Romantic Getaway Cesky Krumlov
Nestled in the heart of South Bohemia, the medieval town of Český Krumlov is one of the Czech Republic’s most romantic gems.
A getaway to Český Krumlov promises the perfect combination of historic charm and picturesque scenery. Discover how to plan a memorable weekend in this romantic little Czech Venice.
Český Krumlov is a beautifully preserved medieval gem, with cobbled streets, half-timbered houses and a majestic castle. Its romantic atmosphere can be felt around every corner.
Its location, delicately embraced by the Vltava River, is reminiscent of the idyllic medieval village of Esch-sur-Sûre in the Luxembourg Ardennes.
When should you visit Český Krumlov for a romantic getaway?
Český Krumlov can be visited throughout the year, with each season offering its own unique charm.
Spring (March to May): mild temperatures, blooming gardens and nature coming back to life make spring an ideal time for romantic walks along the Vltava.
Summer (June to August): the longer days are perfect for exploring the medieval streets and enjoying local outdoor festivals.
Autumn (September to November): autumn colours add an especially romantic touch to the town. It is also a quieter period after the summer peak. We visited in October last time and found it perfect for a romantic weekend.
Winter (December to February): cobbled streets illuminated by Christmas lights, frequent snowfall and the chance to enjoy mulled wine on the main square create a magical atmosphere.
Choose the season that best suits your preferences and enjoy a romantic experience in Český Krumlov.
How do you get to Český Krumlov?
There are no direct flights from France to Český Krumlov, as the town does not have an airport. For a romantic getaway, we recommend combining it with another destination or spending a few days exploring two or three cities.
From Prague, the Czech capital, Český Krumlov can be reached by train, bus or car. The bus station is located close to the town centre, making it a convenient place to arrive for your romantic getaway. It was also completely rebuilt and modernised in 2019. You can check bus timetables on the RegioJet website.
The direct bus journey takes around 2 hours and 40 to 45 minutes. Similarly, from Vienna, you can take a train to Linz and then a bus, which runs twice a day and reaches Český Krumlov in under three hours.
From Brno, take a train to České Budějovice, followed by another train or a 30-minute bus journey to Český Krumlov.
Which cosy and romantic accommodation should you choose in Český Krumlov?
Choose according to the season of your visit and your budget. Even if you do not stay in the historic centre, it is easy to reach by crossing one or two bridges.
For an immersive experience, opt for a historic guesthouse in the heart of the old town.
Hotels overlooking the Vltava offer spectacular views for a romantic getaway.
Traditional bed and breakfasts add a personal touch to your stay.
Everyone is different, so choose according to your own tastes and preferences.
What can you see and do during a romantic weekend in Český Krumlov?
Explore the historic centre
An excellent introduction to the town is our private guided tour of Český Krumlov. It will introduce you to the historic centre and its main landmarks before taking you to the town’s iconic and monumental castle.
The Castle Museum and tower, along with four other attractions, can be visited with the Český Krumlov Card.
Discover Český Krumlov Castle
The imposing Český Krumlov Castle truly dominates the town and looks magnificent both by day and by night. It is the second-largest castle complex in the Czech Republic after Prague Castle, so it certainly deserves plenty of your time.
Its history is fascinating and, perched on its hill, it offers breathtaking views over the town. The beautifully maintained gardens surrounding the castle, its richly decorated rooms and its unique restored Baroque theatre add a romantic touch to your visit.
The castle complex is vast and several different tour routes are available. To see most of it, you will need to devote a full day or two half-days to your visit, which will prevent you from spending too long in the same place at once.
After passing through the gates, you will find the Castle Museum on your left, along with the colourful tower from which you can enjoy magnificent views over the town.
OUR TIP:
To make the most of your visit to the Castle Museum, download its app by scanning the QR code at the entrance with your smartphone. It provides fascinating information about the museum’s different rooms.
Discover the Minorite Monastery
This is a very personal choice, but we love this place. Fully restored, it is a magnificent building that is well worth visiting.
It is located just a five-minute walk from Český Krumlov Castle, reached through picturesque little cobbled streets.
You will need to choose which section you would like to visit. We recommend “Life and Art in the Krumlov Monasteries”. You will be able to see the cloister, exhibitions, statues, the chapel with its colourful frescoes and much more.
The monastery is one of the attractions included in the Český Krumlov Card.
Wander through the old town
Explore the narrow streets and cobbled squares of the old town, without forgetting St Vitus Church. The colourful façades of the medieval houses create an idyllic setting for a romantic stroll.
Discover moldavite, the stone symbolising unconditional love
Did you know that moldavite symbolises protection, energy and unconditional love? Whether you believe in its powers or not is entirely up to you.
Few people know about this mysterious green stone, which is believed to have been formed following the impact of an asteroid 15 million years ago.
Český Krumlov has dedicated an entire museum to it, displaying some unique specimens. The museum also offers the rare experience of exploring a moldavite mine and extracting the mineral yourself. Advance booking is required and groups are limited to six people. The site is not located at the museum itself, however. You will need to travel to Besednice, around 40 minutes away by car, but the experience is truly unique.
If you do not want to dig up your own moldavite, you can always buy some from selected shops and jewellery stores in the historic centre.
