Updated by: May 11, 2026
You’ve heard of Prague. Everyone has
But I’d wager you haven’t heard of Český Krumlov.
Located two and a half hours south of Prague, Český Krumlov is simply majestic. Do you remember the feeling of visiting Disney as a child — that sense of magic wonder that fills you completely?
Český Krumlov gives you that feeling in real life, without the burgers and coca cola.
It is a stunningly preserved medieval town of around 13,000 people, wrapped on almost every side by the sweeping Vltava River and where a 13th century castle complex dominates the skyline.
Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque architecture line streets that have remained largely untouched by the major conflicts that reshaped so much of Europe.
I’ve had the pleasure of visiting in both summer, and winter. I’m generally a summer person, but my wife and I had one of the most memorable days of our lives in Český Krumlov in the depths of winter. We stayed indoors for much of it, ate delicious food, sipped mulled wine and played terrible chess.
It was perfect…
If you go, and you should, stay at least two or three nights because Český Krumlov rewards the unhurried.
Paul Mercuri
Wake Up Here Founder
