Sights of Český Krumlov
I hadn’t originally planned to visit Český Krumlov since I had heard its popularity with tourists is second only to Prague. But since my family happened to be going there for a day and a half and it is only a 30-minute bus ride from České Budějovice, I overcame momentum and got a €3 round-trip ticket on a RegioJet bus and took a day-trip there.
It turned out that I was on the same bus as my family was taking from Prague to Český Krumlov, so I was surprised when I heard my dad call my Chinese name when I got on the bus. What a small world we live in! Here’s what we got to see, other than the street art we found.
Český Krumlov Castle
Zámek 59, 381 01 Český Krumlov, Czech Republic
This castle is the jewel of Český Krumlov, but the novelty quickly wore off for me since its colorful façade results from paint rather than use of different materials. But it is still a nice postcard image.
I enjoyed hanging out near the Cloak Bridge, which is on the western side of the Upper Castle. Not only can you admire its monumental arcade structure, but you can also watch rowers trying to get their rafts over the last weir in Krumlov.
Admission and hours
I didn’t actually enter the castle, so I’m not sure what the hours are, but I heard that you can walk through it at no charge. If you want to take a tour, to go into the museums, or to climb the tower, then you’ll have to worry about admission fees.
Getting there and back
It’s just north of the center of the city, so you walk there easily. Or you can just see it from many different parts of the city.
Křížový Vrch
Known as Cross Hill in English, the USE-IT map recommended it for a nice view of the city without the usual hordes. But it turned out to be an arduous, steep path through a residential area, then up a footpath carved through tall grass by other unsuspecting travelers. Anticlimactically, the view was blocked by trees, the church on the hill was abandoned, and there was trash strewn everywhere by vagrants.
Admission and hours
It’s free except for all that sweat you’re going to produce to get up there. You can go anytime, but I don’t recommend it.
Getting there and back
It takes about 30 minutes to walk there from the center of town. There’s not another alternative way to get there since you’ll spend a good 10 minutes just trekking through tall grass.
Městský Park
The city park is a nice spot to get away from the throngs of tourists crowding the center. We hung out at a gazebo at the north part of the park.
Admission and hours
No admission fee, but I’m not sure what the hours are. I seem to recall a gate, so it probably closes at night.
Getting there and back
This park is southeast of city center, and it’s just a five minute walk from the main square.
Minorite Monastery
Klášterní 50, 381 01 Český Krumlov, Czech Republic
The monastery from the 14th century has been restored to its pre-communist state, thanks to some money finally being made available to fix it up in 2010. Mom and I visited the gardens and were charmed by the variety of fruits and vegetables were growing there. We even picked a decent quantity of fresh raspberries to take back to Dad and Alex to try.
Admission and hours
There’s no admission fee to visit the gardens, but I did see something about buying tickets to visit the museum inside the monastery itself.
Getting there and back
It’s located east of the castle, just north of city center. Walking there is the easiest way to get there.
Náměstí Svornosti
Nám. Svornosti, 381 01 Český Krumlov, Czech Republic
The town square is surrounded with beautiful historic buildings, and you can find the tourist information center here, too.
There’s also a large fountain that Dad and I were curious about, and I found out that it was built to commemorate the ending of the plague. The statues are of anti-plague saints, and in the center is a plague column.
Admission and hours
It’s free and open all the time!
Getting there and back
The square is smack dab in the center. Use your two feet!
Vltava River
Walking along the banks of the Vltava River is a great way to see the city. Dad even recalled that he learned about this river in school, and it runs past Prague and Český Krumlov.
You can also get a nice view of the buildings by the river.
Admission and hours
No fee, and no time limit.
Getting there and back
Mom and I walked along Náplavka Street, which is just north of city center and east of the monastery. You’ll pass by Eggenberg, which is Český Krumlov’s local brewery.