Český Krumlov is one of the most beautiful cities in the Czech Republic. And so it is not surprising that the majority of Czech and foreign tourists head to the architectural gem of South Bohemia. The breathtaking city, through which the Vltava River flows, is listed on the UNESCO World Cultural and Natural Heritage List. It has a magical atmosphere and is enchanting visitors with unique monuments, impressive architecture and places from which they rightfully take away a number of unforgettable memories.
Castle and chateau: a UNESCO pearl
The dominant State Castle and Castle Český Krumlov with its stunning tower become the place where visitors usually head impatiently as soon as they arrive in the city. The entire area is open to the public, it is possible to walk between a total of five courtyards and enjoy one of
two sightseeing circuits. The ascent to the walkway of the castle tower is a strong tourist magnet. The view from a height of 35 meters over the city and the river valley is a breathtaking experience.
In tours of the castle, interiors from the Renaissance period or interiors detailing the history of the Schwarzenberg family are attractive. The Castle Baroque Theater from the 18th century, which is the oldest of its kind in the world with preserved original decorations and machinery, leaves a great impression on the guests. The Mantle Bridge, which connects the castle interiors with the Baroque theater and the castle garden, will certainly not escape the attention of visitors. It is an architecturally very remarkable arcade structure.
The revolving auditorium is unique in the world
An attractive part of the castle grounds is a beautiful baroque garden with a cascading fountain, the Rococo Bellaria summer house and the famous revolving auditorium. The admirable attraction is unique in the world and serves as an open theater stage of the South Bohemian Theater in České Budějovice.
Bears live in the castle moat
Tourists, especially those with children, are very fond of the popular Český Krumlov brown bears. It is interesting that these animals have been associated with castles for centuries. Bears have been seen in Český Krumlov since the middle of the 16th century. The Rožmberk family, which resided at the castle, had them as heraldic animals in their coat of arms. A view of the Bear Ditch with bears is a nice addition to a visit to the city.
Český Krumlov also has its own mine
Anyone who is attracted by the desire for adventure and who likes the mining environment will certainly not miss a visit to the graphite mine. It reminds of graphite mining, which took place in Český Krumlov already during the time of the Celts. Visitors will go 70 meters below the earth’s surface and travel a large part of the two-kilometer route on the mining train. There is a lot to see underground. For example the hunt cart, hammer drill and other mining machines and tools. Tourists will get to know the history, attend a mining demonstration and see the mined raw material.
For knowledge, tourists go to the Regional Museum
If visitors want to learn as much as possible about the rich history of Český Krumlov, it is best to visit the Regional Museum. It is housed in the building of the former Baroque Jesuit seminary. There are permanent exhibitions and a number of seasonal exhibitions throughout the year. The museum boasts extensive collections in the fields of archaeology, historical pharmacy, history of arts and crafts, and ethnography. Visitors are most attracted by the magnificent ceramic model of the city. It is the largest of its kind in the world.
Children are attracted to the Puppet Museum and the Fairytale House
Český Krumlov also has a typical offer for children. In Radniční street, families with children can enjoy a tour of 400 puppets and marionettes from the workshops of Czech and foreign carvers and puppeteers. The main attraction of the Museum of Puppets and the Fairytale House is the puppet theater, in which guests can act out one of the many fairy tales. And in the attic, they discover fairy-tale corners with various fairy-tale creatures.
