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Orientation: (Click on the map to enlarge)Find Prague in the middle of the map - we are heading south about 140 km (90 miles) to Český Krumlov (CHESS-key KROOM-lov). Český Krumlov nearly borders Austria, making it easy for my favorite joke that "I can see Austria from Krumlov's backyard!" Getting to Krumlov from Prague is easier by bus than by train, although most buses require a transfer at České Budějovice (Budweis), which is famous for its brew. Do not confuse beer brewed in Budweis with the American lager Budweiser by Anheuser-Busch, which was originally brewed as an imitation of the famous Bohemian original. Český Krumlov (or simply Krumlov) is about an hour more bus ride from Budejovice, making it a 3.5+ hours bus ride from Prague. Not exactly a "day trip", but I hope you will agree with me, from the photos, that it is a place well worth a visit. Please enjoy the scenery of Český Krumlov. |
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| View of the Castle from below |
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| Český Krumlov, meaning roughly "Czech Bend in the River", can be called Krumlov for short. It is a small town in the South Bohemian region. Best known for its fine architecture, old town, and the Castle. Český Krumlovis a UNESCO World Heritage Site. |
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| The most picturesque view I have seen. Like a postcard, Český Krumlov boasts a blue bird sky, rolling green hills, and cobblestones cityscape |
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| The Castle comes complete with a bear pit! |
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| View through a window from the castle |
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| The Vltava River meanders through the castle, providing a natural moat and a choice spot for the Celtic tribes |
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| A nice spot for lunch, overlooking the river |
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| My Rick Steve's Guidebook has not steered me wrong even once so far, so we followed his recommendation and went to the local hangout Na Louzi for dinner. HELLO, DELICIOUSNESS!! Inexpensive, tasty Czech cuisine and hometown Eggenberg beer on tap. Featured: Smoked pork with dumplings, grilled sausage, mixed salad, and potato omletes. And of course, local Eggenberg beer to wash it all down! |
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| I love my pivo! |
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| Beautiful evening with the cobblestones cityscape |
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| Outside the patio of Hostel Merlin, where we stayed for couple nights. |
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| Yes, these look out to the river |
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| Life slows down by many beats when you have coffee on the patio, especially THIS patio |
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| Power breakfast before our long hike: High protein bar, a banana, VIA coffee, and the bread was just a leftover from something... |
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| Follow the green trail to Klet Observatory Fruit trees, oak trees, and many others lined the trail. The roundtrip is about 15 km. |
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| Sign reads "Cesky Krumlov Ends Here" |
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| The trail turned from paved to unpaved. Sunny but cool day for a perfect hike. |
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| This is a beautiful picture of our hike! |
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| Almost there! 0.5km to Klet. |
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| Klet Observatory |
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| The observatory is closed for the summer, but the gondola would be open for visitors when the observatory reopens in November |
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| Pictorial illustration of sceneries. Facing Cesky Krumlov straight ahead, and Austria beyond the mountains |
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| Please indulge me... "I can see Austria all the way from Cesky Krumlov's backyard!!!" (Tsk...Tsk..!! Thank you.) |
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| Back to Na Louzi for dinner for the second night. Don't mess with success! |
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| Gourmet du jour: Roast duck with potato dumplings AND (regular) dumplings, Chicken a la Lady Somebody whose name I forgot And of course, Eggenberg! |
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| Crêpes should be a food group on its own according to my niece Katie! |
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| Crêpe of the hour: Cinnamon and rum raisins |
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| You gonna eat the whole thang? |
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| You can't possibly just have ONE crêpe... so we went back for breakfast the next day |
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| Man does not live by bread alone... he also needs crêpes (with various fillings)!! |
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| This is the BEST EVER Americano with the sweetest crema. Add your own hot water to taste. |
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