dry cleaning, meeting facilities , restaurant, room service, safety deposit boxes. Leisure and sports facilities available on the hotel's property comprise massage, pool indoor, jacuzzi, golf course (on site), gym/fitness facilities, sauna, tennis courts. The hotel creates a balance of rich culture and modern convinience to ensure you a memorable stay. To reserve a room at the Gold Hotel, simply select your dates of stay and fill in our secure online booking form.

	Castle View Apartments
	Rating: 4 Price: from US$115 Price: from US$1 Room amenities: desk, hair dryer, television, bathtub, shower, microwave, kitchenette, balcony/terrace, satellite/cable TV, coffee/tea maker, non smoking rooms >>Check availability

>>Description

The Castle View Apartments is located in Cesky Krumlov making it one of the best hotels to stay at while in town. All hotel's guestrooms have all the conveniences expected in a hotel in its class to suit guests' utmost comforts. All of the guestrooms are replete with non smoking rooms, desk, hair dryer, television, bathtub, shower. To suit guests' convenience, this Cesky Krumlov accommodation offers business center. With elegant facilities and hospitality, guests at this hotel will surely have an impressive stay. To make a reservation at the Castle View Apartments Cesky Krumlov with our secure online booking form, please choose your preffered period of stay.

	Garni Hotel Romantick
	Rating: 3 Price: from US$57 Price: from US$5 Room amenities: hair dryer, television, shower, separate shower and tub, mini bar, microwave, kitchenette, satellite/cable TV, jacuzzi bathtub, DVD/CD player, coffee/tea maker, non smoking rooms >>Check availability

>>Description

With its central location, Garni Hotel Romantick is within easy reach of most tourist attractions and business addresses in Cesky Krumlov. The Garni Hotel Romantick boasts a convenient location with modern amenities in every guestroom and superb service. Each guestroom is tastefully appointed with non smoking rooms, hair dryer, television, shower, separate shower and tub. This beautiful Cesky Krumlov accommodation provides safety deposit boxes, business center, bicycle rental, pets allowed to suit all guests' utmost convenience. The hotel offers garden to provide extra pleasure and relaxation for all guests. With elegant facilities and hospitality, guests at this hotel will surely have an impressive stay. Please complete our secure online booking form by entering your period of stay.

	Hotel Bellevue Superior
	Rating: 4 Price: from US$89 Price: from US$8 Room amenities: non smoking rooms, desk, hair dryer, television, bathtub, shower >>Check availability

>>Description

The Hotel Bellevue Superior is located in Cesky Krumlov making it one of the best hotels to stay at while in town. The Hotel Bellevue Superior boasts a convenient location with modern amenities in every guestroom and superb service. Each guestroom is fully equipped with non smoking rooms, desk, hair dryer, television, bathtub, shower. Guests can experience the high standards of comfort while staying at this luxury Cesky Krumlov hotel with everything they need right on the site such as room service 24hr, elevator, laundry service/dry cleaning, meeting facilities , restaurant. For a more enjoyable stay, guests can take advantage of a variety of recreational facilities, including golf course (on site), sauna. This hotel is characterized by a combination of modern comfort and traditional element of Cesky Krumlov, making it a distinct accommodation. For your reservation at the Hotel Bellevue Superior, simply submit your dates and complete our secure online booking form.



There is definitely no lack of accommodation of all types - most of them pensions or hotels. When you enter the old city centre from the train station, you will stumble across Hostel 99 next to Budějovická brána (Budweiser gate). A very international place and popular with backpackers, a bed in the dormitory costs 250 Kč. As in any other Czech city, the best bet is to go straight to the tourist information and ask for their competent help.

• www.ckrumlov.info Official website of Český Krumlov with plenty of infomation. Good reading to start with. Comes in English, Czech and German.

Do you have or do you know a good website about Český Krumlov? Don't hesitate, let me know! After checking it, I would love to add it to the link list. You can submit a link by using the →contact form. Note that commercial websites will be treated differently.