New Year in the Czech Republic: A Winter Travel Guide to Cesky Krumlov

Hey, it’s Ana here. Welcome to my travel blog, where I share personal impressions and practical insights from exploring Europe and beyond. This time, I want to share how a spontaneous change of plans led me to spend New Year’s Eve in one of the most picturesque towns in the Czech Republic.

At first, I was determined to spend New Year’s Eve in Prague. However, my enthusiasm quickly faded when I saw the prices for hotels and apartments, which were rising rapidly as the New Year approached. I then began to consider other options — cities in the Czech Republic and Austria located along the route from Prague to Vienna. These included Brno, České Budějovice, Český Krumlov, Linz, St. Pölten, and even Plzeň, although this Czech city lies slightly off the direct route. The decisive factor, somewhat unexpectedly, was an official New Year’s Eve celebration in the city — known in Czech as Silvestr.

On the website of the Český Krumlov Tourist Office, I found detailed information about the event. It stated that the event would be held on 31 December in the city’s main square, Náměstí Svornosti. After looking at photos from previous years, I realised that this was exactly what I had been looking for.

In this post, I share my experience of spending New Year in Český Krumlov in winter. I cover how many days to plan for the trip, how to get there from Prague, where to stay, and what to see in the town during the winter season. I also include practical tips for visiting Český Krumlov over New Year’s Eve, based on our own stay.

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You could visit Český Krumlov for just one day if you are short on time, or stay overnight to enjoy a more relaxed experience. For our trip, we stayed for two nights, from 30 December to 1 January, because most hotels and apartments required a minimum stay of 2–3 nights during holidays. Leaving at lunchtime on 1 January was quite difficult after celebrating New Year’s Eve in the town centre, but overall it was an excellent choice. Staying overnight allowed us to see Český Krumlov at different times of the day and night, and we could celebrate New Year’s Eve without any rush.

We travelled from Prague to Český Krumlov using our reliable option — a FlixBus coach. The bus departed from Prague’s Florenc bus station, and the journey took approximately 3 hours. If your hotel or apartment in Prague is located on the other side of the Vltava River — in districts such as Smíchov, Malá Strana, or nearby areas — it is more convenient to choose the Na Knížecí stop. The bus arrives there about 25 minutes later. The station can be reached by metro on the yellow line.

There are also two bus stops in Český Krumlov. If you are visiting the town only for a walk, it is best to get off at the Špičák stop. From there, you will find yourself close to Český Krumlov Castle and can walk through the castle grounds to reach the town centre. If you have accommodation booked within the town, it is more practical to get off at the main bus station, as walking downhill with luggage from there is much easier.

Another option is to take a RegioJet bus from Prague. RegioJet offers comfortable coaches with free Wi‑Fi and refreshments. The journey also takes about 2 hours 40 minutes to 3 hours 20 minutes, depending on the route and stops, and tickets can be booked online in advance. RegioJet buses usually depart from Prague’s main railway or coach stations, which are easy to reach from most parts of the city.

For those who prefer travelling by train, České dráhy (ČD) operates a direct train from Prague to Český Krumlov. The journey takes approximately 2 hours 30–35 minutes, making the train one of the fastest public transport options. Trains depart from Prague’s main station (Praha hlavní nádraží) and arrive at Český Krumlov railway station, which is a short taxi or bus ride from the town centre. Additional train services with a change at České Budějovice are available throughout the day, taking slightly longer overall. Booking tickets in advance is recommended, especially around holidays, as trains can fill up quickly.

Another option is to visit the town as part of a guided tour. One full day of sightseeing in Český Krumlov is more than sufficient. I have selected a couple of interesting tour options departing from Prague:

For our two-night stay, I chose a small and fairly simple apartment — Apartmán u mostu Rechle. I booked it only about a month before New Year’s Eve, so the choice was limited to what was still available. For New Year and other public holidays, it is better not to leave booking so late and to start looking at least three months in advance, or ideally six months ahead.

We checked in on 30 December and checked out on 1 January, with a minimum stay of two nights. The apartment was located on the edge of the town. The floor-to-ceiling windows offered a lovely view of the dam and the river, which we really liked. The walk to the town centre took around 20 minutes, and the nearest COOP supermarket was about a 10-minute walk away.

For New Year’s Eve, we decided to buy groceries and prepare dinner in the apartment, so we went to the shop as soon as we arrived. On 30 December, the supermarket had shorter opening hours, and on 31 December it was closed completely. We only found this out the following day when we passed by and saw the closed doors, as we had not seen any notices beforehand. Keep this in mind when planning your stay.

In Český Krumlov, and in the Czech Republic in general, guesthouses known as penziony (Penzion) are very popular. They are everywhere. Once you open Booking, they appear in large numbers, and when you walk through the streets, you see them at almost every corner. If you are looking for atmosphere, this is definitely the right choice. These are traditional Czech houses with modern, cosy, and comfortable interiors. Among the available options, I particularly liked Athanor, Galko, Alt Straninger, Faber, as well as Monastery Garden Bistro & Rooms, located in the garden of a former monastery.

In Český Krumlov, you should see everything. The town looks as if it has come straight out of a fairy tale. The river gently curves around the historic centre, colourful houses line the cobbled streets, and the castle buildings are decorated with impressive painted façades. The main attractions include the Old Town, the castle, museums, bridges, and gardens — exactly as you would expect from a classic European historic town.

Old Town. The historic centre of Český Krumlov is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is compact and easy to explore on foot. Narrow streets, small squares, and well-preserved medieval buildings create a unique atmosphere. Simply walking through the Old Town is an attraction in itself.

