Český Krumlov, Czech Republic: Self-Guided Walking Tour

Český Krumlov is a compact historic town in the South Bohemian Region of the Czech Republic, famous for its medieval castle, winding Vltava River setting and well‑preserved Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque architecture. It is worth visiting for its fairy‑tale atmosphere, rich cultural layers and the chance to explore at a relaxed pace. Neywo offers a free audio guide for Český Krumlov with 31 narrated places and three walking tours.

Exploring Český Krumlov

Church of Saint Judoc

This building began as a 14th‑century hospital attached to a church dedicated to Saint Judoc. Over time it was reshaped from Gothic to Renaissance and then Baroque, receiving a bell tower between 1594 and 1599. After a brief period as a Protestant Holy Trinity church, it returned to Catholic use in 1611 and now houses a marionette museum.

Church of Saint Vitus

Known locally as Kostel svatého Víta, this late‑Gothic landmark was built between 1407 and 1438, with later modifications added over the centuries. It was declared a National Cultural Monument in 1995 and has been under heritage protection since 1958, showcasing the craftsmanship of medieval builders.

Bellaria

Tucked in the gardens of Český Krumlov Castle, Bellaria (also called Letohrádek Bellarie) is a Rococo summer house. It is one of nearly 130 protected heritage objects that belong to the castle complex.

Egon Schiele Art Centrum

Located in the heart of town, this museum and gallery focuses on the Austrian painter Egon Schiele while also presenting classical twentieth‑century and contemporary works.

Český Krumlov Castle

Perched on a rocky promontory above the left bank of the Vltava, the castle is the second largest castle/chateau site in the Czech Republic after Prague Castle. Its origins date to around 1240, when the Krumlov branch of the Vítkovci family erected a Gothic fortress. The complex was expanded in the Renaissance, then adapted with Baroque and Rococo elements in the 17th and 18th centuries, covering more than six hectares. Owned by the state and managed by the National Heritage Institute, it welcomed nearly 368,000 visitors in 2014, making it the third most visited castle or chateau in the country and the top destination in the South Bohemian Region.

Maria column

Standing in the main square, this Baroque monument was erected in 1716 to honor the Immaculate Conception of the Virgin Mary. The column’s top shows the Madonna of the Crescent Moon holding the Christ child, while its base bears statues of Saints Roch, Sebastian, Vitus and Wenceslas. The surrounding fountain was first mentioned in a 1388 fire‑protection ordinance and the column was converted into a fountain in 1844.

Graphite mine

Known locally as Grafitový důl, this former graphite mine opened to visitors in 2003. Founded in 1975, it was the youngest graphite mine ever operated in the Czech Republic. A tour follows an almost 1,800‑meter horizontal gallery, with about one kilometre travelled on a small mine train and the remainder on foot, explaining the deposit’s geology, mining methods and transport systems. Mining ceased in 2003 for financial reasons.

House of Egon Schiele

Situated in the nearby village of Plešivec, this modest building commemorates the Austrian artist Egon Schiele. It offers a concise introduction to his life and work for those unfamiliar with his expressive portraits.

Atelier of Josef Seidel

This museum honours photographer Josef Seidel (1859‑1935) and his son František (1908‑1997). Founded in 2008, it presents a unique collection of images that document the southeastern Šumava region, its landscapes, towns and everyday life over a century ago.

Film legends muzeum

Opened in Český Krumlov in 2022, this museum displays collector statues, figurines, busts and replicas from well‑known Hollywood films. It began as the private collection of Johnny Wolf and now ranks among the largest public film‑culture museums in the world, with around 3,000 pieces spread across five exhibitions that vary by location.

Regional Museum in Český Krumlov

Housed in a former Jesuit seminary, this Baroque building presents exhibits that trace the history of Český Krumlov and its surrounding region, offering a deeper understanding of the area you are exploring.

Kvítkův dvůr

About one kilometre west of the castle, this former farmstead lies on the eastern slope of Liščí díra hill along the old road to Kájov. Its name comes from the former owner Kvítek, and its current appearance reflects a Rococo renovation carried out after 1750.

Budějovice Gate

The youngest and only surviving gate of the original medieval town fortifications, it was built between 1598 and 1602 on a rocky promontory above the Polečnice River. Together with the former Hospital of Saint Elizabeth it forms a striking northern entrance, and inside the gate a recessed chapel contains the sculpture known as the Kiss of Judas.

Minorite monastery

This historic complex in the town centre actually combines three religious communities: a Minorite monastery, a convent of Poor Clares and a convent of Beguines. Founded in 1350 as a double monastery for the Minorites and Poor Clares, it served the local faithful until its dissolution in 1950. Since 1958 the buildings have been protected as a cultural monument and are now managed by the Knights of the Order of the Red Star, functioning as a museum with permanent and seasonal displays.

Experience Český Krumlov with Neywo

Download the Neywo app and explore the town with three self‑guided walking tours. The routes are:

• From the Northern Gate to the Town Square – 1.49 km, 93 minutes, 12 stops (including Budějovice Gate, the Minorite monastery, the Church of Saint Vitus and the Maria column).
• The Castle That Kept Its Stage – 3.74 km, 97 minutes, 7 stops (covering Český Krumlov Castle, its Baroque theater, Bellaria, Kvítkův dvůr and the Graphite mine).
• Plešivec, the Synagogue and Schiele’s Quiet Side – 3.51 km, 103 minutes, 10 stops (featuring the Film legends muzeum, the Atelier of Josef Seidel, the House of Egon Schiele and several chapels).

Each story plays automatically as you reach a location, allowing you to go at your own pace with no group and no schedule. Narration is available in 11 languages, and the guide covers all 31 narrated places in Český Krumlov.

South Bohemian Region
Czech Republic
České Budějovice
Prague