Visit Cesky Krumlov Castle
Cesky Krumlov Castle is the most popular tourist attraction in the Bohemian town. Parts of the castle are free to explore, and for other parts you need to pay for tickets to enter. During my visit, I returned to the free areas multiple times and bought a one-off ticket for the rest.
Its full name is State Castle and Chateau Český Krumlov. The castle’s history dates back to 1280, and you can learn all about it while visiting. The Czech government designated Český Krumlov as a national heritage site, and, as a result, it is one of the most visited castles in the country.
Visitors can walk through the castle complex, courtyards and gardens for free. However, you can opt to go on a variety of tours of the castle. Also, you could choose to visit the castle’s tower and castle museum. I visited the grounds on multiple occasions to soak up their beauty and paid to visit the tower and museum. The tower was the highlight for me for the viewpoint.
About Cesky Krumlov Castle
The castle is one of the largest in the Czech Republic and in Central Europe. It’s made up of a complex of 40 buildings, including palaces. Český Krumlov Castle has 5 castle courts and an extensive park surrounding it. These are fantastic for mooching around and seeing the castle from a variety of angles. For good reasons, they built the castle on a rock that the Vltava River cut into the landscape.
They classify the State Castle of Český Krumlov as one of the most important historic sights in Central Europe. They mainly developed the castle between the 14th and 19th centuries. It has been well preserved, with its original ground plan and details.
Things to See at Český Krumlov Castle
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There are many things to see at the castle, including the courtyards and bridges. The garden area and courtyards of the castle are a great place for a dog walk.
1st Courtyard (Free)
The first courtyard is beautiful with colourful buildings and gardens. The 1st Courtyard’s buildings include the Gothic salt house, the Renaissance new pharmacy building, the red gate and more. At the higher end of this courtyard is the bear moat. There are many benches in this area; thus, you can sit and admire the architecture.
Bear Moat (Free)
Between the 1st and 2nd courtyards is the bear moat, where they keep 4 bears. Bear keeping at the castle dates back to the 16th century. In fact, they have kept bears in the moat since 1707. You can watch the bears from above; however, there are signs not to feed them.
Tower (Ticket Required)
The castle tower was a highlight for me because of the splendid views from the top and how beautiful the details were.
The tower offers splendid views of the entire castle, the river, and the historic old town below.
Architecturally, the tower is Gothic and Renaissance, with parts dating back to the 13th century. The tower has lots of details to see both outside and inside and is well worth visiting. Visitors need to pay to enter the tower and museum.
The castle tower is 6 storeys high and is 54.5 m in height. It is nicely decorated, and the details are beautiful to see. You can see the tower from many spots because it is so prominent, especially from the riverbanks below. The tower also contains 4 bells of differing weights, the heaviest being 1800 kg.
Museum (Ticket Required)
Entry to the museum comes with a combined ticket to visit the iconic tower and is great value and well worth visiting. The museum covers the castle’s history and features the many families who have called it home.
You can learn lots about the history and see many artefacts from the 12th century onwards. This includes some rather nice coats of arms and military attire. There is also lots of art and a small cinema that has movies about the castle’s history.
The 2nd Courtyard (Free)
The 2nd courtyard is where the tower entrance is. There are also colourful buildings, the New Burgrave’s House, the upper castle and the tower.
Also in the courtyard is a pretty fountain that dates back to the 15th century. The fountain has been moved and reconstructed over the years.
The New Burgrave’s House forms much of the edge of the 2nd courtyard. The Renaissance facades are special. There are also some cannons to see while at this part of the castle.
On the opposite side of the 2nd courtyard is the distinctive Mint building, with a blue facade. The Mint has one floor on the courtyard side. However, if looking at the Mint from the river, it has four storeys.
Upper Castle (Free)
From the second courtyard, you continue uphill into the impressive upper castle via a nice gate. This was the original centre of the Gothic castle that they built on a rocky outcrop.
The fourth courtyard in the upper castle is decorative and nice to see. Keep an eye out for the balconies that overlook the historic centre of Český Krumlov. The upper castle has some very nice facades to see in the 3rd and 4th courtyards in particular. The courtyards also had some stalls selling gifts and refreshments.
Cloak Bridge (Free)
The Cloak Bridge has been in the movie Hostel. Seeing the bridge from below is impressive; however, crossing it has views of the area.
The Cloak Bridge joins the upper castle with the theatre. The bridge has some fascinating statues to see, too. This bridge is both a viewpoint and a rather impressive design that joins two parts of the castle.
The Gardens (Free)
The castle gardens are rather nice to visit, especially in autumn when the leaves are changing colour. These gardens cover a vast area and are fantastic places to go for a dog walk.
The upper garden is more formal and home to the revolving auditorium.
Best Time to Visit
Cesky Krumlov Castle can get busy in the daytime; however, it is lovely to mooch around the grounds towards sunset and dusk.
The gardens are a good place to watch the sunset. The views from the Budweiser gate are also rather special as the sun goes down.
The castle looks amazing after dark from the banks and bridges of the river Vltava. However, if you want the full Český Krumlov Castle experience, you need to visit when the tower and museum are open.
Book Tickets or a Tour
Exploring much of the castle complex is free, including the courtyards and gardens. However, there is a ticket office if you wish to enter the museum or tower. You can also book tours of the Renaissance Theatre, too. You can find out more information on their website. Alternatively, you can arrange tours that include a visit to the castle on the Viator website.
Is Český Krumlov Castle Worth Visiting?
Český Krumlov Castle is well worth visiting, as it’s beautiful and interesting. The inside is engaging, and you get the chance to see some fantastic views from the tower. The views of the castle are splendid from below by the river or throughout the site’s extensive grounds. It’s one of my favourite castles that I’ve visited in Central Europe.
Beautiful pictures of the castle and its magical surroundings. Thank you for sharing it. The bears in castle moats seem to be a popular medieval thing, as there are a few in Germany that have them, too.
Carolin | Solo Travel Story
My family on my father’s side is from Bohemia, so read your post with interest. Thanks for sharing.