Independent tourism and recreation in the city of Chesky-Krumlov Historical information about the city of Ches...
Chesky Krumlov is one of the most beautiful and well-preserved medieval cities in Europe. Its history dates back more than 700 years and is closely connected with powerful Czech noble families, trade routes, the Renaissance and Austria-Hungary. Today, the city is considered a real “open-air museum” and is included in the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Ancient origins of the region
The territory of Southern Bohemia was inhabited in ancient times.
Throughout the region were:
route
river-route
roads between Bohemia and Austria
Especially important was the Vltava River, around the curves of which the city later appeared.
Foundation of the city
The history of Chesky-Krumlov begins in the XIII century.
Who founded the city?
The first fortifications here were built by an influential Czech family:
Vitkovici
The castle appeared around 1240.
Significance of the Vltava River
The name Krumlov comes from the Old German word:
“Krumme Aue” – “crooked meadow” or “bending of the river”
And indeed:
town surrounded by loops of the Vltava
castle is located on a hill above the river
Medieval heyday
In the XIII-XIV centuries, Chesky-Krumlov developed rapidly.
Causes of growth:
commerce
craft
favorable position between the Czech Republic and Austria
support
Appear:
market
workshop
church
stone-house
Rozhmbert family
The main period of the heyday of the city is associated with a powerful family: Rozhmberki
They owned the city for almost 300 years.
Castle development
It's under the Rohmberks:
lock
palaces
Renaissance elements appear
culture
Today, Ceski Krumlov Castle is considered the second largest castle complex in the Czech Republic after Prague Castle.
The Renaissance
In the XVI century, the city is experiencing a real cultural upsurge.
What appears:
rich-house
workshop
theatre
gardens
At this time, Český Krumlov became one of the cultural centers of Southern Bohemia.
Fires and restructuring
Like many medieval cities in Europe, Cesky Krumlov suffered from:
fires
epidemic
wars
After major fires, some wooden buildings were replaced with stone ones.
The Habsburg Age
After the extinction of the Rozhmberki family, the city goes under the influence: Habsburgs
In the XVII-XVIII centuries, Chesky-Krumlov became part of the Austrian Empire.
Baroque and culture
During this period, the city is actively rebuilt in the Baroque style.
Appear:
facades
baroque
theatre
palace
Unique Baroque theatre
In the castle preserved: Bartheater Chesky-Krumlov
It is considered one of the best preserved Baroque theaters in Europe.
Features:
scenery
stagework
history
XIX century and the industrial era
During industrialization, the city developed more slowly than large industrial centers.
This unexpectedly helped preserve:
medievalism
old-house
old-town
XX century and wars
After the collapse of Austria-Hungary Česki-Krumlov became part of:Czechoslovakia
World War II
Before the war, many Germans lived in the city.
After the war:
The German population was evicted.
The city has lost its former economic role.
Socialist period
In the days of Czechoslovakia:
Many historic buildings have collapsed.
restoration was slow
The old city was not destroyed by modern buildings.
Revival and UNESCO
After 1989, a large-scale restoration of the city began.
Important point:
In 1992, the historic city center was included in the list: UNESCO
Contemporary Chesky-Krumlov
Today, the city is famous:
medieval atmosphere
lock
narrowway
red-roof
festivals
Fairytale Town in the Heart of the Czech Republic
The main feature of Chesky-Krumlov is the incredibly well-preserved medieval architecture.
Tourists are waiting here:
old-house
Gothic and Renaissance buildings
square
stonebridge
winding
The atmosphere of the city on the river
Vltava makes the city especially picturesque.
River:
surround
It creates beautiful panoramas.
reflects the towers and roofs of houses
In the summer, it's popular.
walk along
rafting
kayaking
One of the most beautiful castles in Europe
The main attraction of the city - Chesky-Krumlov Castle
This is a huge castle complex with:
tower
palace
garden
theatre
lookout
City of Arts and Culture
Chesky-Krumlov is famous:
music festivals
dramatization
historical
art-galleries
A special atmosphere is created by:
street musicians
art-cafe
craftsmanship
Czech gastronomy and cozy restaurants
There's a lot in town:
traditional Czech restaurants
brewery
riverside
taverns
What tourists especially like:
local
Czech soups and meat dishes
pastry
night-streets
The perfect city for walking
The main pleasure in Chesky Krumlov is just walking.
There's almost every alley.
It looks like a postcard.
flowered
leads to ancient courtyards and observation decks n
Premium hotels
Suitable for a romantic and comfortable holiday.
Popular options:
Bellevue Hotel Český Krumlov
Garnihotel Castle Bridge
Hotel Dvořák Český Krumlov
Features:
historic
castleside
centre-out
Price: 120-250 euros per night.
Mid-range hotels
The most popular option among tourists.
