Cesky Krumlov Castle is the epitome of picturesque nestled in the city of Cesky Krumlov in the Czech Republic. Comprising of 40 buildings situated around five courtyards, the castle complex sits on seven hectares of land overlooking the Vltava River. With its delightfully cobbled Old Town, rare Baroque theater, and colorful castle, Český Krumlov is an absolute treat.
The original gothic castle, known today as the “Little Castle,” was founded in the middle of the 13th century by the Lords of Krumlov. When their line died out, the castle was passed on to their relatives, the Rosenbergs. The town and castle flourished under the Rosenbergs, and by the late 16th century the castle had been expanded into a grand Renaissance residence. While under the Habsburg rule, Baroque elements and structures were added. The castle passed to the Schwarzenbergs in 1719 and then ultimately to the Czech provincial properties, and finally to the state the the mid-20th century.
Visitors to the castle ground will have no shortage of attractions to see. There are two tours available- one that takes you through the older Renaissance and Baroque interiors, and another that highlights the interiors designed during the 19th century . There are also visits to the castle museum, the Baroque theater, the garden, the tower, the stables, the bear moat and more.
As you walk towards the castle, you pass by a corridor – almost a courtyard – with walls that were hand-painted with bricks, doors, and windows. Some of the windows looked so real that it’s hard to believe that it was a painting.
The castle museum provides an overview of the castle’s history, presenting a capsule version of what you can see on the grounds in person. The castle’s highlight is the Baroque Theater that is one of the oldest and best preserved castle theaters in central Europe, functioning now as a theater museum. Guests of the noble family would go for evening entertainment. A guided tour takes visitors under the stage to see the wood-and-rope contraptions that enabled scenes to be scooted in and out within seconds while fireworks and smoke hid the action from the audience. Its auditorium features original wooden benches, state machinery and special effects machines, as well as hundred of costumes, props, librettos and more.
Europe once had several hundred Baroque theaters, but most burned down. Český Krumlov’s theater is one of only two that survives in good shape and is open to tourists (the other one is in Stockholm).
Cesky Krumlov Castle was added to the list of UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Monuments in 1992. Despite the centuries of history it encompasses, its significance goes beyond preserving the past and plays a roe in the present: from hosting conferences, concerts, and cultural events to supporting artists and scholars. Today, the Cesky Krumlov Castle remains a hub of social and cultural activity.
Cesky Krumlov is four hours south of Prague, and an hour drive from Linz, Austria. It’s the second largest castle in the Czech Republic behind Prague’s Castle. This fairy-tale town is an absolute must visit for any traveller!
Leah
October 29, 2016 at 3:36 amI’ve been to Prague a couple of times, but never explored the Czech Republic outside of the capital. Cesky Krumlov Castle and that area looks like one I should see. The town looks like a fairy tale.
Carmen Edelson
October 29, 2016 at 10:23 amIt’s definitely worth a visit if you travel to the Czech Republic. The town is set back in time, and you feel like you’re in a fairy tale walking around town.
Anne Slater-Brooks
October 29, 2016 at 9:42 amThe only place I have been in the Czech Republic is Prague and Brno back when it had barely been relinquished from its communist past. Back then beers were 15p in some places and it was considered quite exotic. It is a bit shameful that I do not even know where this city is but that castle looks very much up my street as I love castles.
Carmen Edelson
October 29, 2016 at 10:27 amWow, that must of been an interesting time to have been traveling through the Czech Republic. We really enjoyed traveling through parts of it, and coming across Cesky Krumlov.
Nisha
October 29, 2016 at 10:15 amI like it! We are planning East Europe next year and these articles of yours are proving to be great inputs. Thanks.
Carmen Edelson
October 29, 2016 at 10:29 amThat’ s great to hear Nisha that you are traveling to East Europe next year. There are so many great cities that you must see when you do go.
Vicki Louise
October 29, 2016 at 10:17 pmWhat a stunning castle and surrounds. I (like many others) have only visited Prague and not really explored the Czech Republic beyond the capital – but with places like this I really should make more of an effort!
Carmen Edelson
November 1, 2016 at 1:58 pmIt was our first time visiting the country, and I was lucky to have stumble upon this city which I absolutely loved visiting.
Monika
October 30, 2016 at 5:29 amI’ve been to the Czech Republic a few times, but never to visit more than the capital. However, I’m planning on exploring more – my friends say there’s much more to the country than its capital 🙂
Carmen Edelson
November 1, 2016 at 2:01 pmWe drove around the country a little and got to see some of it. I wish we had more time because the little we did see we really enjoyed it.
Jenna
October 30, 2016 at 6:47 amI’ve been hearing a lot about Český Krumlov lately–it looks like such an amazing town! The buildings you captured in your photos are all so beautiful, and the architecture is stunning. That’s neat the castle was named a UNESCO site–those are always so interesting to visit, and I’d love to check it out sometime!
Carmen Edelson
November 4, 2016 at 7:10 amIf you’re ever in the area it’s certainly worth taking a day trip to see the town. You feel like you are traveling back in time.
Nic
October 30, 2016 at 8:06 amAlways wanted to visit Cesky Krumlov as we’ve heard so many great things about this historical town. Your photos are awesome and really bring it to life, we’ve definitely added it to our list next to we travel through eastern Europe!
