Czech - Český Krumlov
Albania
Czech Republic
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
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| 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.
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| 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).
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| 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.
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| 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.
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| 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.
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| 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.
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| 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).
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| 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.
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| 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.
| Accommodation |
Southern Bohemia, Český Krumlov |
A romantic guesthouse from the 2nd half of the 16th century, completely restored in 2007. Located in the town of Český Krumlov where the history and the present create a memorable, fairy atmosphere with a flavor of secrets, legends and tales. Eke our house is a part of the history, evidence of which can be traced in the legend on Wonderful Valley. It depends on you, your imagination, to search and find. | ||
Location
A romantic guesthouse from the 2nd half of the 16th century, completely restored in 2007.
Located in the town of Český Krumlov where the history and the present create a memorable, fairy atmosphere with a flavor of secrets, legends and tales.
Eke our house is a part of the history, evidence of which can be traced in the legend on Wonderful Valley. It depends on you, your imagination, to search and find.
Equipment and services
The guesthouse offers 14 beds in stylish rooms with own bathroom, WC and TV.
Our specialty is the „breakfast to bed“.
You can also have your breakfast in the garden at the guesthouse which provides a pleasant space for evening dining, too.
The hotel provides drinks and refreshments.
Leisure opportunities
Český Krumlov is noted for the theatre with a rotation stage, the Baroque Theatre, the Castle and a number of other outstanding historical monuments.
Bike and boat rentals.
Tennis centre, sports hall.
Bowling, pubs, taverns.
Further information
Advantage is free parking at the house.
Pets allowed for additional fee of CZK 100 per night.
Deposit of valuables in the owner´s safe box.
| Accommodation |
Southern Bohemia, Český Krumlov |
You will find the hotel in the historical centre of the town, 200 m from the entrance to the castle. The hotel is a converted original Renaissance house from the 16the century. | ||
Location
You will find the hotel in the historical centre of the town, 200 m from the entrance to the castle. The hotel is a converted original Renaissance house from the 16the century.
Amenities and Services
There are four comfortable double rooms furnished in a romantic style and three suites.
The rooms are equipped with TV SAT, CD player, minibar, and a bathroom with a corner bathtub.
Connection to internet through WiFi possible in the hotel.
Leisure Activities
Sightseeing of the castle and other historical monuments in Český Krumlov and the surroundings.
Other Information
Safe-deposit box, fax, scanner, copier available at the hotel.
Parking arranged at the area of the Eggenber Brewery for a charge of CZK150 per day.
Dogs allowed for an additional fee of CZK 200 per night.
| Accommodation |
Southern Bohemia, Písek |
The Guesthouse is situated in a calm area of Protivín town, close to the forest. A part of the Guesthouse is a large garden. The hotel is about 15 min to the train and bus stations. | ||
Location
The Guesthouse is situated in a calm area of Protivín town, close to the forest. A part of the Guesthouse is a large garden. The hotel is about 15 min to the train and bus stations.
Equipment and services
There are four-bed apartments with SAT TV, bathroom, cloakroom and eight double rooms with own bathroom, balcony, telephone, SAT TV.
Leisure opportunities
Choice of relaxation programs.
Cycling, trips, castles, chateaux, nature trails, museums, look-outs. Towns in the surroundings:
Český Krumlov, Hluboká nad Vltavou, Jindřichův Hradec, Kaplice, Lišov u Českých Budějovic, Třeboň, Vimperk, Strakonice, Písek
Further information
The guesthouses offers facilities for parties, weddings, family celebrations and other events.
A part of the hotel is a sanatorium with professional staff. Here you can find ozone sauna, whirlpool, massage chair and a gym.
We offer short-term and long-term relaxation programs and numerous other services for a complete regeneration and relax of your body.
Dogs allowed for an additional fee of CZK 50 per night.
| Accommodation |
Southern Bohemia, České Budějovice |
The Parkhotel **** is situated on the edge of the town, not far from the centre. It provides complete first class services as to the range, quality and standard | ||
Location
The Parkhotel **** is situated on the edge of the town, not far from the centre. It provides complete first class services as to the range, quality and standard
Equipment and services
The Parkhotel **** offers comfort accommodation in double to four-bed rooms furnished according to four-stars (first-class) standard classification. The rooms are attractive, spaceous and cosy, inspired by the four-season motif which features the individual floors.
You can book single rooms (SGL), double rooms (DBL), three-bed rooms or four-bed-rooms, as well as air-conditioned apartments.
All rooms can be modified to twin rooms. A bathtub is available in 20 rooms, three rooms are suitable for disabled guests.
Each floor offers 2 smoking rooms adjacent to a smoking corner.
