CZ
Český Krumlov
A fairytale town of red roofs and Renaissance facades in a tight loop of the Vltava, beneath a vast castle
A fairytale town of red roofs and Renaissance facades in a tight loop of the Vltava, beneath a vast castle
A sprawling complex of painted courtyards and palaces. Guided tours visit the state rooms and one of the world’s best-preserved Baroque theatres, and the tower has views over the town.
Book castle tours in advance in summer.
Photo: Андрей Романенко, CC BY-SA 4.0
A multi-level covered bridge linking parts of the castle high above a ravine, with one of the best views of the old town.
Photo: Perituss, CC0
Extensive Baroque gardens behind the castle, with the Cascade Fountain and a summer palace. Entry to the gardens is free; they are open from spring to autumn.
Photo: Jerzy Strzelecki, CC BY-SA 3.0
In summer you can rent a canoe or raft and float around the town on the Vltava, passing over small weirs.
Photo: Art Anderson, CC BY-SA 3.0
Try South Bohemian river fish such as trout and carp, potato dumplings, roast duck and local Eggenberg beer, brewed in the town.
Restaurants along the river are atmospheric; prices are slightly higher than elsewhere outside Prague.
Buses from Prague take about three hours and drop you close to the old town; trains are slower and usually require a change in České Budějovice. The town is also reached on shuttles from Salzburg and Vienna.
Czechia is in the EU and the Schengen area. EU citizens need only an ID card; citizens of the UK, US, Canada, Australia and many other countries can visit visa-free for up to 90 days in any 180-day period, with biometric registration under the EU Entry/Exit System. An ETIAS travel authorisation is also due to be introduced. Check current rules before you travel.
Accommodation in the old town is the main cost. Czechia uses the Czech koruna (CZK), not the euro. Cards are accepted almost everywhere; avoid exchange offices advertising “0% commission” and decline card payments in euros.
Castle, old town and river.
Tour the castle, climb the tower, cross the Cloak Bridge and walk through the gardens.
Wander the old town lanes, visit the Egon Schiele Art Centre, and float around the town by raft in summer.
🛂 Entry rules: EES and ETIAS
Czech Republic is in the Schengen area, which has two EU border systems for non-EU visitors.
EES (in force): since 10 April 2026 the EU’s Entry/Exit System registers non-EU visitors’ passport details, fingerprints and a photo the first time they enter the Schengen area, replacing passport stamps. Allow extra time at the border on your first trip; later crossings are quicker. EU, EEA and Swiss citizens are not registered.
ETIAS (not yet running): a €20 online travel authorisation for visitors who don’t need a visa, such as UK, US, Canadian and Australian citizens. It hasn’t started and no start date has been confirmed, so nobody can apply yet; ignore websites that offer to “pre-register” you for a fee.
Visa-free visitors can stay up to 90 days in any 180-day period across the whole Schengen area, not per country.
Official information: EU: Travel to Europe (EES & ETIAS) · Reviewed September 2026
When a card machine offers to charge you in your home currency or euros, choose CZK for a better rate.
Evenings and early mornings are far quieter than the middle of the day.
Castle interiors and gardens have reduced hours or close in winter.
Wear comfortable shoes for steep, cobbled streets.
Quick answers for planning time in Český Krumlov.
No. The currency is the Czech koruna (CZK). Some places accept euros, but usually at a poor rate.
Yes, though it is about three hours each way, so staying a night is more relaxing.
By direct bus in about three hours, or by train with a change in České Budějovice.
Yes, its historic centre was listed in 1992.
Yes, rafts and canoes can be rented in summer for trips around the town.
Google Maps and Mapy.com (the Czech map app, excellent for hiking) both work well.
Free
Czech is the language; English is common in Prague and tourist areas, less so elsewhere.
Free
Planning a wider trip? Our Czech Republic travel guide covers getting there, costs, when to go and more.