Planning Your Self Guided Walking Tour of Český Krumlov Old Town

Before you start, you should know that the town center is mostly car-free. This makes walking very safe and enjoyable for everyone. Most of the main sights are within a fifteen-minute walk of each other. However, the hills and stairs can be quite steep in some areas. Wear comfortable shoes to handle the uneven cobblestones throughout the day.

If you are short on time, here are some quick picks for your visit:

• Best overall: Český Krumlov Castle
• Best for families: The Castle Garden
• Best for art lovers: Egon Schiele Art Centrum
• Best free activity: Svornosti Square

Most visitors arrive by bus or train from Prague. The walk from the main bus station to the town center takes about ten minutes. You can easily follow the signs toward the "Centrum" to begin your journey. This tour is designed to be flexible and relaxing.

11 Must-See Stops on Your Walking Tour

Follow this list to ensure you see the most iconic parts of the city. Each stop offers a unique glimpse into the history of Bohemia. You can start at the main square and work your way toward the castle heights.

1. Name: Svornosti Square Type: Sight Why go: This is the historic heart of the Old Town. It features a beautiful Plague Column and colorful Renaissance buildings. Best for: People watching and photography. Where: Central Old Town. Time: 20 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk to the geographic center of the Old Town. Tip: Look for the historic Town Hall located on the corner.
2. Name: St. Vitus Church Type: Sight Why go: A stunning Gothic church that dominates the skyline. It houses the tombs of important local noble families. Best for: Architecture and quiet reflection. Where: Kostelní Street. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Free (donations welcome). Getting there: A short uphill walk from Svornosti Square. Tip: Check the schedule for occasional evening organ concerts.
3. Name: Barber’s Bridge Type: Sight Why go: This wooden bridge connects the Old Town with the Latrán district. It offers great views of the castle and the river. Best for: River views. Where: Over the Vltava River. Time: 10 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk north from the main square toward the castle. Tip: Look for the statues of St. John of Nepomuk and Jesus on the bridge.
4. Name: Latrán Street Type: Experience Why go: One of the oldest and most atmospheric streets in the city. It is lined with craft shops, cafes, and medieval houses. Best for: Souvenir shopping. Where: Below the castle. Time: 45 minutes. Cost: Free to walk. Getting there: Cross the Barber’s Bridge from the Old Town. Tip: Look up to see the original painted murals on the building facades.
5. Name: Český Krumlov Castle Type: Sight Why go: The second largest castle complex in the Czech Republic. It is the highlight of any Český Krumlov castle guide. Best for: History buffs. Where: On the hill overlooking the river. Time: 2-3 hours. Cost: Free to walk the courtyards; fees for interiors. Getting there: Enter through the Red Gate on Latrán Street. Tip: Visit the official castle site to book interior tours in advance.
6. Name: Castle Tower Type: Viewpoint Why go: Climbing the tower provides the most famous 360-degree view of the city. The colorful decorations are beautiful. Best for: Panoramic photos. Where: Second castle courtyard. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Small entry fee. Getting there: Located just inside the castle entrance. Tip: The stairs are narrow, so go early to avoid the crowds.
7. Name: Cloak Bridge Type: Sight Why go: A massive multi-story stone bridge that spans a deep moat. It connects the castle buildings with the theater and gardens. Best for: Unique architecture. Where: Upper castle area. Time: 15 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk through the castle courtyards toward the back. Tip: Stop at the balcony openings for framed views of the town below.
8. Name: Castle Garden Type: Nature Why go: A large, well-manicured Baroque garden with a revolving theater and a fountain. It is very peaceful. Best for: A relaxing break. Where: The highest point of the castle complex. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk up the hill past the Cloak Bridge. Tip: The garden is usually closed during the winter months.
9. Name: Egon Schiele Art Centrum Type: Museum Why go: This museum is dedicated to the famous Austrian painter who lived here. It features modern art and historical exhibits. Best for: Art enthusiasts. Where: Široká Street. Time: 1.5 hours. Cost: Paid entry. Getting there: Located in a large former brewery building in the Old Town. Tip: Visit the official museum site for current temporary exhibitions.
10. Name: Minorite Monastery Type: Experience Why go: A peaceful complex of buildings with beautiful courtyards and historical interiors. It offers a look at religious life. Best for: Escaping the crowds. Where: Klášterní Street. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Paid entry for some areas. Getting there: Located in the Latrán district near the castle. Tip: Visit the monastery website to see if any craft workshops are running.
11. Name: Seminární zahrada Type: Viewpoint Why go: A small garden terrace that offers one of the best free views of the castle and tower. Best for: Sunset photos. Where: Opposite the Hotel Růže. Time: 15 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk down Horní Street from the main square. Tip: This is the perfect spot for a group photo with the castle in the background.

Expert Tips for Your Walking Adventure

To make the most of your self guided walking tour of Český Krumlov Old Town, timing is everything. Day trippers usually arrive around 11:00 AM and leave by 4:00 PM. If you stay overnight, you can enjoy the streets in the early morning or late evening. The atmosphere changes completely when the crowds disappear. You can find more details in our Český Krumlov city guide for local secrets.

Dining in the Old Town can be expensive near the main square. For better prices and a more local feel, look for restaurants in the side alleys. Many places offer a "denní menu" or daily lunch special which is very affordable. Be sure to try the local Bohemian garlic soup or traditional dumplings. Most places accept credit cards, but having some Czech Koruna is helpful for small shops.

Finally, keep an eye on the weather. The town is beautiful in the rain, but the stones can become slippery. If it starts to pour, head into one of the many museums or the castle interiors. Most of the walking route is outdoors, so an umbrella is a must-have item. Enjoy the slow pace of life in this historic gem.