Český Krumlov is a town of around 15 000 inhabitants in South Bohemia in the Czech Republic. The historical centre, which was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1992, is notable for its well-preserved Renaissance and Baroque architecture. The Český Krumlov Castle was built in the 13th century and is the second largest castle complex in Czech Republic. The Vltava River snakes through the town, making the inner historical centre an island unto itself.

Český Krumlov State Chateau
The Český Krumlov castle complex is the town's main attraction. You can walk through the grounds of the complex for free, or you can pay for either a guided tour of the interiors and the baroque theatre or pay a small fee to climb the tower. Plan at least two hours for your visit, and buy supplies for a picnic lunch in the castle gardens at the grocery across the ulice from the castle entrance on Latrán.

As you approach the castle, you cross the Bear Moat, where two live bears protect the castle. The second castle courtyard features the entrance to the castle tower (35Kc). After slogging up the vertiginous staircase, you are treated to a 360-degree view of the town. Here is also a small fountain, and the main ticket office where you can book scheduled tours of the interior to the castle and the baroque theatre.

Tours of the castle interior begin in the third castle courtyard, where you will find another souvenir store and the entrance to the Wenceslas Cellars (60Kc), which now houses modern ceramic art pieces. Plaštovy Most, or the “Cloaked Bridge” is covered by a walkway that leads from the Castle to the Baroque Theatre, and affords another sweeping view of the town. Continue to walk uphill and you will find the entrance to the monumental castle gardens. A newly restored fountain, maze of hedgerows, a revolving theatre and a Medieval-style restaurant beckon. At the far end of the castle gardens, you’ll find a lush duck pond, situated in a stand of moody, gnarled trees. This is the perfect picnic spot.

The old town
Český Krumlov is a jumble of 750 years of architectural design, and for this reason was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. Part of the fun is to get lost in its maze of cobbled streets, while the Vltava River rushes around in a loop, adding to the confusion. Walking the length of Latrán from Budějovická Gate to the town square, Náměstí Svornosti, up Horní and across the bridge to the Barbakán, will take about an hour if you’re interested in stopping and gawping at sites.

Egon Schiele Art Centre
Egon Schiele was a contemporary of Gustav Klimt. He set up his easel for a short time in Český Krumlov, painting the tortured landscapes of his famous Dead Town series, and young girls in compromising poses. The townspeople labeled him a perverted pornographer, and drove him out. Ironically, Český Krumlov has now proudly embraced the genius of Egon Schiele, and has honoured his memory with the Egon Schiele Centrum, a museum that houses some of his works, and most importantly, internationally renowned exhibitions of modern artists.

Horseback Riding
A 30-minute walk out of town rewards you with the opportunity to ride some beautiful horses through the local fields and forests accompanied by a guide. They provide all the gear you need, including a helmet. Wear comfortable clothing and bring a couple sugar cubes or an apple to sweeten the experience. You must book ahead – ask at your accommodations or at one of the tourist information centres.

Krumlov Walking Tours
This independently-owned company with professionally trained, English-speaking tour guides will take you on an unforgettable tour of the town. Tours run daily, and include: The Eggenberg Brewery Tour, Old Town Tour, Ghost Tour, and Rose Trail. Special tours and prices can be arranged on request.

Regional Museum
The Český Krumlov Regional Museum features permanent exhibitions of Bohemian antiques, geological fossils, archeological finds from the nearby Celtic oppidum, and interesting rotating exhibits of local interest. On the top floor, check out the ceramic scale model of Český Krumlov at the turn of the 19th century, when eight more towers and spires decorated the landscape.

River Rafting
On a sunny day you definitely should go rafting on the Vltava river. Load up a raft with beer and other refreshments, wear a swimming suit and go! You can rent rafts from several locations and from some of the hostels in town.