Examples:
Hotel Mlýn
Hotel OLDINN
Grand Hotel
Pros:
location
comfortable rooms
Good balance of price and quality
Price: 70-140 euros per night.
Guesthouse and guesthouse
Very popular in Cesky Krumlov.
Popular options:
Pension Galko
Krumlovské domky
Orangerie Cesky Krumlov
Features:
warmth
small-town
lodging
Price: 50-100 euros per night.
Budget options and hostels
Suitable for backpackers and short trips.
Popular hostels:
Hostel Postel
Hostel Merlinlin
Travel Hostel
Price:
15-45 € a night.
Chesky Krumlov Castle
The main attraction of the city - Chesky-Krumlov Castle
What's interesting:
panoramic
palaces
baroque
castle gardens
It is the second largest castle complex in the Czech Republic after Prague Castle.
Transport accessibility:
downtown
It is easy to walk from almost any area.
Old town.
Historical Center – Historical Center of Chesky-Krumlov
Main features:
paved
Renaissance houses
square
cafeteria
The entire center is on the UNESCO list.
Availability:
fully pedestrian
Most streets are convenient for walking
Vltava River
Vltava passes through the city and creates its famous panoramas.
Popular:
walk along
rafting
viewpoint
Availability:
Embankments are located near the center
walk around
Baroque
The Cesky-Krumlov Baroque Theatre is one of the rarest historical theaters in Europe.
Features:
scenery
original stage mechanisms
XVIII century
How to get there:
It is located inside the castle complex
Castle Gardens
What tourists like:
tranquility
fountains
panoramic
walkway
St Vita's Church
One of the symbols of the city:
Gothic architecture
stained glass
spire
Availability:
situated in the historic centre
Museums and galleries
It's popular in the city.
wax-museum
torture
gallery
regional
Most are located in the center and accessible on foot.
Feast of the Five Petals Rose
The main festival of the city - Five-Petalled Rose Festival
It usually takes place in June and is dedicated to the era of the Rozhmberki family.
During the festival:
The whole city is turning into the Middle Ages.
knighthood
procession
street performance
fairs and fire shows
International Music Festival
Český Krumlov International Music Festival is the largest cultural event in the city.
Takes place in the summer in historical locations:
lock
garden
monastery
hallway
At the festival:
classical
opera
jazz
folklore
contemporary
Baroque night
One of the most unusual events is Baroque Night.
Features:
costume
eighteenth
candlestick
baroque
eighteenth-century fireworks
Spring (March-May)
Spring is considered a very comfortable time to travel.
Air temperature:
March: +5... +11 °C
April: +10... +16 °C
May: +15...+22 °C
Features:
gardens
fewer
walkable
Summer (June - August)
The main tourist season.
Air temperature:
afternoon: +22... +30 °C
at night: +12... +18 °C
Water temperature in the Vltava:
+18 °C +22 °C in summer
Features:
festivals
riverwalk
landscape
daylight
Autumn (September-November)
One of the most beautiful seasons.
Air temperature:
September: +15...+22 °C
October: +8...+15 °C
November: +3...+9 °C
Features:
goldfolios
fog
romanticism
fewer
Winter (December to February)
In winter, the city looks like a Christmas card.
Air temperature:
afternoon: -2...+5 °C
night: -5...0 °C
Water temperature:
Vltava in winter is very cold - about +1 ... +4 ° C
Features:
snow and Christmas markets
holidaylight
cozy café
Language of communication
Main language
Czech
Foreign languages
Most commonly understood:
English
German
sometimes
Features of communication
Residents of the Czech Republic usually:
calm
polite
restrained
appreciate respectful communication
Important:
greet people when entering a shop or cafe
speak quietly and without excessive volume
personalize
Behavior in churches and historic sites
There's a lot in Cesky-Krumlov:
ecclesiastical
monasteries
historical
What is desirable to observe:
quietness
modest clothing in religious places
banning loud talk and music
Culture of cafes and restaurants
The Czech Republic is known for its gastronomy and beer culture.
Features:
tipping usually 5-10%
The bill is often paid at the table.
In popular restaurants it is better to book seats in advance
Smoking and alcohol
Smoking
banned in most restaurants and public spaces
Alcohol
allowed from age 18
Drinking alcohol in some public places may be restricted
Rules of conduct on the streets
It's important in the Czech Republic.
cleanse
cross-road n
silence
Transport and roads
For tourists, it is important:
Public transport tickets must be composted
parking in the center is limited
Pedestrian areas in the old town are closed to cars
Money and pay
Currency:
Czech crown (CZK)
Although cards are accepted almost everywhere, it is useful to have:
cash
small money for cafes and souvenirs
Basic laws and regulations
What's important to remember:
drugs are illegal
historical buildings should not be destroyed.
Noise at night in residential areas
Photography and respect for people
Photography is usually free, but:
Photography is sometimes forbidden in museums.
It is better to ask permission before taking photos of people.
