Alexei Novak – First encounter with the Czech Republic in 2005 My acquaintance with the Czech Republic began with an unexpected inheritance – a distant relative left me a small house in a picturesque village near Brno. I planned to quickly process the documents and sell the property, but fate had other plans. When I first stepped over the threshold of this ancient house with its tiled roof, a strange feeling came over me, as if I had returned home. Apple trees bloomed in the garden, neighbors brought homemade bread and told stories about my ancestor – a Czech musician. Deciding to stay for a few months, I hardly noticed how they turned into almost 20 years of life between Prague and the towns of Moravia, where I constantly discover new facets of this country. The Czech Republic is multifaceted. Behind the postcard views of Prague and the famous beer lies a deep culture that often remains unnoticed by ordinary tourists. Those who find an approach to the locals discover a completely different country – not the one shown in guidebooks. Over these years I have conducted hundreds of tours to little-known corners of the Czech Republic and written two books on Czech cuisine and traditions. I've had the opportunity to consult for historical films shot in the Czech Republic and create an educational program about Czech culture. I help tourists in difficult situations and share my knowledge with everyone who wants to see the real Czech Republic – a country where every stone breathes history, and every mug of beer can be the beginning of an amazing friendship.
Český Krumlov
Construction of Český Krumlov and its castle dates back to the second half of 13th century. The first mention of Krumlov dates back to 1253.
View on the town from the Český Krumlov castle
Attractions of Český Krumlov
- Český Krumlov Castle is second in extent only to the Prague Castle. Pláštový most (the Cloak Bridge) was built in 1767 in order to connect the residential part of the castle, the theatre and the castle gardens.
- Church of St. Vitus decorated with frescoes was built in 1309 and rebuilt in 15th century.
- The Town Hall, a building in the main town square, dates back to 1580.
But I do not regard these places as the attractions of great importance. Frankly speaking, I’ve read about them only now after the trip. What is really important in Český Krumlov is its wonderful atmosphere and its peculiar, beautiful and colorful toylike houses.
Colorful toylike houses in Český Krumlov
In Český Krumlov I took plenty of photos which you can view in the section “Photos of Český Krumlov”.
It’s really a very great pleasure to take photos in Český Krumlov. The town with its interesting houses, restaurants, river and statues in the streets is very photogenic.
River passes through Krumlov
When you are moving down the street from the bus station toward Krumlov the first sight you see is a group of hotels built in a unique architectural style. In a few hundred meters there is an observation platform from which you can enjoy an amazing view of the town.
View of the town from observation platform
On the platform you can find the town map which can be seen in other parts of the town too. In another few hundred meters you will find yourself in the main town square with its beautiful and very neat small houses.
Main town square of Český Krumlov
You will certainly get an aesthetic pleasure from walking along small streets beginning from the square. Here, there and everywhere you can also see nice figures of fairy tale characters, exotic courtyard benches and unusual restaurant and shop signs.
Figures of fairy tale characters on the streets of Krumlov
After a walk around the town we made our way to the castle. Two bears living in the castle moat and “guiding” the castle entrance add some fabulousness to the town’s atmosphere. In the castle you have an opportunity to climb the bell tower and enjoy a breathtaking view of the whole town.
Two bears living in the castle moat and “guiding” the castle entrance
Inside the castle you can see another observation platform with the view of the whole town. Besides, here you can visit the castle museum. As for us we were satisfied with a walk around the courtyard containing numerous details which added color to the beauty and peculiarity of the town.
Click here to learn more about creating a personal itineraryAt the end of our walk we got very hungry and had dinner at one of the best restaurants we had ever been called Parkan. It’s a small restaurant right on the Vltava embankment. We ordered trout and found it extremely delicious.
After dinner we continued our walk along the embankment of Vltava River that adds much to the uniqueness of the town. Of course not all houses in Český Krumlov are so beautiful. You can also see houses like this.
Old building in Krumlov
A lot of houses in the town are under reconstruction. Any house owner knows that he can get benefit if he repairs his house and turns it into a hotel, a shop or a restaurant.
Old building transformed into a restaurant
The weather was taking a turn for the worse and clouds hang over the town. But due to that I managed to take more unusual and wonderful photos. We spent around five hours in Český Krumlov altogether and traveled through the whole town. But I’m sure that if we had stayed at the hotel for a night we would have got much more pleasure from the town at night time.
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