All accommodation and dining areas of the Parkhotel are barrier-free. Areas of the hotel reception and the lobby bar are covered with WI-FI internet connection
Leisure opportunities
The hotel has a fitness studio, sauna, steam room, whirlpool, massages.
There is a 18-hole and a 9-hole course, a driving range. The Golf Club Hluboká nad Vltavou can provide both equipment and a trainer for a beginner lesson.
A network of bike trails, both easy and challenging, belongs to the most extensive ones in the Czech Republic.
One hour trip on a boat (the pier at the bridge to Zámostí)
The Hosín Airport with sightseeing flights by plane, balloon, tandem skydiving, parachuting with an instructor.
Sports area at the left bank of the Vltava River offers a wide range of sports activities: both in-door and open-air tennis courts with artificial and red clay surface, children court with artificial lawn and a swimming pool, two football playgrounds, two baseball grounds, a large playground for children, red-clay volleyball courts.
Summer beach volley ball, inline skating.
Aquapark – an in-door swimming pool in Podskalí with two pools, counter-current, tube chute, chutes and whirlpools.
Further information
Accommodation services of the reception desk 24 hours a day.
Reservations of the relax studio, or the beauty shop.
Reservations at the Park Restaurant, the Hunter´s Lodge or in the Lobby Bar.
Exchange of currencies, room service (12 hours a day), breakfast packages.
Laundry and ironing, telephone waking service, porterage (in/out), baggage room.
Bike rental. Secretarial services.
Attended car park belonging to the hotel.
Dogs allowed.
Facilities available: restaurant, lobby bar, lounges, conference room.
| Accommodation |
Southern Bohemia, České Budějovice |
A newly restored South-Bohemian country farm in the Hosty village now serves for recreation. It is lonely estate in a picturesque valley at the confluence of Lužnice and Vltava rivers, not far from the Týn nad Vltavou town. | ||
Location
A newly restored South-Bohemian country farm in the Hosty village now serves for recreation. It is lonely estate in a picturesque valley at the confluence of Lužnice and Vltava rivers, not far from the Týn nad Vltavou town.
Equipment and services
Capacity of the homestead is 100 beds in 28 rooms, that are double to four-bed rooms
with own bathroom and TV. Outside the homestead there are other 28 beds in 8 rooms with own bathroom.
Guests are welcome in the dining room with an arc ceiling for 90 persons. Adjacent saloons are suitable closed parties. There is also a restaurant with all-day service. Breakfast, half board, full board, possibility of individual meal orders, specialties of Czech and foreign cuisine. A bar in a former granary with a pleasant atmosphere for evening meetings.
Leisure opportunitiesand surroundings
Tennis court, footballtennis, volleyball, table tennis, darts, mini-golf.
Cycling, tourism.
Rental of boats and sports equipment.
Boat trips.
Nature swimming pool 150 m from the building.
Surrounding forests with abundance of mushrooms, blueberries and cowberries.
Further information
The nearest shop – 6 km - Koloděje nad Lužnicí.
Dogs allowed for an additional fee of CZK 60 per night.
| Accommodation |
Southern Bohemia, Český Krumlov |
The hotel is located at the edge of the picturesque little town of Dolní Dvořiště, right on the border crossing to Austria - Wullovitz. | ||
Location
The hotel is located at the edge of the picturesque little town of Dolní Dvořiště, right on the border crossing to Austria - Wullovitz.
Equipment and services
The hotel has 20 spacious comfortable rooms with own bathrooms, equipped with TV, telephone, connection to the Internet, additional beds can be placed in all rooms, thus the capacity of can be enlarged up to 60 guests.
The hotel facilities include a restaurant, a lounge, a conference room with its own bar, sauna and whirlpool.
Further information
Adjacent to the hotel is a petrol station, the last in the Czech Republic before crossing the borders to Austria. A large car park available in front of the hotel for 30 passenger cars and several coaches.
Pets allowed for a supplementary fee.
| Accommodation |
Southern Bohemia, České Budějovice |
The hotel is situated in a charming quiet street in the centre of České Budějovice, bus 5 min walk from the main square of Přemysl Otakar II. | ||
Silvestr není k dispozici
Location
The hotel is situated in a charming quiet street in the centre of České Budějovice, bus 5 min walk from the main square of Přemysl Otakar II.
Equipment and services
The hotel provides accommodation in altogether 28 rooms. All are equipped with a TV and a bathroom.
- 22 double rooms
- 6 single rooms
(placing of and additional bed possible).
Leisure opportunities
Indoor Swimming Pool, Open-air Swimming Pool, Fitness Studio, Cinema, Theatre, ZOO, Visit to Hluboká nad Vltavou Chateau, Český Krumlov, Třeboň and others.