Greetings and polite words
Dobrý den
Dobry dan. Good afternoon. Hello.
AhojAhoy- Hey.
Dobré ráno
Dobra early - Good morning
Dobrý večer
Dobri evening-- Good evening.
Na shledanou
On Schledanou-- Goodbye.
Děkuji
Decuire -- Thank you.
Moc děkuji
Motz Decuis. Thank you very much.
Prosím
Please. Please.
Promiňte
Pull over- Excuse me.
The main tourist phrases
Nemluvím česky
Inimally-- I don't speak Czech.
Mluvíte anglicky?
Mluvit English? Do you speak English?
Pomozte mi, prosím
Help me, please-- Help me, please.
Kde je...?
Where is that? Where is...?
Kolik to stojí?
Are you standing? How much does it cost?
Phrases for cafes and restaurants
Jídelní lístek, prosím
Yidelni leafak, please - Menu, please
Dám si toto
Daam si toto- I'll take it.
Je to výborne
It's a choice. Very tasty.
Phrases for transport
Kde je nádraží?
Where are the problems? Where's the station?
Jízdenka
Yizdanka- Ticket.
Kolik stojí jízdenka?
Is colic worth yizdanka? How much is the ticket?
Kdy odjíždí?
Where are you? When's departure?
Hotel phrases
Mám rezervaci
Maam Reservations- I have a reservation.
Kde je m?j pokoj?
Where is the peace? Where's my number?
Je Tady Wi-Fi?
What's that? Is there Wi-Fi?
Shop phrases
Mohu se podívat?
Can I get you some? Can I see it?
To je drahé
That drogue- It's expensive.
M?žete dát slevu?
You're a man on the left? Can I get a discount?
Emergency phrases
Potřebuji pomoc
Get some help. I need help.
Zavolejte policii
Involve the police. Call the police.
Potřebuji lékaře
Demand a cure-- I need a doctor.
What to bring from Chesky-Krumlov
The main symbols of the city:
Czech beer
bohemian glass
sweets
handicraft
medieval-style
Czech beer is one of the most popular souvenirs.
What can I buy?
camp-beer
craftsmanship
gift-set
Becherovka and herbal drinks
Popular Czech alcoholic souvenir - Becherovka
Features:
herbal
used as a warming drink
sold in beautiful bottles
Czech sweets
What to try:
waffles
marzipan
handmade
honey-candy
Local products
In tourist shops and farm shops you can find:
Czech
sausage
smokefulness
honey
Popular dishes:
trdelník - sweet pastries
svíčková - beef in cream sauce
guláš - Czech goulash
knedlíky - dumplings
Bohemian glass and crystal
One of the most famous souvenirs of the Czech Republic - Bohemian glass
What they sell:
glass
decoration
vase
decorative
Handmade souvenirs
There are many craft shops in Cesky Krumlov.
Popular:
wooden
pottery
candle
decoration
leatherwork
Medieval Souvenirs
Due to the atmosphere, the city is particularly popular:
knighthood
lock-magnet
cardboard
gothic
Medicinal and natural products
Popular:
herbal
makeup
Karlovy
makeup
Beer cosmetics
A very popular Czech souvenir:
shampoo
soap
creams
Safety of rest
Chesky Krumlov is considered a very safe city.
Pros:
low crime rate
tranquility
It is safe to walk in the middle of the evening.
Good work of the police and services
Possible risks:
Pickpocketing in tourist spots (rarely)
slippery streets in winter
fines for violation of rules (cleanliness, transport)
Overall, it is one of the safest tourist cities in Europe.
Travel documents
Must have:
passport
Visa or Schengen (if required)
round-trip
accommodation
Health insurance
It is highly recommended, because medicine in the Czech Republic is paid for tourists.
Insurance must cover:
paramedic
hospitalization
accidents
dentistry (preferably)
transportation
Emergency services
The Czech Republic has a single number:
112 – Common Emergency Number (EU)
Also:
150 - Firefighters
155 - ambulance
158 - police
Mobile communications
Main operators:
T-Mobile Czech Republic
Vodafone Czech Republic
O2 Czech Republic
Features:
perfect coverage across the country
4G/5G is almost everywhere
roaming
Tourist SIM cards are available at airports and shops
Security of money and things
Recommendations:
bank-card
not carry large amounts of cash
keep up
vault
Conduct and laws
It is important to observe:
traffic rules
silence at night (especially in the center)
ban
Transport security
Features:
pedestrianization
Cyclists and tourists share streets
Parking more often outside the old city
Council:
Be careful on paved streets (slippery)
How long can I stay in the Czech Republic?
Depends on nationality:
Schengen area:
up to 90 days within 180 days (as a tourist)
For the EU:
Free stay (according to EU rules)
For other countries:
Visa or visa-free (usually 30-90 days)
Create a query and local guides will offer you the best options