Prague to Český Krumlov – How to Plan the Perfect Trip
If you’re planning trip from Prague to Český Krumlov, this travel guide is for you.
Český Krumlov a beautiful little fairytale town in South Bohemia that is ideal for a short, laid-back visit. It’s a great place to get away from the hustle and bustle of the big city for a bit and to experience the Czech culture in a more personal, less tourist-focused destination.
How to Get There
Most commonly, Český Krumlov is explored as a day trip from Prague, the capital of the Czech Republic. Of course, you can also travel from other cities, including Salzburg and Linz in Austria. So, if you’re planning to visit one of these, why not add Český Krumlov to your itinerary?
From Prague to Český Krumlov, you’ll travel about 2.5 hours (via bus, train, or car) and from Salzburg, the journey takes about 3 hours. Linz is the closest large city to Český Krumlov, being only 1.5 hours away by bus.
By Bus
Taking a bus will almost always be the cheapest way to travel. On the downside, it’s also probably the slowest, so it depends on what’s important to you.
I almost always book bus trips within Europe on Flixbus, because they’re the most well-known and I have yet to have a negative experience traveling with the company. The buses all have plugs and are very comfortable, so it’s worth checking out.
RegioJet is another reputable company that travels from Prague to Český Krumlov for as little as 10€! I’ve personally never used them, but I’ve only ever heard good things.
The town also has its own bus shuttle service, Bean Shuttle, which operates to Český Krumlov from five different spots – Prague, Vienna, Salzburg, Linz, and Hallstatt.
I highly recommend booking your bus as soon as possible. Prices usually increase as seats sell out and buses don’t run as often as trains – so you’ll want to secure your seats really early.
Check out all three of the above-mentioned bus companies to find the best price for the specific day and time you want to visit Český Krumlov.
By Train
Trains from Prague to Český Krumlov run up to 5 times per day, and though they’re a bit more pricy, tickets still aren’t expensive if you choose the right travel day – they range from 13€ to 35€. Traveling from Monday to Thursday is generally cheaper than traveling during the weekend.
Unfortunately, there are no direct trains from Prague to Český Krumlov, so you’ll have to stop in České Budějovice on the way – one of the main reasons I would take the bus over the train.
Check the website of Czech railways to book tickets and check exact prices.
If you’re traveling from Austria, check the ÖBB website or app for tickets.
By Car
If you have access to a car, it’s probably the best and most comfortable way to travel. You’re not restricted to a specific time, and are able to stay as long as you want to.
Keep in mind that you’ll have to park outside the Old Town, because (with a few exceptions), cars aren’t allowed inside. There are tons of parking spaces right outside the town and at the Castle Garden, which you can use for a fee.
With a Tourist Company
Another option is to take a day trip with a tourist company. There are tons of options from Prague, and also some from other places. Check GetYourGuide to find and book your day trip.
If you want to avoid public transport and can’t take a car for some reason, it’s a great option. Usually, this kind of tour either picks you up directly at your accommodation or at a meeting point.
I prefer not taking organised tours if I can get somewhere on my own. I usually find that I don’t have enough time to explore the destination by myself. Plus, they’re much more expensive (but they’re more affordable if you’re traveling in a group).
When is the Best Time to Visit?
Český Krumlov is beautiful at every time of year. Every season has its pros and cons, but like with most destinations, I find that the shoulder seasons are best.
During summer (June to August), you can include water activities on the Vltava River on your itinerary. Consider boat tours, renting a raft or kayaking on the river. Check GetYourGuide to find these activities. Although the town is beautiful during summer, it can be a bit crowded, which (if you’re anything like me) may negatively affect your experience.
If you visit during winter (December to February), you may get to see a magical, snow-covered Český Krumlov. On top of that, the town has a charming Christmas market that isn’t as touristy as those in big cities during December – definitely worth the visit! Unfortunately, during winter, some of the attractions or local spots are closed.
Spring and fall both bring colourful trees and mild weather. There aren’t as many tourists, but the attractions are open and it’s still warm enough for water activities. I visited Český Krumlov in the beginning of October, and it was absolutely perfect.
