Cesky Krumlov: One of the Prettiest Cities in the Czech Republic

Named a UNESCO site in 1992 for its historical importance and physical beauty, Cesky Krumlov is a fairytale town and definitely one of the prettiest cities to visit in the Czech Republic. Located on the banks of the Moldau River (Vltava in Czech), its home to a mix of building styles including Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque. There’s lots to see and do including visits to cafes, restaurants, pubs, galleries, gift shops and museums though it’s the 13th century Cesky Krumlov Chateau, the second biggest castle in Bohemia, that is the star attraction.

I had the better part of two days in the city while on a walking tour in the Czech Republic with Country Walkers. I’d seen beautiful photos before visiting the city so I was thrilled it was included in their itinerary.

Cesky Krumlov is a town that’s made for exploring on foot, especially because cars are banned in part of the historic section (with a few exceptions)  The area around the town is also very scenic and is easily accessed on foot, including the Blansky Nature Reserve.

Read: 19 Photos That will Make You Want to Discover the Czech Republic on Foot 

One of the highlights for me was the walk up the narrow, twisting staircase, past a real-life dungeon, to the top of the castle tower. Once there you’re welcomed with fantastic 360 degree views. Spend as much time as you want once you’re up there but hold onto your ticket as you’ll need it to exit.

In hindsight, what I wished I’d done was rent a kayak and paddled the river. Not only does it offer a different vantage point but it looks like a lot of fun.

An aerial depiction of Cesky Krumlov

Lots of small cafes in the old part of Cesky Krumlov

Cesky Krumlov is popular with families

I love the cafe scene and the incredibly decorated buildings

Flowers decorate almost every house

Watching the world go by

A view from the tower in the castle

Rafting the Vltava River looks like a lot of fun

The castle lit up at night

Amazing details on the castle walls

The view from the castle tower (with the Hotel Dvorak the building on the right after you cross the bridge)

Where to stay in Cesky Krumlov

The Hotel Dvorák, a 19th century property with superior views of the river and castle, is certainly one of the more desirable hotels in town because of its location – but light sleepers should know it can be a little noisy at night. Still I loved opening my windows and watching the world go by. And nothing beats a drink on their riverside terrace.

The riverside terrace at Hotel Dvorak

How to get to Cesky Krumlov

Cesky Krumlov sits in the southwest corner of the Czech Republic, close to the border with Austria and Germany. It’s just 180 kilometres south of Prague, 200 kilometres northwest of Vienna and 250 kilometres northeast of Munich. Both buses and trains service the city, though the bus station is closer to the historic area than is the train station.