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.

	Bellevue Hotel
	Rating: 3 Price: from US$55 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

The Bellevue Hotel is perfectly located for both business and leisure guests to Cesky Krumlov. Each of the 52 well-furnished guestrooms at the hotel ensures a comfortable stay with industry-standard room amenities. Each guestroom features amenities such as non smoking rooms, hair dryer, internet access (wireless), internet access, in room safe, bathtub, shower, mini bar. This Cesky Krumlov accommodation features on-site facilities such as executive floor, meeting facilities , restaurant, room service, disabled facilities. Hotel's guests can experience on-site latest leisure and sports facilities such as massage, sauna. The hotel provides a warm and welcoming service of international standard. For your reservation at the Bellevue Hotel Cesky Krumlov, please select your dates of stay and fill in our secure online booking form.

	Old Inn Hotel
	Rating: 4 Price: from US$48 Price: from US$4 Room amenities: air conditioning, hair dryer, in room safe, television, shower, separate shower and tub, mini bar, satellite/cable TV, non smoking rooms >>Check availability

>>Description

The Old Inn Hotel is perfectly located for both business and leisure guests to Cesky Krumlov. Each of the 52 well-furnished guestrooms at the hotel ensures a comfortable stay with industry-standard room amenities. Each guestroom is tastefully appointed with non smoking rooms, hair dryer, in room safe, television, shower, mini bar, satellite/cable TV. This beautiful Cesky Krumlov accommodation provides room service 24hr, elevator, laundry service/dry cleaning, meeting facilities , restaurant, room service, safety deposit boxes to suit all guests' utmost convenience. The hotel offers massage, indoor pool , gym, sauna, spa to provide extra pleasure and relaxation for all guests. Along with its convenient location in Cesky Krumlov, the hotel also offers a wide range of services and facilities to the guests. With elegant facilities and hospitality, guests at this hotel will surely have an impressive stay. To make your reservation at the Old Inn Hotel via our secure online booking form, please submit your visit dates.

	Dvorak Hotel
	Rating: 4 Price: from US$64 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 Dvorak Hotel is located in Cesky Krumlov making it one of the best hotels to stay at while in town. The hotel provides all the amenities that today's travelers desire in all of its 17 rooms. Each guestroom has non smoking rooms, daily newspaper, inhouse movies, hair dryer, ironing board, in room safe, television. Guests staying at this Cesky Krumlov accommodation can enjoy a wide range of hotel facilities such as room service 24hr, shops, executive floor, elevator, bar/pub, laundry service/dry cleaning, meeting facilities . Leisure and sports facilities available on the hotel's property comprise sauna. The hotel provides a warm and welcoming service of international standard. 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$85 Price: from US$8 Room amenities: air conditioning, bathrobes, hair dryer, television, bathtub, mini bar, satellite/cable TV, non smoking rooms >>Check availability

>>Description

Discover all that Cesky Krumlov has to offer with Ruze Hotel as a base. This 5-star hotel offers 71 comfortable guestrooms with a range of in-room facilities suitable for the modern traveler. All of the guestrooms are replete with non smoking rooms, hair dryer, television, bathtub, mini bar. The basic amenities provided at this Cesky Krumlov accommodation comprise room service 24hr, shops, elevator, bar/pub, laundry service/dry cleaning. In addition, the hotel's guests can enjoy the leisure and sports facilities provided on the premises: massage, indoor pool , gym, 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. For your reservation at the Ruze Hotel, simply submit your dates and complete our secure online booking form.

	Zlaty Andel Hotel
	Rating: 1 Price: from US$48 Price: from US$4 Room amenities: television, mini bar, satellite/cable TV >>Check availability

>>Description

The Zlaty Andel Hotel is located in Cesky Krumlov making it one of the best hotels to stay at while in town. The Zlaty Andel Hotel boasts a convenient location with modern amenities in every guestroom and superb service. Each guestroom features amenities such as television, mini bar, satellite/cable TV. This beautiful Cesky Krumlov accommodation provides bar/pub, restaurant to suit all guests' utmost convenience. In addition, the hotel's guests can enjoy the leisure and sports facilities provided on the premises: sauna. Along with its convenient location in Cesky Krumlov, the hotel also offers a wide range of services and facilities to the guests. Make your reservation at the Zlaty Andel Hotel Cesky Krumlov now by selecting your chosen dates of stay and submitting our secure online booking form.

