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***image1***Cesky Krumlov is a charming, quiet, little town hidden in the Czech Republic. The name alludes to a ‘crooked meadow’ and it’s easy to see why. A river tumbles through the town and bends back on itself, which can make navigating the town a little bit confusing.
This is a town rich with history; Cesky Krumlov was first mentioned in documents dating from 1253. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage City.
Bohemian traditions are kept alive throughout the year through the many festivals and activities put on by this proud little town.
Sprinkled throughout the old town are many cafés and restaurants featuring traditional Czech food and also some local favorites. A wonderful treat to try is a Trdelnik. These sweet “bread bracelets” are inexpensive and delicious. The smell of cinnamon and sugar will lead you right to the little shop that makes them as you wait, located right below the castle.
The Eggenberg Brewery is in the center of the town, offering tours and opportunities to try the local libation. The name Eggenberg comes from a local noble family, dating back to the 1600s. Goulash is a wonderful staple on the menus in Cesky Krumlov. It is often hearty, dark red and meaty and sometimes served in a thick bread bowl.
The castle is set high above the city on a thick rock wall. At the peak, a beautiful tower reaches toward the heavens, ringed with several colors. The shapes of
seashells and a sparkling gold metal flag crown the very top. Brown bears guard the
castle from a deep dry moat in front. They are a popular photo opportunity, but visitors must resist the temptation to feed them. The Roman influence is obvious upon viewing the crests adorning the walls of the castle and the statuary. The castle offers tours at a reasonable rate, but enjoying the peaceful atmosphere and amazing views is free.
The view from the castle wall can be very amusing. Rafts full of adventurous visitors or well-seasoned locals float down the Vltava River. There is a small dam visible from the castle wall where many rafters get unexpectedly baptized, based on their skill at paddling. There are many companies that rent boats and rafts and there are little coves for fishing. The town is easy to walk around and there are many families with strollers. The atmosphere is very cheerful and laid-back.
Tourism is booming in this small, but very hospitable city. The American dollar does well when converted to the Czech Krone, so it can be very cost effective for those who wish to travel. Cesky Krumlov is about the same distance from the KMC as Prague, so don’t forget this charming city.
