First published: 22/10/19.

Clyde 3.5

Cesky Krumlov

Cesky Krumlov (Inscribed)

Cesky Krumlov by Clyde

I visited this WHS in Summer 2019 and spent 1 night/2 days here. It is definitely one of Czechia's best WHS but also among the most touristy too with bus loads of groups arriving all day long. It is also one of those WHS (like Salzburg and Halstatt in Austria) which rank highly among Asian travel agents. Not only were there several staff catering for Asian tourists in every other restaurant or shop, but also costume rentals similar to what happens in some of South Korea's castles.

That aside though, Cesky Krumlov is really worth visiting if only for the splendid Gothic and Renaissance castle tower which can be seen from any point in town as well as the magnificent panoramic views of Cesky Krumlov and the Vltava River. Apart from the view from the tower, the most popular view is from the castle's Cloak bridge and further on from the small outdoor cafe. If you walk a bit more uphill to the Castle gardens, you'll be awarded with possibly the best view of Cesky Krumlov without the crowds.

There are UNESCO information boards and signs at every important building. Like in Bern, Switzerland, two brown bears are held in captivity at the castle moat and have become a tourist attraction, so much so that a Bear Festival is held every year at Christmas Eve. Apparently bearkeeping and breeding has been going on since the 16th century and in fact the lords of Rosenberg coat-of-arms bears the sign of a five-petalled rose in a silver field and bears as shield-bearers.

A fun tourist attraction is the raft ride on the Vltava river or else you can watch the rafts and kayaks from a restaurant beneath the Castle Tower with a delicious mustard pork knuckle and some beer. Holasovice WHS is an easy 30-45 minute ride away but if possible I'd recommend visiting Holasovice before Cesky Krumlov.

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