Heading Out Of Prague
We had a great 3 days visiting Cesky Krumlov. We used the town as a base to explore the Czech countryside. But we also had lots of time to wander the medieval town of Cesky Krumlov. Everywhere we looked we found yet one more treasure. We were so glad we did not visit for just a day trip!
Views Of The Walled Town Of Cesky Krumlov
From our hotel it was an easy walk along cobbled stones into the heart of the walled city. The Vltava River snaked its way through the old town. This was the same river that we enjoyed in Prague. The bridges provided the perfect spot to get views of the medieval town of Cesky Krumlov running along and towering above the river.
The Cesky Krumlov Castle stood prominently above the town with its painted tower. The St. Jost Church tower formed the second anchor of the town view. In the other direction, we saw the spire of the Vitrus church.
Along the banks of the Vltava River we saw outdoor patios. The river itself was low at this time of year. We saw the weirs in town. Unfortunately the low river volume meant that our planned river rafting got cancelled. Â We were happy we got to cruise the Vltava River in Prague.
Our first views of the medieval town of Cesky Krumlov left us wanting more.
Wander Around The Medieval Town Of Cesky Krumlov
We got lots of opportunities to wander through the medieval town of Cesky Krumlov. The main streets were filled with tourists during the day. But at 5pm the small town quieted down and we enjoyed the town with the locals. It was a reminder that you should plan to stay in small tourist towns like Capri on the Amalfi Coast, Obidos in Portugal and Cesky Krumlov if you really want to see the real town.
There was an interesting array of buildings in Cesky Krumlov. Outdoor clocks and sundials on the sides of many buildings drew my interest as they had on our stop in Pisek.
When you wander the streets of the medieval town of Cesky Krumlov, you will find lots to draw your interest.
Buildings As Art
We got our first taste of beautiful buildings and architecture in Prague. As we walked the streets of Cesky Krumlov, we often stopped to marvel at the artistic decorations on the buildings. We saw more of the sgraffito style of building painting. Everywhere we went we saw the five-petalled rose that was the coat-of-arms of the Rozmberk family.
Building art was in different stages of repair. Local laws stated that restoration could be done when the original design of the art was known. If unknown, areas remained washed out. We saw the same thing when we visited the Cesky Krumlov Castle. We even got a chance to go inside one building that showed the remnants of detailed and colourful frescos. Much of this was faded but you could see detail and colours in spots.
Much as we did when we discovered the buildings and architecture of Prague, we kept our eyes peeled for artistic buildings when we visited the medieval town of Cesky Krumlov.
The Castle Above the City
We spent one morning exploring the Cesky Krumlov Castle. The original Gothic castle was founded by the Lords of Krumlov in the 1920s. But was extensively renovated and expanded by the Rozmberk family. We saw other Rozmberk properties as we toured through Bohemian Czech. This was one more in a long list of castles in the Czech Republic that we visited.
After we went in the castle gate, we crossed over the moat. Down in the moat we actually caught sight of the bear one morning on an early walk.
The path took us up and up through the various levels of the castle. We found more beautiful art that decorated the outside of the buildings. When we reached the top, there was a great view out over the medieval town of Cesky Krumlov.
The inside of the castle was not open to view. But there was a small museum. It provided us with a glimpse into life at the period. We saw more of the five-petalled rose that was the coat-of-arms of the Rozmberk family.
It was great to get a view of one of the castles in Bohemia on our stay in the medieval town of Cesky Krumlov.
Churches Balance The Castle On The Skyline
On the other high point in the medieval town of Cesky Krumlov, we visited the St Vitrus Church. We walked around the church to see it from different angles. In the back we found a small courtyard. There was chapel and a few graves in this spot.
We got a chance to go inside this gothic church. The original simple church was also expanded by the Rozmberk family. The inside was ornately decorated. Every nook and cranny provided something more interesting to look at. A large organ had been installed to replace the much smaller original one.
As we wandered in the town, we could see the green spire of the St. Jost church. But we never did get inside that church during our stay. Something left for another trip.
Don’t miss a chance to see this set of churches of the Czech Republic when you visit the medieval town of Cesky Krumlov.
Find Lots To Eat And Drink In Town
We always go searching for good Italian coffee whenever we land in a new town. If David does not come with his own list, we usually ask one of the locals where they get good coffee. We were lucky to find several great spots for coffee on our stay in Cesky Krumlov.
The main town square was down at the river level. Streets led up the hills in all directions. The town square was a sight we would get familiar with as we toured around through the Czech Republic. The large open space drew in the locals. One day there was a market. We enjoyed some time looking at the local wares. And of course we sampled the food.
There were a few breweries in town. We had no trouble finding good samples of the local beer. It was a good preview before our stop to tour the original Budvar Budweiser brewery.
And we even got to try local Czech rum. Our tour guide Vashek always picked up local treats as we travelled from town to town. When we finished our visit to the Vyssi Brod Cistercian Abbey, we settled in the shade on a picnic table to wait for our bus. Vashek pulled out local sweets. And then a bottle of rum. I am not a fan of straight liquor. But we all tried it. David liked it so much he bought his own small bottle.
We definitely found lots to eat and drink in the the medieval town of Cesky Krumlov.
Wrap It All Up With A Panoramic View
When we came and went from the medieval town of Cesky Krumlov, we got the greatest panoramic views of this old town. In one direction we got to see the Cesky Krumlov Castle and the St. Jost Church tower. In the other direction we saw St. Vitrus on the hill.
One night we got the most amazing view as the sun set and the full moon rose. It was a magical moment in our visit to the medieval town of Cesky Krumlov. It is the image of this charming town that we will always remember.
Enjoy The Medieval Town of Cesky Krumlov
Make sure to plan enough time to spend lots of time to wander the medieval town of Cesky Krumlov. We were certainly glad we stayed in Cesky Krumlov and used it as a base to explore the countryside too.