Dine in picturesque surroundings
Allow yourselves to be swept away by the romantic atmosphere of the local restaurants. Believe it or not, Český Krumlov has more than 100 pubs and restaurants. However, they are not all equal, especially if you are looking for an attractive setting with an intimate and welcoming atmosphere.
Choose a terrace overlooking the river for a memorable dining experience, or an intimate restaurant tucked away in one of the historic centre’s narrow streets.
To help you choose, we have compiled a selection of places that are perfect for a romantic meal.
Explore the Vltava
Enjoy a leisurely walk along the Vltava River. Views of the watermills and picturesque bridges will add a romantic touch to your stroll.
Weather permitting, take a short cruise on the Vltava aboard one of the town’s unusual traditional wooden boats. It is a picturesque way to see Český Krumlov from a different perspective.
Enjoy the town’s green spaces
Český Krumlov offers several charming and bucolic places that are perfect for romantic walks.
The Castle Gardens
When visiting the castle, do not miss its magnificent gardens. The entrance is located on the left before you enter the castle. Wander along the pathways and search for the best viewpoints and selfie spots.
Městský Park
On the southern riverbank, close to St Vitus Church, take a walk through the town’s Městský Park, with its bandstand, small blue chapel and numerous peaceful walking paths.
You can then head towards the southern end of the park to discover the Český Krumlov Synagogue and its garden. Stop for a drink at the café housed in the former rabbi’s residence.
Depending on your interests, you can then either visit the Fotoatelier Seidel Photography Museum, which takes us back to the origins of photography in our all-digital era, or set off on a delightful countryside walk. This museum is one of the five attractions included in the Český Krumlov Card.
Climb Křížová Hora
Starting from the synagogue, close to point 3 on the map below, you can enjoy a beautiful uphill walk to the viewpoint and pilgrimage site of Křížová Hora.
The walk takes you to a hexagonal chapel that can be visited at weekends and during school holidays. From this hill, you can enjoy superb views over the entire town.
This walk takes around 1½ to 2 hours. If you plan it carefully around sunset, the magnificent views from the summit will provide an unforgettable moment to share.
Attend a show, concert or theatrical performance
In the castle gardens, you can see the revolving theatre in action during the summer season. Exhibitions featuring both well-known and emerging artists are also held in local museums and galleries. Český Krumlov truly has a great deal to offer.
Immerse yourselves in culture
The Český Krumlov Castle Museum, located at the heart of the town’s iconic castle, offers a fascinating journey through the rich history of the Czech nobility. Visitors can explore sumptuously decorated rooms housing exhibitions of historical artefacts that reflect the opulence of the past. The castle ramparts also offer striking panoramic views over the town, adding a spectacular dimension to this cultural experience.
For an insight into local life, explore the Regional Museum, which preserves the heritage of Český Krumlov.
Further away, you may be tempted to visit the Egon Schiele Art Centrum, which reveals a very different artistic side of the town and is dedicated to the famous 20th-century Austrian painter. Its galleries house a remarkable collection of works by Egon Schiele, offering a unique insight into Expressionist art and the artist’s eventful life. Between noble history and artistic expression, these complementary museums enrich any cultural visit to Český Krumlov.
All three attractions can also be visited with the famous Český Krumlov Card.
Admire the sunset
One of the most highly recommended places to enjoy a beautiful sunset in Český Krumlov is the castle itself.
Head towards the upper castle gardens at the end of the day. From this elevated position, you will enjoy magnificent views over the old town and the Vltava River. It is an ideal place to watch the sunset while soaking up the romantic atmosphere of the castle.
Lazebnický Bridge also offers beautiful views over the river and the old town. Standing on the bridge at sunset allows you to capture the warm colours of the sky while admiring the picturesque scenery.
Křížová Hora, or the Hill of the Cross, offers spectacular views over Český Krumlov and its surroundings, making it another ideal place to admire the sunset. From this elevated viewpoint, you can enjoy a panoramic perspective encompassing the medieval town and its red rooftops.
It takes around 45 minutes or longer, depending on your pace, to climb the hill from the historic centre. Make sure you reach Křížová Hora shortly before sunset so that you can fully appreciate the changing colours of the sky and the unique charm of Český Krumlov as night begins to fall. It is a romantic experience that will remain in your memories for a long time.
These three locations offer different perspectives from which to enjoy the sunset in Český Krumlov. Do not forget to bring your camera to capture these magical moments!
Explore Český Krumlov by night
If there is one romantic activity to enjoy in a town with as much medieval charm as Český Krumlov, it is exploring its streets at night.
During the day, Český Krumlov is a lively tourist destination and the second most visited town in the Czech Republic after Prague. At night, it becomes a mysterious place whose cobbled streets invite exploration.
For 800 years, Český Krumlov was home to some of Bohemia’s most important noble families, Renaissance alchemists, beautiful women and courageous men. Join us to discover the streets of Krumlov by night and hear the stories of those who once lived here.
You will discover not only the most beautiful places and winding streets of Český Krumlov, but also its darker corners and stories.
We also offer an intimate private evening tour with our local French-speaking guide.
Visiting Český Krumlov as a couple promises an unforgettable romantic experience steeped in the medieval atmosphere and historic charm of this picturesque Czech town.
Its cobbled streets lined with colourful houses, majestic castle overlooking the Vltava, enchanting gardens and picturesque bridges provide the perfect setting for romantic moments together.