The Czech Republic is castle land, you should know this already, so it is somewhat remarkable that the country’s second largest castle should be found in a town as small as Český Krumlov. First mentioned way back in 1253 as the seat of the Vítek family, the familiar Baroque and Renaissance exterior didn’t come into being until the glory days of the Rosenbergs and (magnificently named) Eggenbergs. Somehow, someway, maybe by divine intervention or sheer luck, the interior is largely intact today, making this one of the great castle visits of Europe. There are guided tours of the castle, although these aren’t free, so those looking to save a crown or two should be happy with the magnificent gardens and courtyards. One peculiar point of interest is the moat around the castle, which is home to a number of sleepy bears. We are always a bit wary of nature’s greatest land beasts, but everything seems in order, or at least as in order as a moat of bears can be. The castle is the main event of Krumlov tourism and is home to a stunning Baroque theatre, incredible gardens, and a watchtower from which you’ll never want to come down.