10 Things You Must Do in Český Krumlov

more than a year ago

Český Krumlov is a bucket list destination on its own, but what do we find on the Krumlov bucket list? Bears, castles, torture and booze, that’s what. Here are 10 things you absolutely must do in Český Krumlov.

Explore the castle

Really, if you only do one thing in Český Krumlov it should be this. The castle is the big cheese of tourism in this big cheese tourism town, and it really does set up your trip perfectly. The second largest castle in the country, this is an absolute must-visit.

Take the ultimate photo from up high

Another thing that everyone seems to do and for good reason. The view from the tower of Český Krumlov Castle is arguably the greatest viewing point in the country. This most beautiful city looks its best from a bird’s eye view.

Saunter around the gardens

Sticking with the castle, be sure to saunter around the magnificent gardens while you are up there. Not only will it make you feel like some sort of 18th century paragon of wealth, it is also completely free. We love feeling better about ourselves at zero cost.

Survive a moat full of bears

For the record, if you fall in the moat, you will not survive. No one survives the bear moat. The castle in Český Krumlov has a curious moat, one filled not with water but with something far more dangerous — bears. Check them out from afar, don’t anger the mighty beasts.

Get lost in the old town

Okay, enough castle. From the vantage point of the tower you will have seen that Český Krumlov has a beautiful old town, and getting lost in its narrow streets is one of our favourite things to do. It isn’t massive so it is quite hard to get lost, but that isn’t the point. It also happens to be beautiful.

Tick off some cheesy tourism

Český Krumlov is now tourism-central, and nothing says mass tourism like a good old fashioned wax museum. The only type of wax museum we care about is a somewhat shoddy one, and Český Krumlov’s certainly fits the bill. Check out the Museum of Torture too, which is surprisingly good fun. Unless you have a weak constitution of course.

Get to know a genius

Egon Schiele lived in Český Krumlov for a while, the lucky boy, and the artistic genius of the Austrian painting prodigy is celebrated throughout the town. Visit his gallery before nipping into the eponymous cafe for a cup of coffee.

This is the Czech Republic. Drink beer.

Český Krumlov is every bit as beer-centric as the rest of the country, so make a beeline for the Eggenberg Brewery to see how the good stuff is brewed before drinking at least a skinful of the stuff.

Don the hard hat, get down the mine

The region around Český Krumlov was famous for mining, and a visit to the Graphite Mine is a must when in town. You’ll have to wear some classic mining garb before exploring the underworld, and you’ll have a new appreciation for the labours of the past once you’ve been here.

Hike to a holy spot

We like our churches to be in serenely picturesque spots, and the Chapel on the Mountain of the Cross more than fits that bill. The church is situated on a little hill outside of the city that is very walkable, and you’ll be overcome with love at the beauty of the views. Stunning.

Český Krumlov