Background
Situated on the banks of the Vltava, the town was built around a 13th-century castle with Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque elements. UNESCO calls it an outstanding example of a small central European medieval town whose architectural heritage has remained intact thanks to its peaceful evolution over more than five centuries.
The castle was founded shortly before 1250 by a branch of the Vítkovci family; the name comes from the Middle High German for crooked meadow, after the river bend, and the adjective Český was added in the 15th century. Wikivoyage says the castle is the second largest in the Czech Republic, that the town's appearance has hardly changed since the 18th century, and that tourists outnumber the 13,000 residents in summer.
- c. 1250The Vítkovci found the castle
- 15th c.The name Český Krumlov takes its present form
- 16th–18th c.Renaissance and Baroque rebuilding, then little change
- 1992Inscribed as World Heritage
Find Your Way Around
The main parts of the site, in the order most visitors see them
- 1The CastleThe Little Castle, the painted Renaissance tower, the Baroque theatre and the garden; walk through free, pay for the tours.
- 2Castle TowerA steep staircase to a 360° view of the town.
- 3Bear MoatThe bears between the first and second courtyards.
- 4Cloak Bridge and GardenThe covered bridge and the garden with its revolving theatre.
- 5Old TownThe square, St Vitus Church and the lanes inside the river loop.
- 6Egon Schiele Art CentreThe painter who lived here, in an old brewery.
Know Before You Go
From Wikivoyage and the GoGo guides
Castle and River Bend
From the GoGo Český Krumlov guide · Open the Český Krumlov Guide ›
- 09:30Český Krumlov Castle2 hrsThe castle and the bear moat.
- 11:45Castle Tower30 minThe painted tower.
- 14:00Plášťový Most and Castle Garden75 minThe covered bridge and the baroque garden.
- 15:30Old Town Lanes75 minInside the Vltava loop.
- 21:00Seminary Garden Viewpoint at Night45 minThe tower lit over the river.
Best Time to Visit
Best months: May–Sep. Freezing days in Dec–Feb.
Typical highs
Climate: NASA POWER
Pair It With
Other World Heritage sites nearby, by distance
