Beginning in Prague, discover for a full day the medieval town of Cesky Krumlov and its magnificent castle!
In the same way that Paris is not France, Prague does not represent the Czech Republic alone and it is not the city of Český Krumlov that will make us say the opposite.
From Prague, it is possible to make one guided tour of Cesky Krumlov , a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where one of the largest castles in the Czech Republic is located (the second after Prague Castle ) and beautiful baroque gardens.
Photo credit: Flickr – Pe_Wu
An architectural jewel to discover
Inscribed to the UNESCO World Heritage Site, the city of Cesky Krumlov is a perfect destination for romantics and lovers of prestigious places rich in history. Located 141 km south of Prague, this medieval town is certainly one of the most beautiful in the country thanks to an unprecedented historical and architectural heritage that makes the pride of its 13,000 inhabitants.
What to see during the guided tour to Cesky Krumlov?
During this visit that lasts all day from Prague (about 10 hours), you will be accompanied by a guide that will answer all your questions and that will enjoy every place to narrate a few anecdotes and the history of each place.
Photo credit: Flickr – whereisemil
This will be the opportunity to visit and discover the Castle ( Hrad ). This is the second largest castral complex in the entire country. It was built in the 13th century on a rocky promontory above the river Vltava by the Count of Krumlov, from the powerful Witgonen family whose emblem is a 5-petal rose found everywhere in the city of Cesky Krumlov. The castle was then enlarged during the 14th century and rebuilt in the Renaissance style in the 16th century, which was the golden age of the city.
Over the following centuries, the style changed several times, sometimes with a rococo style, a baroque style and an Empire style. Until 1947, when the castle was nationalized, it was not inhabited. Today, he remains responsible for the National Heritage Institute. This incredible castle has many buildings richly decorated with colorful frescoes of the Renaissance which organize around 5 courses.
Photo credit: Flickr – Tjflex2
The castle of Cesky Krumlov overlooks the city, and it is accessed by a steeply sloping street and by a bridge over the old doves.
In the courtyard of the castle, you will find the baroque theatre ( Zámecké divadlo ). Located in the fifth courtyard of the castle at the site of a former theatre dating from the 17th century, the baroque theatre is a very fascinating place: the auditorium, the orchestra pit, the decors, the machinery, the lighting and even the costume collection are of origin.
Photo credit: Flickr – Adam Polselli
Other highlights to visit in Cesky Krumlov
During this guided tour, you will be given to discover many places typical of the city that also reflect the spirit of the Czech Republic. This is especially the case with the castle gardens where you can enjoy the charm of the pretty summer pavilion in a purely rococo style and its pond.
The historic centre of Cesky Krumlov is a jewel of architecture to remember: the historic centre has concentrated around the castle but also around a loop that is located near the Gothic church of Saint-Guy and Svornosti Square where you will find a magnificent Marian fountain and the Hotel de Ville.
Photo credit: Flickr – Fred Mast
Enjoy this visit to “lose” you in the medieval streets that are lined with facades decorated with stucco and graffite, enter one of the many cafés, in the breweries, in the craft shops to discover the daily life and atmosphere of this city with undeniable charm.
Why, before leaving, do not wander a few minutes along the Vltava docks and do the full of this day rich in architectural beauties? With the same vehicle as for your trip that will bring you back to your hotel in Prague, it is by looking through the window during these 2 h 30 journey that you will still enjoy the South Bohemia countryside.
Photo credit: Flickr – Michael Dawes
To know before visiting Cesky Krumlov
The guided tour of Cesky Krumlov also includes taking care of your hotel, bus transport (with WiFi on board), entrance tickets to the sites, but also on-site lunch (with three dishes and vegetarian option available) and water.
We need to know that castle is closed from 1 November to 31 March . Only English comments are guaranteed during the visit. Comments in French, German, Italian, Spanish and Russian are available upon request.
If you want to get to Cesky Krumlov by your own means, it is possible to go by car using E55 direction České Budějovice/Český Krumlov . If you don’t have a car, buses regularly leave the Praha Florenc bus station or the Prague Central Station. You can find more information on schedules and rates on the Czech-transport.com website. To go by train, go to the Central Station and take a train to Cesky Krumlov. According to the routes, some are direct, others require you to make a change to České Budějovice.
Main photo credit: Flickr – Chris Barnes
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