Dobrý Den! Welcome to Cesky Krumlov!

With its fairy-tale beauty and quaint sense of timelessness, cesky Krumlov exceeds most visitors expectations.

Located in Southern Bohemia, Cesky Krumlov literally means "crooked meadow" and is surrounded by rolling hills and lush forests. The Vlatva River snakes its way through the town and the lives of its 14000-odd inhabitants. History is ever present in this enchanting little town and there is so much to see and do in Cesky Krumlov. Baroque buildings and Renaissance architecture collude in delightfully intimate ways to present a town that captivates tourists with its dreamy aura. Little wonder then that the town found itself listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1992.

The Old Town is perfect for exploring on a Cesky Krumlov tour, with more than 300 protected medieval buildings and the 13th century Cesky Krumlov Castle complex which is the second largest in the Czech Republic. The extensive restoration campaigns have been thoughtfully and meticulously planned and the town manages to steer clear of the commercialisation that taints so many other popular tourist spots. It retains its sense of tradition with delightfully agreeable results. For instance, the heritage buildings that line the narrow lanes have been transformed into cosy little restaurants and chic boutique Cesky Krumlov hotels.

The Castle Baroque Theatre dating back to the 1600s, the revolving auditorium which was built in the 20th century, and the St. Vitus' Church built in the early 1400s are frequented tourist spots and high on the list of itineraries for Cesky Krumlov tours. In fact, the town is a cultural melange of museums, galleries, historic and modern theatres, Baroque architecture, Renaissance buildings and medieval edifices, and proves to be a fascinating stop-over for musicians, writers and artists in pursuit of inspiration.

To accommodate its visitors there are a number of places to stay throughout the town. These range from hostels and budget Cesky Krumlov hotels, to more expensive chic boutique hotels. If you're not sure where the best places in town are to stay you should check out our interactive Cesky Krumlov map to help you find a hotel in Cesky Krumlov based on its location.

Throughout the year there are nearly 400 cultural events in Cesky Krumlov, including the International Jazz, Piano, Organ, and Early Music Festivals. If you're visiting in June, the town's Renaissance-style Five Petalled Rose Festival is truly a celebration worth witnessing.

Summer is in fact the best time to experience Cesky Krumlov's feisty persona; however the street performers at every corner and the Cesky Krumlov tour buses zipping through the narrow streets could in fact prove to be rather overwhelming. Spring and summer also afford opportunities for swimming, hiking, kayaking, boating and mountain biking. The hills surrounding the town run amok with trails that beg to be explored.

If you want to truly savour the town's old-world charm, autumn is the best time to visit. And if visions of a castle blanketed in snow and smoke wafting lazily from ancient chimneys appeal to you, come in winter. Winter is also a great time to go ice skating, skiing, or sledding.

No tour in Cesky Krumlov will ever be complete without a taste of the local Bohemian fare and alcoholic beverages. Czech lagers are among the best in the world. You may also want to sample the Moravian wines or the absinthe, reputedly Van Gogh's preferred tipple, traditionally taken with caramelised sugar mixed into a highly alcoholic beverage.