There is so much to see in the charming small town. The Cesky Krumlov Castle is the major draw and certainly worth half a day to explore. Don’t miss the St Vitrus Church on the other high point in town. Walk the streets and admire the artwork on the buildings. Explore the market in the Main Square.
Did you wander the medieval town of Cesky Krumlov? Were you just there for the day or did you get to enjoy so much more?
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I briefly visited Cesky Krumlov during a trip near Prague but I didn’t get the chance to really explore it. I saw the castle from afar, so it’s great to see your photos and hear about your perspective. Also, I didn’t know that you could do river rafting here.
Annemarie, We were lucky to stay in Cesky Krumlov for 3 days. So we had lots of time to explore. Hope you get a chance to go back and spend more time. Linda
I had a wonderful time in Cesky- Krumlov when I visited, but it was really cold. The bears were hibernating as well I think because I went to visit 3 times to look for them and there was no sign of them at all. I was convinced that there were no bears and it was just a story told to the tourists. Your photos brought back happy memories. Thank you!
Janine, I am glad this post brought back memories of Cesky Krumlov. It was great to use it as a base to explore. We too went back several times to find the bears. In our case, it was very hot and she was hiding under the bridge to keep cool. Linda
What a great place to explore. So many historic buildings and even better local beverages to try. Nothing beats a lovely panoramic view of the city though.
Darren, We really loved the chance to wander around Cesky Krumlov. It was a great little town. Especially after the day tourists left. With hills on all sides, there were lots of spots for great panoramic views. Definitely a spot to visit if you are in the Czech Republic. Linda
This is one part of the Czech Republic that looks just as if it has come from a fairy story! Beautiful pictures. I’ve travelled a fair amount around the Czech Republic but haven’t been here yet, so I will definitely be scheduling a trip to Cesky Krumlov soon
Fiona, You should definitely plan to visit Cesky Krumlov if you return to the Czech Republic. Try to stay in the small town and wander. So much better after the crowds depart. Linda
I love to explore medieval town as they give a peep into history and heritage which I like the most. For my kind of traveller Cesky Krumlov is just a perfect destination for it has beautiful castle and so many heritage building like outdoor patios and buildings with arts.. Streets are rightly filled with interesting things. Thanks for sharing this beautiful and colourful city with us.
Himanshu, If you like medieval towns, then Cesky Krumlov will definitely be perfect for you to visit. Everywhere we walked there was something to see. If you stay in the town, you will get to explore when the streets are quieter after the crowds leave. Hope you get to visit. Linda
I was not aware of this place Cesky Krumlov. Loving this place after reading about your experience there. Very good off beat or one day destination from Prague. The statue is impressive. Such wonderful artwork in this medieval town. I would love to do a walking tour here.
Indrani, Pisek is not on the normal tour route for most people visiting Czech. We had a great local guide who wanted to make sure we visited a wide variety of his country. Pisek was a delightful surprise. Linda
We so much wanted to visit Cesky Krumlov when we visited Prague but couldn’t make it. The Cesky Krumlov Castle with its tower is majestic. The clocks, sundials and all murals around the Old Town looks exquisite. Looks like we missed a lot. Definitely on the list for the next time.
Rashmi, I hope this post gave you a view of what you missed in Cesky Krumlov. It truly was a great town to visit in Czech. Hope you get there on a next visit. Linda
What a shame that your river rafting was cancelled, that would have been so much fun and a wonderful location.
The bright side is you had more time to wander round the medieval town of Cesky Krumlov. There really is so many interesting things to see. It is such a pretty town and love the castle that oversees all.
Sara, We were so glad we stayed in Cesky Krumlov. It gave us a chance to really wander the town. So much better than just a day trip. Linda
I’m so sad that I didn’t make it to Cesky Krumlov while we were in Czech Republic last week. It was partially out of laziness which makes it a bit worse. I had no idea that there were bears there! That’s so crazy! Lucky you got to see it! The whole town is just so charming looking and I won’t miss it on our next trip to Czechia.
Paige, We were very glad we got to visit Cesky Krumlov. We had an awesome tour guide who was not letting us miss anything great in the Czech Republic. Not chance to be lazy. But we did see so much. Hope you make it on a return visit. Linda
Cesky Krumlov looks as lovely as Prague and to be honest, I probably wouldn’t be able to tell the difference just from the pictures. I love the cobbled stone streets, the ref roof tops and the little river in between. I can’t believe you saw a bear near the moat, wow! I have been to Prague but only after I returned from there did someone mention that Cesky Krumlov was only a day trip away and an equally pretty old town. I guess I need to return!
Medha, It is absolutely worth a visit to Cesky Krumlov if you return to the Czech Republic. If you have time, I would try to stay in this charming town. It is great to have the town to yourself when most of the day tourists leave. Linda
I was born in the Czech Republic. Then, my parents migrated to Germany for political reasons and wasn’t able to go back for over 20 years. Therefore, visiting the Czech Republic feels very strange – somehow familiar – I’m fluent in Czech, after all – but also very, very foreign. That’s the reason why I actually don’t visit that often. Nevertheless, I’ve always wanted to visit Krumlov – most of all to trace the steps of Egon Schiele. Now, your guide is really urging me to go…. 😉
I am glad that this blog post on Ceske Krumlov might draw you back. We were happy we had a few overnights to enjoy the town when the day tourists left. A lovely way to wander early and late in a day.
I am heading here for one night in August so this was a lovely informative post to read. Not sure how I feel about seeing the bears in the castle moat, I really hope they are well cared for and not just a tourist pull.
I am sure you will love Cesky Krumlov. It was a charming spot to wander. I had the same worry about the bears in the moat.