Carmen Edelson
November 2, 2016 at 1:13 amThank you so much for your comment. I loved every minute of my trip, hopefully I can visit again some day.
Elena Nemets
October 30, 2016 at 8:07 amI miss Czech Republic so much (I lived there for 3 years)! And Krumlov is just perfect.
Carmen Edelson
November 2, 2016 at 1:11 amLucky!
Christina
October 30, 2016 at 10:20 amI love castles and historic towns! Cesky Krumlov looks picture perfect, like somewhere out of a Grimm’s fairytale. Are there any castles that offer accommodation? I think it would be fabulous to stay in a luxury castle hotel there.
Carmen Edelson
November 4, 2016 at 7:08 amThey do have several lovely hotels in the area, but you aren’t allowed to stay in the castle.
Carol Colborn
October 30, 2016 at 5:20 pmCesky Krumlov Castle and the town looks absolutely fabulous. Makes two now for me to visit in the Czech Republic!
Carmen Edelson
November 2, 2016 at 1:09 amIt’s definitely worth the visit, we loved the town. So charming!
Meg Jerrard
October 30, 2016 at 5:50 pmI’m dying to get to Cesky Krumlov! It’s one of the very few places in the Czech Republic I haven’t made it to yet – visited Prague a couple of times, and studied for a little bit in Brno – thanks for the reminder that I have to make it back!
Carmen Edelson
November 2, 2016 at 12:59 amThat’s so cool that you studied there, I bet that was amazing. I’m already dying to go back myself!
Norbert Micus
October 30, 2016 at 6:11 pmI’ve been in Prague two times, but never explored the Czech Republic outside of the capital. Very nice!
Carmen Edelson
November 2, 2016 at 12:57 amSuch a beautiful place, thanks for the comment!
Nathan
October 30, 2016 at 11:53 pmThis is so cool! I was only in Prague so I hate that I missed this. I’ve been to a handful of castles and it’s always a cool experience touring them.
Carmen Edelson
November 2, 2016 at 12:56 amCastles always leave me in awe and Cesky Krumlov was no exception!
Victoria
October 31, 2016 at 2:35 amIt looks like nice place to visit and I will add it in my list. 🙂
Carmen Edelson
November 2, 2016 at 12:50 amGlad you like it!
Edwina Dendler
October 31, 2016 at 5:08 amI’ve heard about Cesky Krumlov but have never been there… the castle looks amazing! And the town kind of reminds me of old German towns.
Carmen Edelson
November 2, 2016 at 12:49 amIt’s incredible in person, I can see how the architecture is reminiscent of older German structures. Cheers!
Nathan
October 31, 2016 at 7:23 amDefinitely need to visit more of the Czech Republic, just such a beautiful country, great blog!
Carmen Edelson
November 2, 2016 at 12:46 amAgreed, I wish we could have stayed for longer. And thank you!
Chloe LIN
October 31, 2016 at 8:45 amSo lovely and sweet! I want to check it out soon!
Carmen Edelson
November 2, 2016 at 12:45 amThank you, it’s such a beautiful area!
Danik The Explorer
October 31, 2016 at 8:53 amI still can’t believe I missed out on Cesky Krimlov in Czech. I need to get back to this area and do it! Slap on the wrist for me! I love Czech Republic. Great post and love the photos 🙂
Carmen Edelson
November 2, 2016 at 12:40 amGlad you liked the post and here’s hoping you see it on your next visit. Cheers!
Rachel Pearson
October 31, 2016 at 10:39 amI’m lucky that I get to go to Prague a few times a year, but I’e never been to Pesky Krumlov, but I definitely want to go now! I love that handprinted courtyard, it looks amazing!
Carmen Edelson
November 2, 2016 at 12:36 amIt’s such a beautiful castle, I hope you get the chance to see it for yourself!
Vicky @ A Backpack Full of Adventures
October 31, 2016 at 4:12 pmGorgeous pictures! I’ve never been to Prague or the Czech Republic (even though I grew up in Hungary, so they weren’t *that* far away) but will definitely go at some point. Even more so because I love castles, so Cesky Krumlov is definitely going on my list!
Carmen Edelson
November 2, 2016 at 12:31 amThanks so much! You should definitely check it out, it’s an incredible castle.
Mike
October 31, 2016 at 8:15 pmBeautiful photos! I’d never heard of Cesky Krumlov before but now its definitely on my list. Looks like a gorgeous town with so much to offer.
Carmen Edelson
November 2, 2016 at 12:23 amThank you! We had an amazing visit, I hope you can check it out someday.
Evan Kristine
November 2, 2016 at 4:39 amAll of your photos are great! I always love seeing museums of different places. ❤️ Might visit this place some time soon. ❤️ Thanks for sharing!
Carmen Edelson
November 4, 2016 at 7:02 amThe city itself is like a museum with plenty to see, and many wonderful areas to discover around town.
Madi | Restless Worker
November 15, 2016 at 7:18 pmThere’s just something about castles isn’t there? They are so romantic and magical. This looks like such a cool place to visit, added to my ever growing bucket list!
Carmen Edelson
November 17, 2016 at 12:59 pmI love visiting castles throughout Europe. It really takes you back in time and you get to see how they sustained themselves.