Český Krumlov in the Czech Republic: What to See in Its Surroundings
Here is what to see in the surroundings of Český Krumlov, in the Czech Republic.
Klet’
1 – At an elevation of 1083 metres above sea level, this mountain is the highest point in South Bohemia.
It is recognisable from afar by the distinctive profile of Bohemia’s famous stone observation tower, built in 1825, and the television transmitter tower.
The summit is accessible by bicycle, on foot, or by a chairlift that starts from Krásetín.
In favourable weather conditions, the tower offers a splendid view over large parts of South Bohemia.
The Blanský Les nature reserve is traversed by a 5 km long nature trail that winds through the forest and rock formations around the mountain’s summit.
Next to the observation tower is a mountain lodge that offers warm meals, a pleasant resting place, and accommodation.
A convenient car park is located below the chairlift’s valley station.
Hluboka Nad Vltavou Castle
2 – Hluboká nad Vltavou Castle, an unmissable place to visit, is a fairytale castle that stands on the Vltava River and was commissioned by the Bohemian King Přemysl Otakar II in the 13th century.
Its current appearance is the result of the neo-Gothic reconstruction commissioned by the Schwarzenberg family, inspired by Windsor Castle in England.
Purchased by the Schwarzenbergs in the 17th century, the castle was transformed into a spectacular palace with 140 sumptuous rooms, 11 white towers, bastions, and an enchanting garden.
During World War II, the family abandoned the castle for fear of a Nazi attack.
Today, it is owned by the state and boasts magnificent interiors.
Access to the park and external visits are free, while guided tours of the interior are chargeable.
České Budějovice
3 – České Budějovice, internationally known as the home of Budweiser Budvar beer, founded in 1895.
It’s worth visiting this city, preferably on a Sunday when it’s quieter, and taking a stroll through its historic centre, with its blend of Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque architecture.
Přemysl Square, one of the largest squares in Europe, is the central landmark with its distinctive Samson Fountain. A beautiful square!
Not far from the square, the Black Tower, about 72 metres high and open to the public every day from 10:00 am, offers a panoramic view of the city and its surroundings.
Another attraction we recommend is the historic building Restaurace Solnice, dating back to 1531.
Originally used as a salt warehouse, the building has undergone a careful restoration in recent decades to preserve its historical and architectural significance.
The restoration aimed to keep the original elements as intact as possible, integrating them with modern structures to ensure its functionality as a restaurant that combines the building’s history with traditional Czech cuisine.
Dívčí Kámen Castle
4 – The monumental and historic ruins of Dívčí Kámen Castle rise on a high rock immersed in nature, above the confluence of the Křemžský stream and the Vltava River, between the towns of České Budějovice and Český Krumlov.
This area is rich in botanical and zoological diversity, which is why it has been declared a nature reserve.
Dívčí Kámen Castle was founded by the Rosenberg family in 1349 as an administrative centre.
It was never a permanent residence for the lords, except for Oldřich II of Rosenberg, who lived there from autumn 1457 to summer 1461 due to disagreements with his son Jan, who resided in Český Krumlov.
During the castle’s active period, only the administrators and the garrison were permanent residents.
Over the centuries, the castle was abandoned. However, in the 20th century, the ruins began to attract the interest of the cultural public.
As early as 1936, the Czech Tourist Club took an interest in the castle, which now belongs to the municipality of Křemže, and efforts are being made to repair it and save it from deterioration.
The central core of the castle, located on the highest part of the rock, included two palaces, both preserved up to a height of three storeys.
Each level contained three rooms with flat ceilings, and for defensive reasons, the large windows up to the second floor opened only towards the courtyard.
On the third floor of the rear palace, the remains of a large protruding window belonging to the chapel are still visible.
In front of the façade, a long outpost extends, ending in a mighty round tower that housed agricultural buildings, accessible through a square tower gate.
From there, a fortified road descended towards the dwellings outside the castle.
In Třísov (near the train stop), there is a car park where you can leave your car. Continue on foot, following the signage.
The round trip circuit is a total of 2 km.
A small entrance fee is required for the ruins to fund maintenance and restoration work; donations are appreciated.
Dogs are allowed.
Villa Kratochvíle
5 – A splendid castle in the Czech Republic, secluded among the modest Bohemian hills.
Its history began in 1583 with the unusual construction, for this region, of a hunting lodge inspired by Italian Renaissance villas.
The challenging conditions of the marshy ground required the reinforcement of the foundations with alder piles, which, due to the absence of air in the mud, turned to stone, becoming vital for the building’s stability.
Such a demanding project was completed in just six years (1583-1589), including numerous paintings and stucco decorations.
The interior decorations are spectacular, particularly the Golden Hall, which welcomed guests, impressing them with the owner’s wealth, taste, and social status.
The chapel’s vaults are also richly decorated, with stuccoes and a sumptuous painting of the Passion.
Over the centuries, various owners succeeded one another until 1922, when the castle was nationalised following the agrarian reform.
In 2006, a project began, completed in 2011, aimed at restoring the castle’s authentic appearance and creating an interior exhibition presenting the era of the Rosenberg family.
The landscaped garden with tree-lined paths will offer you a suggestive and relaxing environment.
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