Cesky Krumlov

The city of the Mystical Rose

If you are in Prague, do not miss the South Bohemian jewel that is Český Krumlov (UNESCO).
The town dates back to the 13th century and has a unique shape. Its name is derived from an old German word meaning crooked meadow. The Vltava River winds through the city and makes the medieval center, when seen from above, look like a teardrop.The town will charm you from your first steps: the narrow, winding streets of the historic center filled with Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque buildings, and the Vltava River which has its origin here, in the south Czech Republic. The river makes bizarre turns that seem to isolate the town as an island.

Above the city stands the majestic Krumlov Castle, whose silhouette can be observed from every street corner. And, when in the Castle, a magnificent view of the town can be seen. The castle is second in size only to Prague Castle and offers tours covering history, arts and culture. It also has the oldest Baroque theater in the world. It’s not surprising Český Krumlov attracts as many tourists as it does.

The combination of the beautiful natural setting, historical monuments, tasting of Eggenberg beer, lunch at a medieval tavern, meeting bears still protecting the castle while living in the castle moat, stories of the famous city residents, including the famous White Lady, artist Egon Schiele and many others will make your experience of Český Krumlov memorable.

A tour to Český Krumlov can be combined with a visit of neo-Gothic Hluboká Castle that belonged to one of the most prominent and wealthy families in the Austrian Empire. The castle exterior as well as interior is another excellent example of the luxurious lifestyle that the aristocracy in the Habsburg Empire enjoyed.