The Church of St. Vitus is one of the main landmarks in Český Krumlov. This Gothic church dates back to the 14th century and stands at the edge of the Old Town. Its tall tower is visible from many parts of the town and forms an important part of the skyline. Inside, visitors can see stained glass windows, Baroque elements, and a calm, atmospheric interior. The church is still active and regularly used for services.

Český Krumlov Castle. Český Krumlov Castle is the second-largest castle complex in the Czech Republic. Its first buildings date back to the 13th century. Much of the interior has been preserved in its original form. Visitors can join guided tours, visit the castle museum, and climb the castle tower for panoramic views of the town and the river.

Cloak Bridge. The Cloak Bridge dates back to the 18th century and connects the castle with the gardens, where the Baroque theatre is located. It is one of the most recognisable structures in Český Krumlov and an important part of the castle complex.

Viewpoints over the town. Some of the most iconic postcard views of Český Krumlov can be seen from K Zámecké zahradě Street. From here, the town, the river bends, and the castle rooftops come together in one picture. This viewpoint is especially beautiful in the morning or at sunset.

Castle Gardens. Continuing along K Zámecké zahradě Street, the path leads directly into the castle gardens. These gardens are part of the castle complex and offer a quieter and more open space away from the town centre. In winter, a large part of the park is closed, but the accessible areas are still worth a short walk.

Wooden Raft River Tour. A wooden raft river tour is one of the most traditional ways to see Český Krumlov from a different perspective. The ride takes place on the Vltava River and follows the historic route once used to transport goods. The rafts are operated by local guides, who share stories about the town, its history, and life on the river. The tour is relaxed and scenic, offering beautiful views of the Old Town, the castle, and the riverbanks. It is a popular attraction during the warmer months and a pleasant addition to walking around the town.

Český Krumlov Beer Tour. The Český Krumlov Beer Tour is a popular activity for visitors who want to experience the town’s brewing traditions. The tour usually includes visits to several local pubs and breweries, where you can taste a variety of Czech beers and learn about the brewing process. Guides provide insights into the history of beer in the region and share stories about local brewing culture. This tour is a fun and relaxed way to explore the town while enjoying some of the best beers Český Krumlov has to offer.

If you plan to visit museums ahead, the Český Krumlov Card can be a smart choice. For 490 CZK (around €20), it gives you access to five major attractions: Český Krumlov Castle, the Castle Museum and Tower, the Regional Museum, the SEIDEL Photo Studio, the Egon Schiele Art Centre, and the Monastery Museum. Buying tickets for these sites separately would cost roughly 950 CZK (around €40), so the card can save you money and makes visiting all these attractions much easier. Keep in mind, however, that other museums and galleries in Český Krumlov are not included in the card and require separate tickets.

Egon Schiele Art Centre. The Egon Schiele Art Centre is dedicated to the life and work of the Austrian artist Egon Schiele, whose mother was born in Český Krumlov. The centre houses a permanent exhibition with drawings, graphic works, personal furniture, letters, photographs, a family tree, and documents related to Schiele’s time in the town. Temporary exhibitions of modern art are also held here.

Regional Museum in Český Krumlov. The Regional Museum in Český Krumlov offers an insight into the history and culture of the town and the surrounding region. The museum features exhibits on local crafts, historic artefacts, and the development of Český Krumlov over the centuries. Visitors can see archaeological finds, traditional costumes, and information about the town’s architecture and prominent families. The museum provides a comprehensive overview of the area’s heritage and is located in the Old Town, making it easy to combine with a walking tour of the town.

The Monastery Museum in Český Krumlov is located within the historic monastic complex and provides a fascinating look at the religious and cultural history of the town. The museum displays artifacts from the former monastery, including liturgical objects, historic documents, and art related to the monastic life. Visitors can learn about the daily life of the monks, the architecture of the monastery, and its role in the community over the centuries. The museum is part of the Český Krumlov Card, making it easy to include in a day of sightseeing.

The Museum of Torture in Český Krumlov presents a collection of historical instruments used for punishment and interrogation. It offers a glimpse into medieval justice and law enforcement, with detailed explanations of how the devices were used. The museum can be intense, but it is informative and adds a different perspective to the town’s history. It is located in the Old Town, making it easy to include during a walking tour. Please note that this museum is not included in the Český Krumlov Card and requires a separate ticket.

For New Year’s Eve in Český Krumlov, there are several options. You can book a themed dinner at a restaurant, celebrate at home with family, or visit the Christmas market in the evening to listen to a local band, enjoy festive treats, and watch the New Year’s fireworks. As I mentioned earlier, we prepared a dinner at our apartment and then went to the concert and fireworks around eleven in the evening.

For those who want to experience Český Krumlov in a truly festive way, consider joining Krumlov’s Ultimate Christmas Evening Tour & Festive Dinner. This 3-hour guided experience immerses you in the spirit of Czech “Vánoce” with a warm welcome drink, a walk through the town’s charming streets and Christmas markets, and a visit to the Český Krumlov Castle, including the “Little Castle” interiors. You’ll climb the castle tower for panoramic views, learn about local traditions like “Ježíšek,” and enjoy a classic Czech Christmas Eve dinner with mulled wine, fried carp, and potato salad. It’s a magical way to combine sightseeing, culture, and festive flavours, all in one evening.

Stepping away from the crowds and the familiar, Český Krumlov in winter reminds you why travel is so magical — it’s in the quiet moments by the river, the glow of candlelit streets, and the unexpected discoveries around every corner. Whether it’s the warmth of a local café, the charm of a hidden alley, or the sense of wonder gazing from the castle tower, this town encourages you to slow down, embrace the season, and create memories that linger long after the fireworks fade. Every stroll, every taste, every view becomes part of a story you’ll carry with you — a reminder that the most memorable adventures often unfold when you let yourself wander a little off the beaten path.