Leisure opportunities
Indoor Swimming Pool, Open-air Swimming Pool, Fitness Studio, Cinema, Theatre, ZOO, Visit to Hluboká nad Vltavou Chateau, Český Krumlov, Třeboň and others.
Further information
The restaurant offers not only a wide choice of dishes of the Czech cuisine but also Dutch specialties.
Newly open terrace provides 30 seats for dining, the restaurant offers over 40 seats.
Dogs allowed without a fee.
| Accommodation |
Southern Bohemia, Písek |
The hotel is situated in a calm environment of the town´s sports park close to the Otava River It is only several hundred meters from the picturesque town of Písek, that is well-known for its oldest stone bridge in Central Europe. The location offers attractive walking and cycling trails. | ||
Location
The hotel is situated in a calm environment of the town´s sports park close to the Otava River It is only several hundred meters from the picturesque town of Písek, that is well-known for its oldest stone bridge in Central Europe. The location offers attractive walking and cycling trails.
Equipment and services
The hotel offers accommodation in 20 double rooms which are all equipped with a SAT TV, telephone and bathroom. Four rooms out of these, on the first floor, have a terrace of 4 x 4m.
In some rooms additional beds can be used. To satisfy your needs we also offer two apartments with a high standard equipment. The three floors of the hotel are served by an elevator.
There are 70 seats in the hotel restaurant, in summer, it can be enlarged by another 60 seats on the terrace of the hotel. Open daily from 11.00 to 23.00.
There are three conference rooms for either 60, 30 or 15 people.
Leisure opportunities
In the close neighborhood of the hotel you will find:
Three lawn area for football, a tennis hall, one football ground with artificial surface, a hockey playground, a multipurpose hall - 400 m from the hotel, athletic- stadium with tartan surface (eight lanes), 15 tennis courts – about 500 m, two bowling lanes – about 400m, hockey stadium – about 600 m.
| Accommodation |
Southern Bohemia, Český Krumlov |
It is a nearly 200 years old house, built by the Swarzenberg family. The house was converted to a guesthouse in 2006. The house is situated in the UNESCO Cultural Heritage quarter of the town, nevertheless, it is surrounded by nature, only 10 min walk from the centre of Český Krumlov. | ||
Location
It is a nearly 200 years old house, built by the Swarzenberg family. The house was converted to a guesthouse in 2006. The house is situated in the UNESCO Cultural Heritage quarter of the town, nevertheless, it is surrounded by nature, only 10 min walk from the centre of Český Krumlov.
Equipment and services
The guesthouse offers 26 beds in rooms with their own bathrooms, WC, internet connection, SAT TV and refrigerator. A part of the hotel is a private car park and a terrace with a view of the forest and surrounding fishponds
Leisure opportunities
Nearby the guesthouse there are tennis courts, indoor swimming pool as well as the Chateau park with a theatre with a rotating stage.
You cannot miss the historical centre of the town including the Chateau.
More monuments of cultural heritage in the surroundings, like in Vyšší Brod, Rožmberk etc.
Further information
Dogs allowed for additional fee of CZK 50.
| Accommodation |
Southern Bohemia, Český Krumlov |
This is an elegantly restored business-class hotel with modern conference and gastronomic facilities, situated right in the historical centre of Český Krumlov, the site of UNESCO Cultural Heritage, nearby the Krumlov Castle and Chateau. | ||
Silvestr není k dispozici
Location
This is an elegantly restored business-class hotel with modern conference and gastronomic facilities, situated right in the historical centre of Český Krumlov, the site of UNESCO Cultural Heritage, nearby the Krumlov Castle and Chateau.
Equipment and services
The seat of the hotel is within an outer bailey (Latrán) , which is nowadays a peaceful pedestrian zone.
The hotel offers 66 comfortable, newly restored rooms with SAT TV, safe-deposit box, ISDN internet connection and telephone. Out of these, five rooms are Junior Suites, three unique apartments within the „Executive floor“, and one barrier-free room furnished for disabled guests.
A charming restaurant in a historical hotel lounge with preserved original arc ceiling is a place where a generous self-service buffet breakfast is served to the guests.
Leisure opportunities
Posibilities to choose from numerous tours and walks across the historical area of the town, rental of sports equipment, tourist trips to the surroundings.
The hotel offers relaxation in the sauna and fitness studio.
Further information
Gourmet restaurant “The Garden of Vienna“ with its wine cellar and an impressive garden restaurant, has been the Mekka of gastronomy in Cesky Krumlov with an attribute of “mettre en appétite”
The high-tech conference centre (three rooms) with facilities up to 180 guests.
Dogs allowed for additional fee of CZK 210 per night.
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.
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