The Best Things to Do in Český Krumlov
Though it’s a small town, Český Krumlov has lots of activities you can fill your trip with. Whether you’re interested in history, culture, or nature, there’s bound to be something for you.
Explore Český Krumlov Castle
Český Krumlov Castle is undoubtedly the town’s biggest and most well-known attraction. The castle grounds are the second-largest in the country (after Prague Castle).
It’s situated on the hill overlooking the entire town, so you’re in for some amazing panoramic views.
Here you can stroll through the beautiful Castle Gardens, climb the Castle Tower, and visit bears that live in the bear moat. The Baroque Theater on the castle grounds is also a very unique historical spot to visit (but you can only visit on an official tour).
Stroll through the Old Town
In the Old Town of Český Krumlov you can experience the charm of the town by exploring all the little cobblestone streets and visiting local vendors.
Check out the main square (Náměstí Svornosti) for artisan shops and local cafés. If you’re looking for souvenirs, look on Latrán Street.
Visit the Church of St. Vitus
Český Krumlov is home to one of the world’s most breathtaking Gothic churches. You can go inside, where you’ll be greeted with stunning frescoes and ceilings.
Explore the Town from the Water
If you’re visiting during summer, exploring from the Vltava River is a fun way to see the town. You can either take a guided tour or just rent a canoe or boat for an hour or two and go at your own pace.
Experience the Five-Petalled Rose Festival
Every summer, on a weekend around mid-June, the town holds its annual Five-Petalled Rose Festival. It’s a medieval festival with music, parades, and costumes. Check the website to find out when the exact dates are if it’s something you want to experience.
Remember to book your transport early enough (because it’s a popular time to visit) and consider staying in the town for a night or two.
Relax at a Café
One of the things I liked most about visiting Český Krumlov was taking a break from intense sightseeing and just people-watching while drinking a coffee at a café next to the river. This was the perfect way to end the day after strolling through the Old Town.
What & Where to Eat
The perfect time to try traditional Czech food is when you’re in a small Czech town. Trust me, you’ll be less likely to fall for tourist traps here than in big cities like Prague.
Some must-try foods include:
- Svíčková: The national dish of Czech Republic – Roast beef with a creamy sauce, generally served with bread dumplings and cranberries.
- Guláš (Goulash): Though it’s technically Hungarian, the Czech people have a slightly different version of Guláš. The Czech variation of the beef stew is thicker and has more onions (instead of other vegetables).
- Roasted duck or goose: Slow-roasted duck and goose are traditional in Czech cuisine, and are usually served with dumplings and cabbage.
- Trdelník: Also known as chimney cakes, this sweet pastry is wrapped around a metal rod and cooked over coals. It’s traditionally coated with cinnamon sugar or nuts, but nowadays, it is filled with all kinds of sweet fillings – including ice cream, Nutella, and caramel.
- Czech Beer: If you’re a beer drinker, the Czech Republic is the ultimate place to have one. The country is known not only for drinking the most beer per capita but also (according to my Austrian boyfriend) for having the best beer in the world.
Here are some of the best restaurants to eat at on your visit to Český Krumlov:
- Krčma Šatlava: A traditional tavern with a medieval atmosphere, including an open-fire grill.
- Papa’s Living Restaurant: A more modern restaurant by the river that serves traditional Czech food and international cuisine.
- Restaurance Konvice: An elegant traditional restaurant with a refined Czech menu.
- Laibon: A trendy vegetarian spot on the riverside.
If You Want to Stay Overnight
If you can spend the night in Český Krumlov, I’d 100% recommend it. Because most people just visit the town for a day, the real charm of the town comes out when all the tourists leave – it allows for a more authentic experience and more time to explore the town.
Here are some great places to stay on your visit:
Budget-friendly:
Boutique Hotels:
For a romantic getaway:
Extra Tips for the Perfect Visit
- Wear sturdy shoes. Much of the town is built on cobblestones, which is pretty uneven and can be uncomfortable to walk on.
- The currency used is Czech koruna, but 99% of places either accept card payments or Euros. Because it’s a top day trip destination from other European countries, you probably won’t need any local money, but it’s always good to carry a little bit.
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