Go Beyond Prague To Explore The Intriguing Town Of Český Krumlov
Go Beyond.
Unless you get a tip-off from a friend of a friend, the scoop from a friendly local, or spend hours trawling through Google looking for the goods, finding those super-cool spots beyond the big cities in Europe can be a bit of a mission. Thankfully, they still exist.
Today, to get the ball rolling on that next adventure, we’re profiling one of them: Czechia’s magical castle town, Český Krumlov.
The Medieval Magic Of Český K
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Czechia’s southern Bohemia region is full of incredible destinations, but Český Krumlov takes the cake as one of the most stunning and memorable spots in Central Europe, not least of all for its fusion of incredible architecture, beautiful hinterlands, and straight-up fairy-tale vibe.
One of the first things you notice in Český Krumlov is its castle. It’s not everyday you stumble on such a spectacularly restored piece of Gothic architecture like this (let alone one with a family of bears guarding it in the moat below). The 700-year-old State Castle is one of Czechia’s largest, second only to Prague’s Hradčany Castle (though only by a lazy square metre or so). Built into the side of a cliff, the UNESCO-protected landmark dominates the scene here, and its tower, theatre, and inner halls are well worth the extended tour. Interestingly, the bears have lived here longer than most, a revered part of Český culture, and steady moat-dwellers since 1707.
While other towns might not have much to offer beyond its star attraction, Český Castle is merely the entrée to a heap of brilliant experiences lurking just outside its imposing walls.
The Old Town
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Whether on a foggy, mythic night in the freezing depths winter or under the radiant sunburst of summer, Český can’t help but put on a show for its guests. Though other destinations like Prague are known for their breathtaking cobblestoned ‘Old Towns’, Český is an Old Town in its own right (and a truly stunning one at that). Lined with medieval burgher houses, Latrán, the historic nook immediately surrounding the Castle is a stunning spot to begin your town tour on foot.
Tube the Vltava
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One of the most enjoyable and effortless things you can do in the warmer months in Český is pick up a rubber tube and float through town along the chilled waters of the Vltava River. The serpentine waterway winds its way through the sights and, with countless bars lining the riverbank, there’s ample opportunity to knock back a couple of cold ones along the way and soak up the scene in style. If a rubber tube isn’t your preferred vessel, rafts, kayaks and canoes are all on offer at various spots nearby.
World’s best brews
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Speaking of bars, Český offers a lot come nightfall, particularly given its modest size. With a bunch of sweet nightspots peppered in and around the cobblestone nooks of the Old Town, you’re never too far away from good times.
A couple of our faves include: Music Cocktail Bar (for good music and good cocktails, naturally) and, for something a little different, Horor Bar, aka Nebeské pastviny: the town’s delightfully gothic drinking dive nestled in the depths of an underground dungeon – the perfect spot for a stiff Becherovka nightcap or two.
As for brews, this region is also home to some of the best beer in the world. We challenge you to find a crisper, tastier, or more affordable pint of Budweiser Budvar anywhere else in the world, the local tipple brewed just hours away in sister town České Budějovice.
Dine like a Bohemian
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As well as good brew and places to imbibe, you’ll find heaps of fantastic dining options in Český, where dizzying encounters with the best local bohemian fare – tantalising meats, goulash, dumplings and gravy for the win – abound.
Though its open-fire grill and the scent of succulent roasted meats specifically lends itself to next-level cosiness in the wintertime, local institution Krcma v Satlavske Ulici is one spot worth a mention: it’s a Renaissance-era set-up with super low cave-like ceilings and an unforgettable, old-school Czech gastronomic experience.
Dig the views, savour the magic
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Of all the “smaller spots” to discover in Europe, it ought to be said that Český isn’t quite as big of a secret as it used to be (few places are impervious to crowds in the busy summer months). Our advice: time your trip outside the peak weeks and take full advantage of Český’s breathtaking views and sleepy Old Town vibe.
With plenty of room to breathe, spend your days wandering, tubing, enjoying crisp pilsners and hearty fare, and revel in the town’s signature attribute – that out-of-this-world sense of enchantment: there in every bohemian bar, along every cobbled lane, and beneath the glow of every lamp as dusk gives way to the magic Český night.
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(Lead image: Martin Filo / Unsplash)
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Visit universaltraveller.com.au to start planning your next adventure!