Cesky Krumlov Holiday
The stunning medieval city of Cesky Krumlov is increasingly accessible to tourists and proves the ideal destination for a long weekend.
The castle city of Cesky Krumlov in the Czech Republic is one of the country's most charming and historic towns.
Located in the southwest of the Czech Republic, Cesky Krumlov has changed little over the past few hundred years and is on the Unesco register of monuments of world significance.
Nestled in a horseshoe bend of the River Vltava, the town is in two halves with the castle dominating the scene. Work on Cesky Krumlov started in the late 1200s at an important ford on the river and most of the town dates from the 14th to the 17th century, as the city became a major trade route between Bavaria and Italy.
The well-preserved Castle of Cesky Krumlov, the second largest in Bohemia, offers guided tours, which include its impressive Rococo ballroom and Baroque theatre, and the nearby terraced gardens, Gothic town hall and church of St Vitus are also worth a look.
Cesky Krumlov has an interesting local museum, the Egon Schiele Art Centrum, with its galleries and exhibition halls, and a Marionette Museum. However, the chief delight for visitors is simply wandering around in the summer sun looking at the exquisite architecture of the old town.
With myriad styles of building on show, including Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque, Krumlov declined somewhat under the communists but has flourished since the Velvet Revolution in 1989, with widespread restoration work carried out.
Cesky Krumlov is becoming an increasingly popular destination for tourists and as a result offers a range of accommodation, from luxury hotels housed in historic buildings and pensions to youth hostels and campsites.
The town has a growing number of excellent restaurants, serving both Czech and international cuisine, and an array of lively and cosy bars for the evenings. Many bars and eateries are located along the river, offering stunning views for drinking or dining.
A wealth of shops, from stylish boutiques and antique stores, to those selling local goods, souvenirs and handicrafts, line the narrow pedestrian streets.
The area surrounding Cesky Krumlov includes the Zlata Koruna Monastery, one of Bohemia's oldest, and Hluboka Castle, which dates from the 12th century and trips can be easily arranged from the town.
Host to a number of cultural festivals throughout the year, Cesky Krumlov is a lively place to visit, particularly during the Five-Petalled Rose Festival when an array of medieval activities, fireworks displays and performances take place.
Many airlines are now offering flights to the Czech Republic from the UK, with a growing number of budget routes available. Cesky Krumlov is a perfect destination for a long weekend, with pleasant weather during the late spring and summer, though it is advisable to book well in advance as it can be very crowded, particularly during the most popular weeks of the year.
