Český Krumlov District: Medieval heritage, monasteries and the Vltava

Travel in Český Krumlov District ranges from medieval architecture and monastic culture to nature trails and activities on the Vltava. The Historic Centre of Český Krumlov is an intact Central European medieval town that developed around a 13th-century castle. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it tells the story of a town whose history is reflected in many protected buildings and cultural offerings.

Historic town, theatre and monastic culture

The historic centre contains 300 protected monuments, a major castle complex, the Český Krumlov Monastery and the Baroque Theatre. The theatre is one of the most comprehensively preserved Baroque theatres in the world and is also considered the oldest. At the Castle Museum, you can learn more about the Lords of Krumlov and the Rosenbergs. The climb to the castle tower involves 162 steps; from the top, you can see across the town and its surroundings. Access to the tower may be seasonal.

The museums also offer a range of perspectives: the Egon Schiele Art Centrum presents a permanent exhibition on Egon Schiele, as well as changing exhibitions of 20th- and 21st-century art. The Monastery Museum devotes its permanent exhibition to life and art in the monasteries of Český Krumlov. The Záviš Cross is kept at Vyšší Brod Monastery. This medieval reliquary is among the most valuable goldsmiths’ works of the Middle Ages in Czechia. The way the cross is presented may vary.

Another destination for culture lovers is Rožmberk Castle. Offerings include guided tours, including night tours, a programme for children and the reconstructed Jakobínka Tower. Individual programmes may change. This gives you the option to choose between art, monastic history and castle visits, rather than grouping all the historic sites under a single theme.

Hiking, cycling and landscapes

The conditions in the Blanský les Protected Landscape Area are well suited to hiking and cycling, with cross-country skiing also possible when there is enough snow. The protected area’s administration looks after educational trails and information boards, publishes visitor materials, and organises excursions and public events. These offerings give the natural and cultural landscape its own focus alongside visits to historic towns.

Based on visitor-counter data from 2018 to 2021, the protected area’s administration names Kleť peak and the Dívčí Kámen castle ruins as the most visited places in Blanský les. Kleť is home to Bohemia’s oldest observation tower; in suitable weather, the panorama extends as far as the Alps. Dívčí Kámen is the ruin of a medieval fortress on a high rocky slope above the confluence of the Vltava and Křemežský potok. The comparison reveals two distinct landscape impressions: the summit view from Kleť and the castle ruins’ setting at the confluence.

River trips and planning your time

The Vltava forms the southeastern boundary of the Blanský les Protected Landscape Area, and water tourism is possible on the river. On an approximately one-hour trip on a wooden raft, you can see the historic centre of Český Krumlov from the water. The “Boating through Krumlov” route is described as a two-hour canoe or raft trip. It passes over several weirs and also offers views of the town’s historic area. The starting point is usually near Nové Spolí; the destination is agreed in advance and is usually a campsite on the outskirts of Český Krumlov.

Another option on the Vltava is a five-hour section of the paddling route from Vyšší Brod to Nahořany, with a possible stop at Rožmberk Castle. River conditions may affect whether the trip can go ahead. The durations refer to different offerings: approximately one hour for the raft trip, two hours for “Boating through Krumlov” and five hours for the route section mentioned above. When planning, you can take into account the duration of each activity without treating them as parts of the same route.

A broader picture of the region

The wider Český Krumlov region is home to remnants of Celtic settlements, ruins, castles, chateaux, monasteries and churches. Activities mentioned in the area include excursions, walks and hikes, cycling, water sports, golf and fishing. Together with the specific town, nature and river experiences, this variety offers different themes for a stay, from architecture and exhibitions to outdoor activities. When looking for a hotel, you can start by considering which of these experiences you would like to shape your trip.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Unterhaid, Malsching, Adolfsthal, Bessenitz, Rosenberg, Ceske Chalupy, Wettern, Predni Vyton, Höritz, Borova, Moyne, Kienberg, Lippen, Krems, Kaplitz, Oberplan, Friedberg, Krumau, Deutsch Beneschau, Klení, Kalsching, Unterbreitenstein, Oberhaid, Meinetschlag, Groß Umlowitz, Theresiendorf, Tritesch, Rosenthal, Oemau, Kirchschlag, Netrobitz, Angern, Goldenkron, Podesdorf, Priethal, Mirkowitz, Chunzen, Neudorf B. Berlau, Subschitz, Prisnitz, Sirnin, Thurmplandles, Vyšný, Hohenfurth, Gojau, Dluhoste, Brloh, Polletitz, Cerna V Posumavi, Zwickau and Velešín.

For the broader travel overview: South Bohemian Region.