Cesky Krumlov is a fairytale medieval town in the South Bohemia region of the Czech Republic, set in a tight bend of the Vltava River about three hours south of Prague. Its perfectly preserved Renaissance, Baroque, and Gothic old town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, crowned by the sprawling Cesky Krumlov Castle, the country’s second largest after Prague.
Climb the castle tower for storybook views over red-tiled rooftops, wander the cobbled lanes, paddle or raft the river, and visit the unusual Puppet Museum.
The best times to visit are the spring and fall shoulder seasons, when the weather is mild and the summer tour-bus crowds from Prague are thinner; December adds a charming Christmas market. Many come on a day trip, but staying overnight lets you enjoy the town once the day-trippers leave.