If you want to experience the quintessential charm of a Central European town, there is no better place than Český Krumlov. With the castle tower perched high on the river promontory above the town, and the small bridges hopping over the meandering river beneath, the landscape is idyllic to the point of feeling unreal. A visitor would be hard-pressed to find a spot in town that does not offer a view, and every corner reveals a new sight.
ESsential – 10/10
Like many other towns in Czechia, it is worth to simply take in Český Krumlov without any agenda or itinerary. Outside of the Old Town on the peninsula, there are many paths along the Vltava river and in the Castle grounds. Getting up to a height above the town is an incredibly pleasant experience as it affords you to take in the photogenic town.
COst-effective – 9/10
While paying to visit the Castle is not a must in order to appreciate it, we decided to pay for the admission to the Castle Museum and the Castle Tower. The entrance fee of 150 Czech korunas ended up being totally worth it. From the tower, you could really look at the entire Old Town, and the Museum was surprisingly interesting with a nice glimpse into the life of the castle residents, as well as some odd exhibits like mummified remains of the local clergy.