TOP 10 Sights in Český Krumlov and Its Surroundings

Český Krumlov - view from the 5th courtyard, photo by: Tomáš Perzl

Visiting Český Krumlov but not visiting the castle? As if you were never here! But what else is here that you shouldn’t miss? Here are the TOP 10 sights – you will be taken back in time but will also discover the unexpected.

State Castle and Chateau Český Krumlov

The dominant and an architectural gem of the town, rivalled in size only by the Prague Castle - this is the State Castle and Chateau in Český Krumlov. While exploring it, do not miss the opportunity to see the impressive golden carriage from the early 17th century or the unique decorations of the Masquerade Hall. You should also be sure to take a peek inside the unique Baroque Theatre and take a view from the castle tower 86 metres above the Vltava River. A pleasant end to the tour of the castle grounds can be a stroll in the castle garden, in a beautiful setting with a cascading fountain, French flowerbeds and the rococo Bellaria Summerhouse.

Český Krumlov Monasteries

Mix herbal teas, bath salts or try your hand at writing with a goose quill. In addition, get to know the extensive set of buildings of the Minorites and Poor Clares Monastery complex and its construction development from the 14th to the 18th century or see a unique copy of the black Madonna of Einsiedeln. However, there is much more the grounds of the Krumlov Monasteries and gardens have to offer, so don't miss it.

St. Vitus Church

The slender neo-Gothic tower of the late Gothic church, together with the castle tower, completes the characteristic silhouette of the town. However, you will also have plenty to admire inside this three-nave building - Gothic figural frescoes from the early 15th century, a daringly high vault, an early Baroque main altar and rich wall paintings.

Museum Fotoatelier Seidel

The unique secessionist building that houses the Museum Fotoatelier Seidel tells the story of the beginnings of professional photography and of the local pioneers of photography. You will be shown a glimpse of the life of the town and its inhabitants one hundred years ago through the vast works of two generations of photographers.

Port 1560

In 2024, Port 1560 opened its doors. The former manor brewery in the historic center of Český Krumlov underwent extensive and successful renovation and now offers visitors four exhibitions across several buildings. An architectural gem is the Gothic-Renaissance palace of Countess Anna of Rogendorf, now home to the Life and Art exhibitions. The neo-Gothic brewhouse (Work exhibition) and the industrial kiln building (Dreams) were also renovated. Here, you can see how people lived in the past, how beer was brewed, and admire the best of modern art. In this beautiful setting with a fantastic genius loci, you can spend the whole day.

Kvítkův Dvůr Farmstead

Kvítkův Dvůr is an ancient château farmstead located in Český Krumlov about 600 metres west of the château garden near an old pilgrimage route to Kájov. It was probably founded as the seat of a vassal of the Lords of Krumlov sometime in the 13th or 14th century. The current appearance of the Kvítkův Dvůr complex is the result of an extensive Baroque conversion carried out after 1750 and later minor reconstruction work from the 1890s. Today, Kvítkův Dvůr is privately owned, but guided tours, concerts, and wedding ceremonies are held here for the public.

Egon Schiele Atelier

A cosy house on the banks of the Vltava River, surrounded by roses and vines, where Egon Schiele lived and worked in 1911. The magical atmosphere of the place where the painter's famous paintings Town on the Blue River, Krumlov by Night and View of Houses and Roofs of Krumlov saw the light of day can be recalled by you too, the artist's suite is open to the public in the summer months. Rest assured that the authenticity of the setting, together with the unique environment in which the house is set, will keep you awake for a long time to come.

Český Krumlov Synagogue

Since the beginning of the 20th century, the local synagogue has been complementing the panorama of the three towers in Krumlov. You can see it while walking through the south meander of the Vltava River. When you see it, it will attract you like a magnet. This architectural gem hides something extraordinary. Thanks to a sensitive revitalisation and with the help of discovered images in the Seidel Photo Studio Museum, it has been possible to reconstruct the sight with the highest level of authenticity and with many interesting details. Being side by side in one place you might not be even able to distinguish between the preserved Art Nouveau elements and historical replicas of the original Art Nouveau decorations.

Dívčí Kámen Castle Ruins

A holiday in Krumlov clearly calls for a taste of the natural and historical phenomena beyond the town's walls. One of the most extensive Mediaeval monuments awaits just beyond the threshold, on a high promontory above the confluence of the Vltava River and the Křemežský Stream. The beautiful nature and the close proximity to the Celtic oppidum make the romantic ruins of Dívčí Kámen Castle a destination you cannot miss.

Zlatá Koruna Monastery

Close to Krumlov is a place characterized by a special and most peaceful atmosphere. On a promontory surrounded on three sides by the Vltava River stands a charming Cistercian monastery, one of the most valuable complexes of Gothic architecture in Central Europe. If you have no idea how the Cistercian monks lived many centuries ago, then the monastery in Zlatá Koruna is the best place to get all the answers.

Accommodation

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Gastronomy

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Eat well, drink well