	Grand Hotel
	Rating: 4 Price: from US$70 Price: from US$7 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. In-room facilities include air conditioning, desk, hair dryer, television, bathtub, shower, mini bar, satellite/cable TV. This beautiful Cesky Krumlov accommodation provides room service 24hr, shops, restaurant, safety deposit boxes, babysitting, business center, pets allowed to suit all guests' utmost convenience. Hotel's guests can experience on-site latest leisure and sports facilities such as water sports (non-motorized). The hotel creates a balance of rich culture and modern convinience to ensure you a memorable stay. To make your reservation at the Grand Hotel via our secure online booking form, please submit your visit dates.

	Gold Hotel
	Rating: 4 Price: from US$44 Price: from US$4 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

Discover all that Cesky Krumlov has to offer with Gold Hotel as a base. All hotel's guestrooms have all the conveniences expected in a hotel in its class to suit guests' utmost comforts. The guestrooms are equipped with non smoking rooms, air conditioning, daily newspaper, desk, hair dryer, ironing board, in room safe, television. The basic amenities provided at this Cesky Krumlov accommodation comprise room service 24hr, shops, bar/pub, laundry service/dry cleaning, meeting facilities , restaurant. Hotel's guests can experience on-site latest leisure and sports facilities such as massage, indoor pool , jacuzzi, golf course (on site), gym, sauna, tennis courts, squash courts. Being one of the good quality hotels in Cesky Krumlov, guests staying at this hotel will find its convenient location and tranquil atmosphere pleasurable. Please complete our secure online booking form by entering your period of stay.

	Castle View Apartments
	Rating: 4 Price: from US$102 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 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 has non smoking rooms, desk, hair dryer, television, bathtub, shower, microwave. This Cesky Krumlov accommodation contains all of the facilities and conveniences you would expect from a hotel in its class. With elegant facilities and hospitality, guests at this hotel will surely have an impressive stay. To proceed with this reservation at the Castle View Apartments, please enter your visit dates and follow our secure online booking form.

	Garni Hotel Romantick
	Rating: 3 Price: from US$53 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

The Garni Hotel Romantick is located in Cesky Krumlov making it one of the best hotels to stay at while in town. The Garni Hotel Romantick boasts a convenient location with modern amenities in every guestroom and superb service. Each guestroom is fully equipped with non smoking rooms, hair dryer, television, shower, separate shower and tub, mini bar, microwave. This Cesky Krumlov accommodation contains all of the facilities and conveniences you would expect from a hotel in its class. 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. Make your reservation at the Garni Hotel Romantick Cesky Krumlov now by selecting your chosen dates of stay and submitting our secure online booking form.

	Hotel Bellevue Superior
	Rating: 4 Price: from US$94 Price: from US$9 Room amenities: daily newspaper, desk, hair dryer, in room safe, television, bathtub, shower, satellite/cable TV, non smoking rooms >>Check availability

>>Description

Discover all that Cesky Krumlov has to offer with Hotel Bellevue Superior as a base. The Hotel Bellevue Superior boasts a convenient location with modern amenities in every guestroom and superb service. The guestrooms are equipped with non smoking rooms, daily newspaper, desk, hair dryer, in room safe. This Cesky Krumlov accommodation contains all of the facilities and conveniences you would expect from a hotel in its class. For guests to unwind, the hotel offers a variety of facilities and services including golf course (on site), sauna. Modern comfort and convenience are seamlessly combined to ensure the guests' satisfaction. To make your reservation at the Hotel Bellevue Superior quick and easy, please select your preferred dates of stay and proceed with 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.