Český Krumlov Castle
Český Krumlov
Castles near České
Budějovice
Castles and chateaus accessible from South Bohemia — from a fairy-tale neo-Gothic chateau on the Vltava to UNESCO sites in Bohemia and South Moravia
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180 km from Prague
Český Krumlov Castle
Český Krumlov
Find a castle that fits your journey
České Budějovice sits at the centre of one of the most scenically rewarding regions in the Czech Republic. Within half an hour's drive, two world-class heritage sites compete for your attention: Hluboká nad Vltavou, a dazzling white neo-Gothic chateau modelled on Windsor Castle that rises above the Vltava valley just 12 km to the north; and Český Krumlov, 25 km to the southwest, a UNESCO-listed medieval castle and historic town that is arguably the most photogenic place in Central Europe. Together, these two sites make České Budějovice one of the best-positioned bases for castle tourism in the country — and the city's excellent bus connections mean neither requires a car.
7 castles
Planning your day trip
Best time to visit
May to September offers the best weather and longest opening hours. Český Krumlov and Hluboká are open year-round with reduced winter hours.
Avoid Český Krumlov in peak summer (July–August) if you dislike crowds — spring and early autumn offer the same scenery with far fewer visitors.
By bus
Regular bus services run from České Budějovice to both Hluboká nad Vltavou (about 20 minutes) and Český Krumlov (about 45 minutes).
Both are easy without a car and buses run throughout the day.
By car
Hluboká is 15 minutes from České Budějovice. Český Krumlov is 30–35 minutes.
Both can be combined comfortably in a single day with an early start. Parking is available at both sites, though Český Krumlov's historic town centre requires walking from car parks on the outskirts.
Combining castles
Hluboká and Český Krumlov are the natural pairing — visit Hluboká in the morning (tours start from 9:00) and continue to Český Krumlov for the afternoon.
Both operate guided tours, so check tour times before setting out. Don't try to rush both into a single afternoon.
Český Krumlov tips
Book Český Krumlov castle tours online in advance — they regularly sell out in summer.
The baroque theatre tour (Tour 2) is one of the most unique castle experiences in Central Europe and must be booked separately. Allow at least 3 hours for the castle and historic town combined.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about visiting castles in this region
Which castle is closer to České Budějovice — Hluboká or Český Krumlov?▾
Hluboká nad Vltavou is closer at just 12 km north of České Budějovice — about 15 minutes by car or 20 minutes by bus. Český Krumlov is 25 km to the southwest, approximately 30–35 minutes by car or 45 minutes by bus. Both are very easy to reach from České Budějovice, and visiting both in a single day is entirely feasible.
What is Hluboká Castle known for?▾
Hluboká nad Vltavou is one of the most visited castles in the Czech Republic and is often called the Czech Windsor. The current neo-Gothic building was remodelled in the 19th century by the Schwarzenberg family in the style of Windsor Castle in England, resulting in a striking white-turreted silhouette above the Vltava valley. The interiors are among the most richly decorated of any castle in Bohemia, including a celebrated collection of Flemish tapestries and Dutch paintings.
Is Český Krumlov castle worth visiting?▾
Yes — Český Krumlov is one of the most remarkable heritage sites in Central Europe. The castle complex is the second-largest in the Czech Republic after Prague Castle and dates to the 13th century. It was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1992, together with the historic town below it. Highlights include the baroque theatre — one of the best-preserved of its kind in the world — the painted tower, and a five-arched bridge connecting the castle wings above the Vltava gorge.
Are there castles near České Budějovice open in winter?▾
Yes. Hluboká nad Vltavou is open year-round, including winter (with reduced Saturday and Sunday tours only in January and February). Český Krumlov is also open year-round, with limited winter tour options. Always check the official websites before visiting in the off-season, as hours and available tours change significantly between seasons.
How far is Český Krumlov from Prague?▾
Český Krumlov is approximately 170 km south of Prague, about a 2.5-hour drive. Direct bus services run from Prague's Florenc or Na Knížecí bus stations to Český Krumlov (about 3 hours). It is a manageable but full day trip from Prague; many travellers find it more convenient to base themselves in České Budějovice (25 km away) for a more relaxed visit.