Things to do in town and nearby
Cesky Krumlov is a small town, but it offers many opportunities (locally) and (regionally).
Clear your head... Feed your soul... Slow down. You are on holiday.
- The Vltava River that meanders through the old town is great for canoeing, rafting, etc. You can hire a raft, canoe, or kayak at such agencies such as Malecek or Vltava. They will take you up stream in their minivan, and you can paddle down the river to Cesky Krumlov. You can also start in Cesky Krumlov and go downstream to Zlata Koruna (3-4 hours of rafting). The agency will take you and your boat back to the town.
- If you do not want to spend that much of your precious time on the river, do it in a time-saving way. Malecek Agency rents rafts and canoes for one or two circles around the historical centre of Cesky Krumlov. You will even go through two weirs (if you are not so good at canoeing, take a raft). It is fun for you and also for people watching you from a bridge. Be a star in someone´s photos or video sequence!
- Take your child(ren) to the Slupenec Horse Riding School just 2 km from Cesky Krumlov.
- Hire mountain bikes at Vltava and explore the countryside. Woods, hills, rivers…. There are many cycling trails.
- Are you a hiker? Great. This country has many marked hiking trails. You can hike to Klet (6 km from the centre of Cesky Krumlov, 1,082 m above the sea level) and view the surrounding countryside from the stone tower at the summit, to the ruins of the castle Divci kamen (Maiden’s Stone), to Zlata Koruna Monastery, etc.
- Do you play golf or want to learn how? There is a golf course in Hluboka (30 km from Cesky Krumlov via Ceske Budejovice, 18 holes). The town of Hluboka has the world famous Castle of Hluboka with its spectacular interiors and an outside that looks like Windsor Castle in Britain. Adjacent to Lipno Lake is the aptly named Lipno Golf Club (see link at www.lipnogolf.cz with an English language option).
- Do you like castles, old churches, or monasteries? There are two castles near Cesky Krumlov – Rozmberk (30 km) and the above mentioned Hluboka (30 km, opposite side, sorry). Are you a sinner or masochist? Why not enjoy being tortured at the Rozmberk castle? I survived. (Click for photo to see it larger!)
- Are you keen on history and the fine arts? Egon Schiele Art Centrum in Cesky Krumlov offers exhibitions. There is a nice pilgrimage Gothic church at Kajov (5 km). There are old monasteries at Zlata Koruna (4 km) and Vyssi Brod (30 km). Near Vyssi Brod is the Certova stena (Devil’s Wall). It is worth visiting to see what one angry devil was able to do in one night!
- For a half-a-day trip in a car you can go around the Klet Mountain (6 km from the centre of Cesky Krumlov, 1,082 m above the sea level). There is unspoiled, rural, pictoresque countryside near Sedm chalup (Seven Cottages) and a great, quiet beech forest Jaroninska bucina (Jaronin Beech Forest Reserve). It is a well hidden secret, even local people do not know about it. In the Czech Republic you can enjoy the freedom of going freely through most of the forests, fields, and meadows; just be sure to go along the paths and roads.
- For music lovers there are many concerts and festivals during high season. Ask for help in the Infocentrum to find the types of music you like.
- Krizova hora (Cross Hill) is a Baroque chapel near the town centre. There is a nice view of Cesky Krumlov from the hill. Do not forget your camera (and binoculars if you have them).
- In winter you can enjoy skiing and snowboarding at Kramolin at the (why not to offer your children a ski and snowboarding school?) 30 km south of Cesky Krumlov near Lipno Lake. You can hire complete equipment there for reasonable prices, enjoy winter sports, and return to Cesky Krumlov to spend a nice evening in some of local taverns with open fireplaces.
- During summer, Lipno Lake also offers many opportunities for boating and other water sports
- What about an exciting night at a casino? Casino Ruze in the old centre offers American Roulette, Black Jack, Caribbean Poker, Electronic roulette, and Slot Machines. It is open daily (www.casinopresident.cz). Good luck!
- Are you on your honeymoon? Cesky Krumlov and Castle View Apartments (Attic Castle View or Attic Apartment) could be a good choice for you.
- Are you a theatre goer? You will never forget a performance at the Open-air Theater with Revolving Auditorium. You can reserve your seats in advance (see information at the above website).
