Krumau between the Old Town, Castle and Vltava

Krumau between the Castle, River and Old Town

The historic centre of Český Krumlov lies on the Vltava and was built around a castle dating from the 13th century. Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque elements characterise the complex. At the same time, an exceptionally well-preserved medieval architectural heritage has survived, reflecting more than five centuries of uninterrupted development. For your travel planning, this means that Krumau combines urban history, architecture and a riverside experience within a compact thematic area.

The castle complex includes a castle museum as well as a recently opened collection of carriages and sleighs in the stables. This allows you to explore the history of the site not only through its façades, but also through preserved objects and different forms of transport.

Churches, Synagogue and Special Museums

St. Vitus Church is an important late Gothic building dating from 1407 to 1439 and was remodelled at a later date. Classical music concerts are occasionally held in the church. The Český Krumlov Synagogue was built in 1909 by the local Jewish community. Its octagonal tower features restrained Neo-Romanesque elements; the building is currently used as a meeting place and as a multifunctional cultural, artistic and social space.

At the Fotoatelier Seidel Museum, you can see an authentic collection of historical photographs, glass negatives, cameras and the equipment of a darkroom. The museum regularly offers themed photography sessions in the historic studio. The Egon Schiele Atelier is open to the public and is the place where Egon Schiele lived and worked in 1911. The Regional Museum also presents a detailed ceramic model of the historic city centre as well as the preserved interior of a Baroque Jesuit pharmacy.

Port 1560 is located in a extensively reconstructed former aristocratic brewery and offers four exhibitions on the themes of life, work, art and dreams. Krumau’s cultural spectrum therefore ranges from medieval architecture to photography, visual art, everyday history and regional heritage.

The Vltava from a Different Perspective

The “Krumlovem na lodi” activity offers approximately two-hour canoe or rafting trips on the Vltava through Český Krumlov. Along the way, you pass several weirs, including one directly below the castle, and see the historic district from the river. The approximate duration and the combination of the water route, weir passages and city views make this experience an independent addition to the cultural programme.

In Český Krumlov, you can rent boats, rafts, bicycles, scooters and electric bicycles, as well as complete water-sports and cycling equipment. The rental providers recommend excursion routes, organise the transport of equipment and people, and offer excursions with instructors or guides.

Panoramic Views over the City and Bohemian Forest

The pilgrimage complex on Křížová hora offers panoramic views with telescopes and particularly beautiful views of Český Krumlov and the Bohemian Forest. This panorama complements visits to the historic centre with a perspective of the city and surrounding landscape.

Discover More Places in the Surrounding Area

For further orientation, you can also explore Rosenberg, Vyšný, Oberhaid, Prisnitz, Sirnin, Moyne and Meinetschlag.

For the higher-level travel overview: Český Krumlov District.

More about the Destination

Relevant information for your travel planning:

Castle in Cesky Krumlov – City Trips in the Czech Republic.