The Český Krumlov Castle is a large medieval and Renaissance castle complex situated on a rock promontory in the town of Český Krumlov, South Bohemia. This guide provides current information on opening hours, admission fees, transport links, and accessibility to assist with trip planning.
Updated March 2026: This guide reflects the current seasonal schedule where the Castle Museum and Tower remain open from Tuesday to Sunday, while the main interior tour routes and the Castle Garden are closed for the winter period, scheduled to reopen on 1 April 2026. A key update for 2026 is the full integration of the newly restored Bellaria Summer House into the summer tour schedule.
Český Krumlov Castle quick facts
| Feature | Details |
| Opening hours | Tue–Sun: 09:00 – 15:30 (Museum & Tower only in March) |
| Ticket prices | Adults: 280 CZK; Seniors (65+): 220 CZK; Children (6–17): 80 CZK |
| Address | Zámek 59, 381 01 Český Krumlov, Czechia |
| Nearest transport | Český Krumlov, Špičák (Bus) / Český Krumlov (Train station) |
| Time needed | 2 to 3 hours (Winter) / 4 to 6 hours (Summer) |
Český Krumlov Castle opening hours
In March 2026, the Castle Museum and Castle Tower are open Tuesday through Sunday from 09:00 to 15:30. The castle courtyards are accessible daily during daylight hours. However, the primary interior tour routes (Routes I and II), the Baroque Theatre, and the Castle Garden remain closed until the start of the summer season on 1 April.
From April onwards, the castle extends its operations to include Mondays for the Museum and Tower. Gardens and interiors typically closing by 17:00 or 18:00 depending on the month.
Český Krumlov Castle ticket prices
Admission to the Castle Museum and Tower is 280 CZK for adults, while seniors (65+) and youth (18–24) pay 220 CZK. Children aged 6 to 17 are charged 80 CZK. During the summer season, basic interior tours (Route I) typically cost 260 CZK for adults.
The attraction is included in the Český Krumlov Card, which provides a single entry to five museums at a discounted rate of 490 CZK. Other attractions included in this card are the Regional Museum, Museum Fotoatelier Seidel, Egon Schiele Art Centrum, and the Monasteries Český Krumlov.
Opening hours and ticket prices were checked on the official website and last updated in March 2026.
How to get to Český Krumlov Castle
The most efficient way to reach this grand European castle from Prague is by long-distance bus, such as RegioJet or FlixBus. These take approximately 2 hours and 50 minutes. Passengers should alight at the Český Krumlov, Špičák stop, which is a 10-minute walk from the castle’s northern entrance (the Red Gate).
Trains from Prague Main Station (Praha hl.n.) take roughly 3 to 4 hours and often require a change in České Budějovice. The Český Krumlov train station is situated on a hill about 2 kilometres from the castle. Visitors with heavy luggage may require a local taxi or bus to reach the historic centre.
Parking at Český Krumlov Castle
The nearest car park to the castle is P1 (Jelenka), located directly beneath the northern castle walls with a capacity of 240 spaces. The parking fee is 60 CZK per hour, and the facility operates 24 hours a day with automated pay stations that accept cash or cards.
Alternative parking is available at P2 (Post Office) or P3 (Town Park), both of which are within a 15-minute walk of the castle. For visitors primarily interested in the Castle Garden (open April–October), P4 (Castle Garden) is the most convenient option, though it has a smaller capacity of 80 spaces.
How long to spend at Český Krumlov Castle
During the winter months (November to March), a visit typically lasts two to three hours, allowing time to climb the tower and explore the museum. The castle courtyards and the Bear Moat can be viewed relatively quickly as part of a general walk through the complex.
In the summer season, visitors should allow at least four to six hours if they intend to join a guided interior tour, visit the Baroque Theatre, and walk through the expansive Castle Garden. Most guided tours of the palace interiors last approximately 60 minutes.
Accessibility at Český Krumlov Castle
Accessibility at the castle is limited due to the historic architecture, steep inclines, and original cobblestone surfaces. While the 1st and 2nd courtyards are relatively level, the paths connecting the upper castle and the Cloak Bridge involve significant slopes that may require assistance for manual wheelchair users.
The Castle Tower and Wenceslas Cellars are not wheelchair accessible due to the high number of narrow stairs. The Castle Garden and the Castle Lapidarium provide the best barrier-free experiences, though it is recommended to enter the garden via the P4 car park to avoid the steep climb from the lower castle.
What to see at Český Krumlov Castle
The Castle Tower is the town’s most recognisable landmark, featuring Renaissance murals and providing a panoramic view of the Vltava River and the Old Town. Visitors must climb 162 steps to reach the gallery located 54 metres above the courtyard level.
The Castle Museum is located in the Hrádek building, the oldest part of the complex. It houses historical artefacts from the Rožmberk, Eggenberg, and Schwarzenberg periods, including a 19th-century cinematic room and the castle’s historical pharmacy.
The Bear Moat, situated between the first and second courtyards, has been used to keep bears since the 16th century. Visitors can often see the bears from the bridge above, though they may be less active or in hibernation during the colder weeks of March.
The Cloak Bridge is a multi-storey stone arched bridge that connects the upper castle with the theatre and gardens. It offers significant vantage points over the town and is a key architectural feature of the transition between the 4th and 5th courtyards.
The Baroque Theatre, though closed in March, is one of the world’s most completely preserved 18th-century theatres. It retains its original stage machinery, scenery, and costumes, and is only accessible via pre-booked guided tours during the summer months.
Practical visitor tips
| Tip Category | Advice |
| Timing | Visit the tower immediately at 09:00 to avoid the narrow staircase becoming crowded with tour groups. |
| Logistics | Most interior tours are guided only; check the language schedule at the ticket office in the 2nd courtyard. |
| Layout | The castle complex is linear; enter at the ‘Red Gate’ in Latrán and walk through the courtyards to the bridge. |
| Entry | Buy tickets for the Museum and Tower combined to save 50 CZK compared to individual purchases. |
| Footwear | Wear sturdy, flat shoes, as the cobblestones and castle slopes are uneven and can be slippery in damp weather. |
Frequently asked questions about Český Krumlov Castle
| Query | Answer |
| Is Cesky Krumlov Castle suitable for children? | Yes, though the tower climb may be difficult for very young children and strollers are hard to use on the cobblestones. |
| Do you need to book tickets in advance for Cesky Krumlov Castle? | It is recommended for guided interior tours in summer, but tickets for the Tower and Museum are usually available at the gate. |
| Is Cesky Krumlov Castle open on Sundays? | Yes, the Museum and Tower are open on Sundays from 09:00 to 15:30 in March. |
| Are bags allowed at Cesky Krumlov Castle? | Small bags are allowed, but large backpacks must be stored in the self-service lockers located in the 2nd courtyard. |
Things to do near Český Krumlov Castle
- Monasteries Český Krumlov: A restored 14th-century complex featuring a museum and craft workshops.
- Regional Museum in Český Krumlov: Located in a former Jesuit college, focusing on the history of the town and region.
- Egon Schiele Art Centrum: A large gallery dedicated to the life and work of the Austrian painter Egon Schiele.
- St. Vitus Church: A late Gothic landmark with a distinctive slender tower, located a 10-minute walk from the castle.
More Bohemia travel
Other Bohemia travel articles on Planet Whitley include:
- Review of the Moser glass factory tour in Karlovy Vary.
- Karlovy Vary city guide.
- Is there a direct train from Prague to Cesky Krumlov?
- How to get from Linz to Cesky Krumlov.
- What to do in Kutná Hora after seeing the Sedlec Ossuary.
