Cesky Krumlov: attractions, restaurants, itineraries

Cesky Krumlov - a fabulous piece of the Czech Republic

In the southern part of the Czech Republic lies the quaint town of Český Krumlov, nestled along the banks of the Vltava River. Every year, hundreds of thousands of tourists flock here for the chance to see the famous castle complex, renowned throughout Europe and even listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The appearance of the old part of the town hasn't changed for over two centuries. It consists of several quarters built under the Český Krumlov Castle. The buildings in the old part of Český Krumlov seem almost unreal, as if they've stepped right out of the pages of a magical fairy tale. The town attracts with its unique atmosphere, and it feels as though myths and legends come to life at every turn. A visit to Český Krumlov would be incomplete without seeing the Gothic St. Vitus Church and its ancient frescoes, strolling across the Cloak Bridge, and walking along the Vltava Riverbank. There are plenty of cultural establishments here, including a Wax Museum and a chilling Torture Museum. Various vibrant events also take place: the "Český Krumlov" music festival and the June "Festival of the Five-Petaled Rose," a tradition that has been preserved since the medieval times. No wonder the town is so popular among travelers, as Český Krumlov is the capital of legends, unique landscapes, and unparalleled architecture!

When to go?

Český Krumlov is beautiful at any time of the year. Thanks to its mild climate and surrounding forests, this city is a delightful place for walks during both the spring-summer and autumn-winter seasons. If you enjoy green tourism, then choose the summer months for your trip. From July to August, you can even relax with tents at one of the local campsites. Every year at the beginning of summer, the city hosts the grand "Five-Petaled Rose Festival." The festival program includes costume parades, fairs, concerts, and other entertainment events.

What to buy?

All tourist purchases in the city are directly related to the castle or to Czech traditions. The selection in souvenir shops is quite predictable – beer mugs and magnets with images of the castle. If you want to buy something more exclusive and atmospheric, head to the local Eggenberg Brewery, and pick up a couple of bottles of local beer there.

Interesting souvenirs can also be found in the shops at the museums. Czechs are very fond of marionettes. In the local Marionette Museum, you can not only admire these traditional toys but also make a nice gift for a child. Photography calendars with city views from different eras are sold in the museum.

Another symbol of the city is the bear. This animal adorned the coat of arms of one of the local rulers. There’s an entire store in the city dedicated to this symbol.

What to try?

As in any other Czech city, there are plenty of traditional beer establishments here. Some even brew their own beer. To complement the hoppy beverage, you are typically offered to order sausages with sauerkraut or the main culinary symbol of Czech cuisine – pork knuckle (pork leg, baked in beer).

In this city, the food is prepared deliciously and with love. Feel free to walk into small taverns or cafes, order traditional Czech dumplings, garlic soup in bread, bramborak (potato pancakes). For dessert, you can order sweet dumplings, fruit dumplings, or strudel.