Český Krumlov Old Town

Český Krumlov is a near-perfectly preserved medieval and Renaissance town in South Bohemia, built inside a tight loop of the Vltava river and listed by UNESCO. Its castle, one of the largest in the country, rises above the red roofs with a colourfully painted tower.

Spend the day wandering the lanes and squares, crossing the river bridges, touring the castle and its rare Baroque theatre, and climbing the tower for the classic view of the river bend. In summer, gentle rafting trips float through the town.

It is around three hours from Prague by road and fits neatly on the way to Salzburg or Vienna. Staying overnight lets you enjoy it once the day visitors have left. Children enjoy the bears that live in the moat at the castle entrance.