After our last night in Austria, we made our way to Czech Republic, first visiting this fairy tale like town called Cesky Krumlov. It was a wonderful town, a much more charming and authentic town than Carmel By The Sea.
Cesky Krumlov is a picturesque town located in the southern part of the Czech Republic. It is known for its stunning medieval architecture and the enchanting Vltava River that runs through it.
We stopped by a gas station near Linz and I bought this Spezi. The gas stations in Linz are so clean and organized and well taken care of! Unlike the ones in United States. The ones in Japan along the roadside are the ones that are comparable.
This is Zwettl an der Rodl, part of Austria. You know you’re still in Austria when you see the grass and the trees are all so well maintained and groomed. Once you step into Czech Republic, the grass there just doesn’t look as green and as well maintained. And it’s not just after hours driving, it’s literally just the second you cross the border from Austria to Czech Republic, the grass in the latter just feels more run down.
Bad Leonfelden – Stiftung bei Leonfelden
We arrived nearby Český Krumlov. OK here the greenery looks nice but trust me, when you just enter the border of Czech Republic, it doesn’t look as nice.
Český Krumlov
The town’s historic center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is one of the most well-preserved medieval towns in Europe. Wandering through the narrow, cobbled streets of Cesky Krumlov feels like stepping back in time.
Even the map looks surreal
The “gates” to Cesky Krumlov
Restaurant Don Julius
Church of St. Vitus Český Krumlov
Church of St. Vitus Český Krumlov
Inside the church
Where we ate for lunch: Krčma Šatlava (website)
Krcma Satlava is a popular restaurant located in Cesky Krumlov, Czech Republic amongst both locals and tourists alike. It is known for its traditional Czech cuisine and cozy atmosphere. The restaurant is situated in a historic building, creating a charming ambiance that complements the town’s medieval surroundings. Whether you are looking to indulge in traditional Czech dishes or simply enjoy a cozy meal in Cesky Krumlov, Krcma Satlava is a dining destination you can put on your bucket list. Best to send an e-mail weeks ahead to book in advance, and if they don’t reply you at first, do translate your e-mail to Czech to increase your chances of them better responding.
Sour cabbage? But not sauerkraut.
Mixed grill meat platter
Very garlic soup, I found it very delicious! If you don’t like garlic that much, this soup won’t be for you.
Dessert
Really cheap beer (cheap beer everywhere in Czech Republic)
Where We Stayed: Hotel U Malého Vítka (website)
A three star hotel in the heart of Cesky Krumlov, I loved this hotel the most in our six day trip to different small towns. It was clean and tidy, and kept the antiqueness of this place. Perhaps it was also because our tour agency, goEUgo (website) upgraded our rooms to suites due to our frustration that the previous two hotels kept thinking we only had single rooms, so we had large rooms.
The entrance to our hotel, but for my own sake I have no idea why the name doesn’t match.
This is the inside of our room. At the left corner you see it’s the entrance to our bathroom with a jacuzzi. Here at the center is I guess the living room, and to the right is the bedroom with large closets.
Bedroom
Continuing our walk around in Cesky Krumlov
The plaza right outside our hotel, we saw three girls dancing to Blackpink
State Castle and Chateau Český Krumlov (website)
The highlight of Cesky Krumlov is its magnificent castle, which stands on a hilland dominates the town skyline. The castle complex dates back to the 13th century and is home to beautiful gardens, a Baroque theater, and a tower offering panoramic views of the town. Inside the castle, visitors can explore the meticulously preserved rooms, including magnificent frescoes and ornate tapestries.
We saw two HUGE bears. I’ll probably upload the videos to my Youtube channel soon.
Inside the castle
We climbed to the top of the tower to witness the breathtaking views
So beautiful
The ticket to go to the top of the tower also allowed access to the museum of the place
Interiors of the castle, also very breathtaking throughout
After we exited the castle, we went to visit the bears once again. The first time we entered the castle, we only saw one bear, but this time there were two!
More walking around in fairy tale town
Manufaktura, a famous store in Czech Republic and only in Czech Republic that sells beer-made cosmetics
They were closing up shop but I still managed to snag some shampoo, body foam, and deodorant
Mad Rabbit Macaron Bar, a popular macaron shop around Czech Republic as well
The macarons were pretty sweet but delicious
Where we ate for dinner: Pizzeria Latran (website)
After retreating back to the hotel, we decided to go for something nearby us and nearby the river, since our driver said many people would be drinking and eating near the river.
Unfortunately, this didn’t seem to be the case, even though it was during the weekend. Anyway, we opted to go eat something Italian since the photos and reviews looked quite fine.
Night time at Český Krumlov
The town is filled with charming Renaissance and Gothic buildings, colorful facades, and cozy cafes. Visitors can enjoy exploring the many artisan shops, art galleries, and traditional Czech restaurants that line the streets. Additionally, the annual International Music Festival of Cesky Krumlov attracts artists and visitors from around the world, adding to the cultural vibrancy of this charming town.
I highly, highly recommend everyone to stay here for at least a night to truly experience the charm that Cesky Krumlov naturally brings.
