How Cesky Krumlov Charmed My Socks Off
As I sat on the Busabout bus from Prague to Cesky Krumlov, I had one of those travel moments that just makes you laugh.
Hardly any of us headed to this small Czech town knew anything about it. We didn't know anything about its history, what there was to do there, or even how to properly pronounce it (in fact, there was one Aussie who, in a rather hungover state, simply announced that he was on the “not Vienna” bus that morning). We had all just seen pretty pictures of the place and decided to add it to our North Loop itineraries.
Funny how just seeing the right photo can influence your travel plans.
I'm so glad I saw those beautiful images of Cesky Krumlov months before my trip to Europe, though — because this little Czech town absolutely charmed my socks off.
For those of you who have never heard of Cesky Krumlov, let me give you a quick lesson. It's a town in the South Bohemian region of the Czech Republic, roughly 3-4 hours south of Prague by bus. The town is an old medieval one, with a big, colorful castle on top of a hill, narrow cobbled streets, and a river (the Vltava, which also runs through Prague) coursing through it. The Old Town in Cesky Krumlov is even a recognized UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Basically, Cesky Krumlov is a postcard come to life.
At least, that's how I felt while wandering through its streets, or while sitting on a terrace overlooking the river and having traditional Czech food for dinner.
It really doesn't get much better than this.
As it turns out, there's not actually a whole lot to “do” in Cesky Krumlov. But that made our scheduled 2 nights in the town the perfect amount of time.
My time in Cesky was spent exploring the castle and gardens (which are free to visit), wandering through the cute cobbled streets, and eating on as many terraces as possible. I also spent an afternoon floating down the Vltava River with my fellow Busabouters, but that is a topic for another post.
There are so many little details to love in this town, from the vibrant colors to the talented buskers to the affordable prices. It would make a perfect weekend getaway from cities like Prague and Vienna, or even just a nice spot to relax for a week and take a break from the more hectic cities of Europe.
In fact, I think Cesky Krumlov may just be one of my favorite spots in Europe so far.
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Have you been to Cesky Krumlov? If not, is it a place you'd like to visit?
*Note: I visited Cesky Krumlov as part of my Busabout trip around Europe. They provided me with transport on all 3 of their Europe loops, but all opinions of the destinations I visit are entirely my own!
Amanda Williams is the award-winning blogger behind A Dangerous Business Travel Blog. She has traveled to more than 60 countries on 6 continents from her home base in Ohio, specializing in experiential and thoughtful travel through the US, Europe, and rest of the world. Amanda only shares tips based on her personal experiences and places she's actually traveled!
You’re certainly making this place sound worthwhile. I’m considering a solo trip to Europe and thinking about using busabout. Haven’t really travelled solo before, when you go exploring and things like that are you with anyone else? Are you exploring with fellow ppl you’ve met on the bus or is it entirely by yourself?
Cesky is definitely worthwhile! And I really enjoyed traveling with Busabout. In my case, I was usually doing things/hanging out with people I met on the Busabout buses. Since you’re all headed to the same place and usually staying in the same hostel, it’s quite easy to make friends!
You can read all about my Busabout experience here: https://www.dangerous-business.com/2013/11/whats-like-travel-around-europe-busabout/
I have never been to the Czech Republic but I would love to visit. A blogger friend of mine also loved Cesky Krumlov. And I love your description of it-a postcard come to life. Beautifully put!
It really is like stepping into a postcard!
I can understand why you were charmed by it. I absolutely adore Cesky Krumlov and am planning a return trip next year. It’s one of the most picturesque towns in Central Europe imo.
Such a charming place. I would definitely go back (and hope that I will someday!).
I love reading these posts about Busabout stops, having travelled with them a couple of times myself already, and having watched the vlog about cesky krumlov on their bucketlist this summer. is it really supposed to be haunted?
Glad you’re enjoying my Busabout posts! I have plenty more on the way. 🙂
And I’m not sure about the haunted bit… wouldn’t be surprising, though, with it being so old!
Most of the Brits, Americans, Canadians and Aussies who live there were just passing through for a few days – as some of you plan to do. They stayed, we all stayed, the town has that effect on you.
I can definitely understand that – Cesky has a way of making you never want to leave.
Like a fantasy town, wow! I’m sure it was nice to get away from a busier but just as fantastical place as Prague to a quieter town to relax and explore. Phenomenal photos, I could totally imagine myself atop a terrace balcony sipping coffee there!
Yes it was a very welcome change from the bigger cities I had been visiting!
Ha, you’re totally right- had never heard of this place before! But man, it’s gorgeous. thanks for sharing what should definitely go on my next Europe list!
You are most welcome! Definitely put it on that list!
Wow! The photos look awesome. I will KIV this city if I am going Czech Republic one day. 🙂 Is it a very touristy city considering it being a UNESCO site?
It IS quite touristy, but nowhere near on the scale of somewhere like Paris.
I love, love ,love Cesky! I wish I would have saw that band! How is Poland?
Cesky is so fantastic – and Poland is pretty awesome, too!
I’ve never heard of it until you wrote about it previously… but it certainly looks picture perfect!
Glad to have been able to introduce you to it!