Ceský Krumlov, Czech Republic - A Bohemian Rhapsody

Next stop on our river cruise itinerary was Linz, Austria. After breakfast, we departed on our Crystal motor coaches for a full day adventure to Ceský Krumlov, in the Czech Republic (passports required!) There was also an excursion to Salzburg, and if you wanted to stay closer to the ship, there was a Linz City Walk and Tramway Ride. You could also jump on a Crystal shuttle bus to Lentos, if you wanted to.

I had read that Ceský Krumlov is one of the most beautiful historical towns of Europe, and our guided tour proved it was worth seeing. Enjoy amazing architecture, fascinating history, quaint shops and numerous tiny narrow, winding streets providing fairy-tale views and hidden gems at every corner. The old Town is interwoven with the Vltava River, making it even more picturesque.

Ceský Krumlov is a city in the South Bohemia region of the Czech Republic. Tucked into a hairpin bend in the Vltava River, Ceský Krumlov was a safe, choice spot for Celtic, then German, then Slavic tribes to settle. In the 16th century — the town's Golden Age — Ceský Krumlov hosted artists, scientists, and alchemists from all over Europe. Lined with a mix of Renaissance and Baroque homes, this unspoilt medieval marvel with its UNESCO-listed Old Town is a maze of twisting alleys built around the extensive 13th century Cesky Krumlov Castle complex, which you can visit. You can enjoy panoramic views of the old town and the river from the top of its round belltower.

The name of the castle Krumlov originated from Latin expression castrum Crumnau or ancient German Crumbenowe. It reflects the configuration of the landscape - krumben ouwe means the place on the rugged meadow. The Ceský Krumlov Castle was mentioned for the first time by an Austrian knight minnesinger Ulrich of Lichtenstein in his poem "Der Frauendienst" which dates back between the years 1240 and 1242. Ceský Krumlov Castle. has various tours of its own, one of which concentrates on the original Castle interiors from the Renaissance and Baroque periods. The tour includes among others Saint George´s Castle Chapel, Eggengerg Hall with the golden carriage and Masquerade Hall. There is also a Castle Tower & Museum tour. The Tower is the symbol of the town of Ceský Krumlov, of its history and beauty Across the river from the Castle is the picturesque Old Town. The Gothic buildings curve with the winding cobblestone alleyways. At the heart of the Old Town is the main square, lined with a mix of Renaissance and Baroque homes of burghers (all built on 12th-century Gothic foundations).

The narrow, twisting streets are lined with tall, imposing buildings, and at every corner or turn in our path, there was another lovely view. We went down to the Vltava River, where you can book a wooden rafting trip, if you’re feeling adventurous. In my photos, you will see examples of the work of Miroslav Páral, the ceramic artist and sculptor. The Vltava River not only provided a quiet place outside the main crowded streets, but you can also see the “Pointing fingers” and “Bench with Feet” installations. There is also an exhibition space on the way up to the Castle. The names on the cobblestones in my photos are of some of his students who attended his International School of Art.

After our guided tour, we were able to have a wander around the charming old town ourselves, enjoying a lovely lunch watching the world go by and then coffee by the Vltava River. With Cesky Krumlov’s near proximity to Ceské Budejovice, the home of Budvar, a local beer is a good way to round off your visit. We returned to our ship in time for pre-dinner cocktails, while the ship’s crew prepared to sail to Passau, Germany, from where we were booked to visit Munich and the Oktoberfest, the world's largest Volksfes.