A quintessential fairytale town, Cesky Krumlov is situated roughly two hours south of Prague, and just over an hour from the Austrian city of Linz. Home to the second-largest castle in the Czech Republic, it is a picturesque maze of Renaissance-style buildings and cobblestone streets, bisected by the winding Vltava River. Almost untouched during World War II and the subsequent Soviet occupation, Cesky Krumlov has a precious beauty that makes a visit here an absolute must.
It’s Accessible: Even if your river cruise itinerary doesn’t include Cesky Krumlov as an excursion, you can easily reach this beautiful little town on an all-day tour from Prague or Linz. Plan to use bus or rail transportation unless you feel like renting a car.
Multiple-Choice Museums: If you're the museum type, this port will be a pleasure as you wander in and out of its numerous museums, which highlight the history of things as divergent as architecture and instruments of torture.
Cesky Krumlov State Castle: The town's most frequently visited tourist attraction, this UNESCO World Heritage Site (since 1992) was built over a period of six centuries (from the 13th onward — the castle tower is in the 16th-century Renaissance style) and houses a series of palaces and castle courtyards. You can walk through the complex for free, but to get the most out of your visit take the inexpensive guided tour — it’s worth it.
Shutterbugs: You can barely walk down a street here without spotting a perfect photo op.
Café and Pub Lovers: They’re everywhere, and on a hot summer day, what could be more enjoyable than a refreshing Czech beer on one of the town's many outdoor patios?
Beware of Summer Crowds: Because of its picturesque beauty, Cesky Krumlov is ridiculously overrun with tourists during the peak summer season.