The historic centre of Český Krumlov is part of the UNESCO heritage: this intact Central European medieval town developed around a 13th-century castle. From this history, further discoveries lead to monasteries, art, rock castles and experiences on the water.
City History, Monasteries and Art
The historic centre is home to 300 protected monuments, a large castle complex, the Český Krumlov Monastery and the world’s oldest Baroque theatre. The theatre at the castle is also one of the best-preserved Baroque theatres in the world. At the castle museum, you can learn more about the Lords of Krumlov and the Rožmberks. The climb up the castle tower includes 162 steps and offers views over the town and its surroundings; access to the tower may be seasonal.
A permanent exhibition at the monastery museum is dedicated to life and art in the monasteries of Český Krumlov. The Záviš Cross, a medieval reliquary and one of the most valuable medieval goldsmiths’ works in Czechia, is kept at Vyšší Brod Monastery. Its display may vary. Rožmberk Castle offers guided tours, including night tours, a programme for children and the reconstructed Jakobínka Tower; individual programmes may change.
The Egon Schiele Art Centrum presents a permanent exhibition on Egon Schiele as well as changing exhibitions of 20th- and 21st-century art. The Fotoateliér Seidel Museum, the Regional Museum and other museums offer further cultural discoveries. Music festivals, concerts and exhibitions are also part of Český Krumlov’s cultural programme; individual programmes change.
Forest Landscapes, Summits and a Rock Castle
Blanský les is suitable for hiking and cycling; cross-country skiing is possible when there is enough snow. The protected landscape area administration maintains educational trails and information boards, publishes visitor materials, and organises excursions and public events. This makes it possible to explore the landscape independently and learn about its natural and cultural features.
The oldest lookout tower in Bohemia stands on the summit of Kleť. In suitable weather, the view from there extends as far as the Alps. The protected landscape area administration identifies Kleť and the ruins of Dívčí Kámen Castle as the most visited places in Blanský les; this assessment is based on visitor counts from 2018 to 2021. Dívčí Kámen is a medieval fortress ruin on a high rocky cliff above the confluence of the Vltava and Křemežský potok rivers.
The wider Český Krumlov region also offers striking traces of its history, including the remains of Celtic settlements, ruins, castles, chateaux, monasteries and churches. The Naučná stezka Brložsko educational trail runs for 7.2 kilometres through the natural and cultural heritage of Brložsko and explores the history of its settlement. The wider region also offers a choice of outings themed around walks and hikes, cycling, water sports, golf and fishing.
River Trips and Trails around Lipno
Water tourism is possible on the Vltava, which also forms the south-eastern boundary of the Blanský les protected landscape area. Sightseeing trips on wooden rafts last approximately one hour and offer views of the historic centre of Český Krumlov from the river. The “Boating through Krumlov” route is a two-hour canoe or raft trip. It passes several weirs and also offers views of the historic area from the water. The starting point is usually near Nové Spolí; the destination is agreed in advance and is often a campsite on the outskirts of Český Krumlov.
Another paddling route includes the five-hour Vyšší Brod–Nahořany stretch, where you can stop at Rožmberk Castle. The different time estimates help with planning: approximately one hour for the sightseeing trip on a wooden raft, two hours for the route through Krumlov and five hours for the river stretch mentioned above. River conditions can affect operations; check current conditions before setting off.
The Lipno area has five interconnected cycling routes with connections to Austrian cycle paths and trails in the Šumava area. Three ferries connect the two banks. Lipno nad Vltavou offers a bike park, a flow trail and the Stezka korunami stromů attraction. At the Lipno water sports area, you can windsurf, sail and paddle; sightseeing boats depart from a local marina. Skiareál Lipno offers more than ten kilometres of downhill runs for family skiing. This winter activity is seasonal.
Discover more destinations: Deutsch Beneschau, Krumau, Friedberg, Oberplan, Kaplitz, Krems, Lippen, Kienberg, Moyne, Borova, Höritz, Predni Vyton, Wettern, Ceske Chalupy, Rosenberg, Bessenitz, Adolfsthal, Malsching, Unterhaid, Kalsching, Unterbreitenstein, Oberhaid, Meinetschlag, Groß Umlowitz, Theresiendorf, Tritesch, Rosenthal, Oemau, Kirchschlag, Netrobitz, Angern, Goldenkron, Podesdorf, Priethal, Mirkowitz, Chunzen, Subschitz, Prisnitz, Sirnin, Thurmplandles, Vyšný, Klení, Hohenfurth, Gojau, Dluhoste, Polletitz, Neudorf B. Berlau, Zwickau, Cerna V Posumavi, Brloh and Velešín.
Go to the overview of the wider region: South Bohemian Region.
