Waymark

Czechia · South Bohemia

Český Krumlov travel guide

A fairytale town on a loop of the river

Český Krumlov old town and castle. Photo: DominikCK1999, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

1h 45mflight from London
PRGnearest main airport
19° in Julwarmest month
-3° in Jancoolest month

Český Krumlov is a small Renaissance town wrapped in a tight bend of the Vltava, with a painted castle tower, red rooftops and cobbled lanes. It's a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Most visitors come on a day trip from Prague, but staying overnight means you see the town quiet in the evening and early morning.

Good forHistoryViewsRaftingRomance

What Český Krumlov is known for

  • The castle

    The second-largest in Czechia.

  • The painted tower

    A landmark seen from all over town.

  • River rafting

    Float through town in a canoe.

  • UNESCO old town

    Barely changed in 300 years.

Top things to do in Český Krumlov

  1. 1

    Český Krumlov Castle

    Tour the rooms and the Baroque theatre.

    Find tours and tickets
  2. 2

    The castle tower

    Climb for the classic view.

    Find tours and tickets
  3. 3

    A canoe trip

    Paddle or raft down the Vltava.

    Find tours and tickets
  4. 4

    The Egon Schiele Art Centre

    Modern art in an old brewery.

    Find tours and tickets

See all tours and tickets in Český Krumlov

Where to stay in Český Krumlov

Find a hotel in Český Krumlov

Best time to visit Český Krumlov

Best value: Apr–May, Sep–Oct. May, June and September: warm enough for river rafting, without peak crowds.

  • Best valueGood weather, smaller crowds
  • PeakBusiest, highest prices
  • QuietCheapest, cooler or wetter
-2.7 C-3°J-1.4 C-1°F2.8 C3°M8.3 C8°A13 C13°M17.2 C17°J19.2 C19°J18.7 C19°A13.5 C14°S8.3 C8°O3.2 C3°N-1.1 C-1°D
Bar height is the average temperature in Český Krumlov, °C, 2001–2025 (NASA POWER).

Getting there and around

About 1h 45m from London to PRG, and flights from most UK airports. How long is the flight from your airport?

Walk. Buses and trains run from Prague in about 3 hours.

Airport transfer to Český Krumlov

Find flights to Český Krumlov (PRG)

Shows the cheapest fares for next month on Aviasales, our flight partner. We may earn a commission, at no cost to you. Flight times are straight-line estimates for a direct flight from Heathrow.

Good to know

  • Stay a night to see it without the day-trippers.
  • The castle interior is closed in winter.
  • Wear good shoes for the cobbles.
Czechia guidesVisasPlugs & adaptersWhen to go

Český Krumlov FAQ

Is Český Krumlov worth a day trip?

Yes, but it's even better overnight.

How do I get there from Prague?

By bus or train, about 3 hours.

More places in Czechia

Back to the Czechia travel guide + Add Český Krumlov to your bucket list