Discover the charms of Český Krumlov on foot: The 3 most beautiful hiking trails

Discover the charms of Český Krumlov on foot: The 3 most beautiful hiking trails

April 11, 2025

Czech Krumlov, a picturesque town located in southern Bohemia, is a true gem that delights tourists from all over the world. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the town offers an unforgettable experience for lovers of history, architecture and beautiful views. In this article, we will take you on three of the most beautiful hiking trails to discover the charms of Český Krumlov on foot. Each of these routes is a unique journey back in time that will allow you to immerse yourself in the atmosphere of the medieval city, admire its monuments and enjoy the picturesque views of the Vltava valley. Whether you are a history buff or simply looking to relax in beautiful surroundings, Český Krumlov has something to offer for everyone. Get your comfortable shoes and camera ready and let's hit the road!

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Castle Trail - a journey back in time to the Renaissance

The first of our trails centers around Český Krumlov's main attraction - the imposing castle towering over the city. Český Krumlov Castle is the second largest castle complex in the Czech Republic, second only to the Hrad in Prague. Our tour begins at the foot of the castle hill, from where we climb through winding streets toward the main gate.

Upon entering the castle grounds, visitors can admire five vast courtyards, each with its own unique atmosphere. Note the richly decorated facades of the buildings, which are excellent examples of Renaissance architecture. As you stroll through the courtyards, you'll come across numerous vantage points offering breathtaking panoramas of the old city and the meandering Vltava River.

The highlight of our tour is the ascent of Český Krumlov Castle Tower. This 54-meter tower is not only a symbol of the city, but also an excellent vantage point. Climbing to the top requires a bit of effort, but the views that stretch from the top are worth every step. From the top, you can see not only the entire city, but also the picturesque hills of the Blansky forest surrounding Český Krumlov.

After descending from the tower, take time to explore the castle interiors. Particularly noteworthy are the richly decorated chambers, including the Masked Hall with its unique frescoes depicting scenes from masked balls. The castle theater, one of the best-preserved Baroque theaters in Europe, is also worth a look.

The Castle Trail is not only a history lesson, but also an opportunity to admire art and architecture. It's an ideal route for families with children, who can feel like they're in a real fairy tale as they stroll through the chambers and fortified walls. It is worth noting that the castle is open from April to October, with ticket prices ranging from 150 to 300 CZK, depending on the tour chosen (as of 2023). We recommend checking current prices and opening hours on the castle's official website before visiting.

Sacred Trail - a spiritual journey through the old town

The second of our routes takes you through the heart of the old city, focusing on its spiritual heritage. The centerpiece of this route is the majestic St. Vitus Church, which is not only the religious but also the architectural heart of Český Krumlov.

We begin our tour at Svornosti Square, the city's main square. From there, we head down narrow cobblestone streets toward the church hill. Along the way, we pass numerous townhouses with colorful facades that bear witness to the rich history of the city and its former inhabitants.

St. Vitus Church, towering over the city, is a true gem of Gothic architecture. Its slender tower is visible from almost every corner of Český Krumlov. Entering the interior of the temple, we are enchanted by its spaciousness and richness of detail. Special attention should be paid to the main altar and the Gothic frescoes adorning the walls. The church is open to the public daily, and admission is free.

After leaving the church, take a stroll around it, admiring the panorama of the city from different perspectives. It's a great place to take souvenir photos with the distinctive silhouette of the castle in the background.

Continuing our route, we descend back towards the center, passing smaller shrines and religious monuments along the way. Note the numerous statues of saints adorning the facades of buildings and bridges - they are an integral part of the city's landscape and a testament to its deep religiosity.

The sacred route is not only an opportunity to learn about the city's religious heritage, but also to experience its unique atmosphere. Walking through the narrow streets, you can feel the spirit of the medieval city, which still hovers over Český Krumlov.

This route is ideal for those interested in history and sacred architecture, but also for those who simply want to feast their eyes on beautiful sights and feel the atmosphere of the old days. It is worth remembering that when visiting places of worship, it is important to maintain appropriate attire and silence.

The entire trail can be walked in about 2-3 hours, depending on the pace and time spent visiting the various sites. This is an excellent option for an afternoon stroll, especially at sunset, when the warm light gives the city a unique charm.

Sightseeing Trail - panoramas of Český Krumlov

The third and last of our trails is a real treat for lovers of beautiful views and photography. This route will give us a look at Český Krumlov from a completely different perspective, offering breathtaking panoramas of the city and its surroundings.

We start our hike in the city center, from where we head towards the castle hill. This time, however, our destination is not the castle itself, but a vantage point located a bit further on. Along the way, we pass the distinctive Plášťový (Plášť Bridge), which connects the castle to the castle garden. It's a great place for first photos overlooking the city and the river.

Continuing our route, we arrive at the castle garden. This is not only a place to relax, but also an excellent vantage point. From here you get a panoramic view of the old town of Český Krumlov, with its distinctive red roofs and the tower of St. Vitus Church towering over the city.

Then head toward Křížová hora hill, where the chapel of the Passion of Christ is located. The road to the top takes about 30 minutes and leads through a picturesque forest. The effort of climbing is rewarded with a spectacular view of the entire city and the Vltava valley. This is an ideal place for a picnic and a moment of rest.

Returning to the city, it's worth deviating from the main path and visiting lesser-known viewpoints, such as Ptačí hrádek hill or Městský park. Each of these places offers a different perspective on Český Krumlov, allowing you to appreciate its charming location among the hills.

The scenic route is not only an opportunity for beautiful photos, but also for active outdoor recreation. The route is relatively easy and accessible to people of all ages, although some sections can be steep. It is advisable to bring comfortable shoes, water and snacks.

The entire route takes about 3-4 hours, depending on your pace and the time spent at each viewpoint. It is best to set out early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid the heat and enjoy the soft light, ideal for photography.

In conclusion, Český Krumlov offers much more than just the castle and the old town. The three described trails - castle, sacred and scenic - allow you to discover different facets of this charming city. Each route has its own unique character and attractions, but they all have one thing in common - the opportunity to immerse yourself in the unique atmosphere of Český Krumlov. Whether you are a lover of history, architecture or simply beautiful views, this city has something to offer for everyone. Remember to respect local customs and the environment when visiting, so that Český Krumlov remains a magical place for future generations of tourists.

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