Český Krumlov: a hidden gem in Czech Republic !!

After an amazing stay over at Praha, we headed towards Austria. A short lay over at Český Krumlov was planned.  Český Krumlov is a town in the southern region of Ceska Republica. Being a town of historic importance, it is labelled as a UNESCO world heritage site. In about a ride of two and half hours from Praha, we reached this heritage town. The entry to the town’s main area was guarded by a high wall reminding me instantly of the “Wall of the North” of Game of Thrones!!!  I had to take pictures of myself and the wall. We entered the town area after crossing the picturesque “Cloak Bridge”. In no time, we entered the lanes of the town and were spellbound by the beautiful architecture and lay out. Soon, we felt that we drove back in time and visualized the old European beauty.

Exploring the town: 

Along the lanes of the town were these buildings, reminiscent of ancient times, souvenir stalls, eateries and lodgings.  Every structure was quaint and a visual treat.We took a stroll around the town and reached the old town square. The narrow lanes of Český Krumlov were aromatic with eateries round the place. There was a “museum of torture” in the old town square which represented the various forms of torture imposed over the countrymen in the ancient times. A look into the entrance of the museum was horrifying and we soon exited the place.

After a short walk, we reached the St Vitus Cathedral. The cathedral was pleasant, spine chilling cold and had interiors similar to one in Prague. The dome of the cathedral holds similarity to the St Vitus Cathedral we had seen earlier. After clicking few photographs we moved out of the cathedral and walked further into the old town area. We soon could find a lake and halted for a while to enjoy the serene nature.

Finally, it was time to visit the State castle of Český Krumlov. Located in the Southern Bohemia, this castle is the second largest in Ceska republica after the Castle of prague. After a short ascent of 10 minutes, we entered the castle complex, a prototype of Gothic architecture. With around 40 palaces and 5 court houses, the castle provides a scenic view. Further stroll led into the beautifully designed high walls inside the complex. We could notice a Bear quietly having its meal underneath the castle complex in a closed space. The beautiful town of Český Krumlov can be visualized from the castle complex. We then moved into the large Baroque Castle Garden area behind the complex. The garden was well maintained and was a perfect picture spot. After spending a while in the garden area, we finally headed towards the town area.

Our short visit to Český Krumlov, a beautiful heritage town was memorable. It is one of the beautiful, must be destinations in the Eastern Europe. Spell bound by its beauty and quaint nature, we slowly headed to our next stop, Linz, Austria.

Český Krumlov is a perfect day trip from any of the nearby cities of Czech Republic and Austria.

Distances :

1. Prague- 178 km
2. Vienna- 208 km
3. Linz, Austria- 88 km

A night walk at Bratislava : Click here

Ruin pubs at Budapest: Click here 

Sightseeing at Český Krumlov, Czech Republic :

1. State castle and gardens

2. The town square

3. The alleys leading to the river

4. The St. Vitus Church

5. Museums (as always)

6. The riverside cafes are must stop if you want to soak the vibe of the place.

7. A viewpoint on the opposite side of the castle leading to the church (I don’t think there is a name)