Český Krumlov

Getting there

By train Český Krumlov lies on regional railway line České Budějovice – Černý Kříž, going from regional capital to National Park Šumava via Český Krumlov. Taking a train to Český Krumlov is possibly the most comfortable way how to get there. Czech Railways operates one direct long-distance Ex "Jižní expres" train from Prague and back, departing from Praha hl.n. in 8:01 and arriving in Český Krumlov in 10:55, on the way back it departs in 14:07 and arrives in 16:57. The SuperAction ticket costs from 195 CZK, Ordinary ticket costs 283 CZK, for more details see Rail travel in the Czech Republic. Three hours are not really enough to see the town (as there are more sights and the railway station is not in the center), so it is more advisable to sleep in Český Krumlov or take a train with a transfer. You can use connections with transfer in České Budějovice. The train leaves every 1-2 hours, the trip takes 2h50min-3h40min. For more details look at IDOS. You will need to buy two separated tickets because regional Os trains from České Budějovice are operated by GWTR. These tickets can be bought at both railway stations or from the conductor onboard (which incurs an extra fee). The train station 1 Český Krumlov is north of the main square and the castle; the walk to the center is 15–20 minutes downhill. Taxis often wait in the parking lot for tired travelers - it may be worth the 100Kč ride into town, especially at night. To make sure you get a taxi if you have heavy luggage, it's better to book it in advance. You can find the contacts in their websites. Some local buses although travel between the train station and the bus terminal (that isn't much closer to the old town though, but may be closer to your accommodation). Price: 10Kč. Walking is however the best option if you are reasonably fit.

By bus From Prague, and other nearby cities or towns of Bohemia, getting to Český Krumlov by public bus can be sometimes faster and cheaper than by train. Regiojet runs plenty o

Getting around

By foot Ambling around the town's crooked ulices is the best way to get lost in Český Krumlov's 750 years of history. Bring solid walking shoes for the uneven cobblestones. Český Krumlov is a jumble of 750 years of architectural design, and for this reason was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. Part of the fun is to get lost in its maze of cobbled ulices, while the Vltava River rushes along from almost every direction, adding to the confusion. Walking the length of Latrán from Budějovická Gate to the town square, Náměstí Svornosti, up Horní and across the bridge to the Barbakán, will take about an hour if you’re interested in stopping and gawping at sites.

By bike Many good biking paths lead you to and from Český Krumlov, but you're not encouraged to ride through the streets once you get here. Park and lock your bike and enjoy not pedaling for a while.

By boat No tours are necessary, boat rentals will sort everything out for you. If you are only interested in the Český Krumlov section of the river, it's about 2 hours long trip. Night rafting is also possible with some rental services.

See

2 Český Krumlov State Castle and Chateau. The most-visited site in town and is composed of the Little Castle (Hrádek) hosting the Castle Museum, the six-storey Chateau Tower from the Renaissance period, the Chateau, the Baroque Castle Theatre, the Chateau Garden, the Gothic Wenceslaus Cellars, and a lapidary with stone sculptures. You can walk through the complex for free, or you can pay for a visit to the Castle Museum, the observation gallery of the Chateaux Tower, two different guided tours of the Chateau interiors or the Baroque Castle Theatre. Plan at least two hours for your visit, and buy supplies for a picnic lunch in the Chateau Garden at the grocery across the ulice from the entrance on Latrán.The best approach to the castle is from Latrán. Walk through the red iron gates to the first courtyard that houses the Unios Tourist Information center, public washrooms, a souvenir shop, Doxa Galerie, and in the summer months, a tropically inspired mixed drink stand serving up mojitos, caipirinhas, and daquiris. As you approach the Little Castle, you cross the Bear Moat, where the famous Krumlov bears gambol about lazily. Put a few coins in the slot to help keep them fat and happy..The second courtyard features the entrance to the Castle Museum and the Chateau Tower (80Kč and 50Kč respectively, 130Kč combined). After slogging up the vertiginous staircase, you are treated to a 360-degree view of the town. The second courtyard also hosts a small fountain, and the main ticket office where you can book scheduled tours of the interior to the Chateau and the one-of-a-kind Baroque Castle Theatre (consider buying the tickets in advance if you would like to attend the tours as the entrance to the tours is quite distant from the ticket office and you may find it tiring to walk back all the way once you reach there). The restaurant Maselnice, across from the ticket office, is a good place to stop for refreshment..Tours of the castle interior begin in the third castle courtyard

Do

Rafting on the Vltava River. You can rent rafts on several locations and hostels in and out the town, and near the camping area as well. The river can become faster flowing in summer months after rain, so approach the weirs with caution. 1 Vydra Boat Rental, Nové Spolí, ☏ +420 777 296 008, [email protected]. May,June (weekends) July –September daily. Vydra has been running canoe, raft, kayak and paddleboard rentals for over 30 years — full equipment and transport to your launch point included, collection at the finish too. Routes range from a relaxed 2-hour float through the historic centre to a full-day paddle from Rožmberk or a multi-day adventure starting at Vyšší Brod. Night rafting under the illuminated castle is a local favourite. Before you go, use the free interactive Vltava River Map to plan your route — it shows put-in points, weirs, riverside camps, current water levels and estimated paddling times for every section. No experience needed; suitable for families with children. Canoe from 350 CZK, raft from 1200 CZK. (updated May 2026) 2 Ontario - boat and raft rentals, Kaplická 194, ☏ +420 723 463 396, [email protected]. If you think you know Český Krumlov well and nothing can surprise you, do night-rafting. You will explore historical centre of Český Krumlov in very different way. You ride down the river with a guide. For your safety you get life jackets and there is a guide who goes with you. Trip planning services are available, as well as either one day long or multiple-days trips. Canoes, rafts, kayaks, (big red) water tubes and paddleboards available. (updated Apr 2020) 3 Maleček Boat Rentals, Rooseveltova 28. Rent a boat or take the historical wooden raft tour with guides and commentary in English. Tubing on the Vltava River. Make sure you get proper instructions on how to navigate the weirs through town, or you could end u