Is Cesky Krumlov worth visiting for foodies?

Yes, absolutely. While famous for its architecture, Cesky Krumlov offers a deep dive into South Bohemian culinary traditions, featuring world-class beer, traditional game meats, and unique regional pastries like Trdelník.

What is the best walking tour Cesky Krumlov offers for beer lovers?

This self-guided route is ideal for beer lovers as it features the town's historic brewery and authentic local pubs like Na Louži, where the focus is on traditional Czech pouring techniques.

Can I do this walking route with a stroller?

Yes, but be prepared for a bumpy journey. The entire Inner City of Cesky Krumlov is paved with historic cobblestones, which can be challenging for strollers and wheelchairs.

What should I eat in Cesky Krumlov?

Look for South Bohemian specialties like Kulajda (mushroom and potato soup), roasted duck with red cabbage and dumplings, and fresh trout from the Vltava River.

Is this walk suitable for solo travelers?

This is a perfect activity for solo travelers. The stops are welcoming, and the self-guided format allows you to move at your own pace through the historical sites and cafes.

When is the best time of day to start this walk?

Starting around 3:00 PM or 4:00 PM is ideal. This allows you to see the town in daylight, enjoy a late afternoon snack, and finish at a traditional pub just as the dinner atmosphere begins.

Do I need to pay for entry to the brewery?

While the brewery offers separate paid guided tours of their production facility, visiting the brewery courtyard and their restaurant/taproom as part of this walk is free.

Zigway - The Guide Follows You

About This Tour

Step back in time to a place where history is served by the pint and every cobblestone has a story to tell. This self-guided walking route through Cesky Krumlov invites you to experience the sensory delights of South Bohemia. Nestled in a loop of the Vltava River, this UNESCO World Heritage town is famous for its towering castle, but its true soul lies in the smoky taverns and fragrant kitchens of the Inner City. As you begin this neighborhood stroll, you will move beyond the typical tourist paths to discover the culinary evolution of a town that has been brewing beer and perfecting hearty recipes since the Middle Ages. This walking route highlights the transition from medieval alchemy to modern gastronomy, starting in the atmospheric Latran district and winding toward the historic town square. You will explore the legacy of the Eggenberg family’s brewing empire and learn how traditional Czech food was influenced by the diverse cultures of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. Along the way, the scent of cinnamon-dusted pastries and the crisp aroma of hops will lead you through hidden courtyards and riverside terraces. This adventure is perfect for those who want to explore independently while soaking in the local favorites. Whether you are curious about the legends of the castle’s eccentric residents or simply looking for the most authentic place to enjoy a 'Pivo,' this walking tour Cesky Krumlov provides the historical context and local flavor you need. Discover how an old apothecary became a modern social hub and why the local brewery remains the heart of the community. This self-guided walk is more than a food crawl; it is an invitation to taste the history of Bohemia in one of the world’s most beautiful medieval settings. **Note:** This area is known for its ever-changing character. Street art, pop-up venues, and temporary exhibitions may differ from what's described. That's part of the adventure - you might discover something entirely new!

Highlights

Explore a cocktail bar housed in a 14th-century former apothecary

Taste the iconic 'Trdelník' chimney cake in the heart of the Latran district

Visit the historic Cesky Krumlov Brewery with roots dating back to 1560

Discover the legend of Don Julius at a restaurant named after a tragic royal figure

Experience the 1920s atmosphere of a traditional wood-paneled Czech 'hospoda'

Enjoy stunning riverside views while learning about Vltava culinary traditions

Tour Stops (6)

Apotheka cafe bar

Start your self-guided adventure at Apotheka, a space that perfectly blends medieval mysticism with modern social life. This building once served as a literal apothecary, and the interior still reflects that medicinal history with its dark wood shelving and rows of glass vials. In the Middle Ages, the line between a pharmacist and an alchemist was thin, and many of the early 'tonics' served here contained herbs and spirits that would eventually evolve into the Czech liqueurs we know today. As you look around, imagine the scholars and locals who came here seeking cures. Today, the remedies are strictly for relaxation, but the atmosphere remains heavy with the scent of roasted coffee and botanical infusions. It is a fitting starting point to reflect on how the town's traditions have been preserved and repurposed over centuries.

MLS Crêperie

As you walk toward the castle bridge, the sweet aroma of caramelized sugar and cinnamon likely leads you to MLS Crêperie. This spot is a local favorite for 'Trdelník,' a traditional pastry made from rolled dough that is wrapped around a stick, grilled over open flames, and topped with walnuts and sugar. While often debated as to its exact origins, the Trdelník has become a staple of Czech street food culture. In the shadow of the castle, this small shop represents the simpler, folk-driven side of Bohemian culinary history. Watch the dough spin over the heat—a process that has remained largely unchanged for generations. It is the perfect portable snack as you continue your neighborhood stroll through the winding Latran streets.

Papa's Living Restaurant

Positioned right on the banks of the Vltava River, Papa's Living Restaurant highlights the importance of the waterway to Cesky Krumlov’s survival. For centuries, the river was the town's main artery for trade and transport. This location offers a prime view of the flowing water that once powered the town’s mills and provided fresh fish for the noble tables at the castle above. While the menu today features a mix of international and local flavors, the terrace remains one of the best places to observe the architectural layout of the Inner City. Notice the way the buildings lean over the water, a design choice necessitated by the limited space within the town’s medieval defensive walls.

Historický pivovar Český Krumlov

You have reached the spiritual heart of Bohemian culture: the brewery. Brewing in Cesky Krumlov dates back to the town's founding, but this specific site has been active since the late 16th century. Originally the brewery of the Eggenberg noble family, it has survived fires, wars, and regime changes. Czech beer is world-renowned, and here, the process follows the strict purity standards of the region. The thick stone walls of the brewery were designed to keep the fermenting lager at a constant, cool temperature. Even if you aren't stopping for a drink, the scale of the industrial heritage here is impressive. It serves as a reminder that in Bohemia, beer was historically considered 'liquid bread'—a vital part of the daily diet for everyone from peasants to princes.

Don Julius Restaurant Český Krumlov

Located within the historic Hotel Zlatý Anděl, this restaurant is named after one of the town's most tragic and dark figures: Don Julius Caesar d'Austria, the illegitimate son of Holy Roman Emperor Rudolf II. Don Julius was sent to Cesky Krumlov in the early 1600s, but his descent into madness led to a gruesome crime within the castle walls. This restaurant uses his name to anchor itself in the town's royal history. The setting reflects the transition from the medieval to the Renaissance style, with vaulted ceilings and sturdy wooden furniture. It is a place where you can find traditional South Bohemian specialties, like kulajda (a creamy mushroom soup) or roasted duck, which have graced Czech tables for hundreds of years. Please note that restaurant interiors and menus can change, but the historical connection to the Emperor's son remains a permanent part of the building's identity.

Hospoda Na Louži

Your walk concludes at Hospoda Na Louži, perhaps the most authentic 'hospoda' (pub) in the city. Stepping inside feels like traveling back to the 1920s. The walls are covered with vintage enamel signs and the wood-paneled booths are worn smooth by decades of patrons. This is where the locals gather, away from the more manicured tourist spots. The atmosphere here is defined by 'pohoda'—a Czech word meaning a sense of ease and well-being. In a traditional pub like this, the beer is poured with a thick, creamy head of foam, and the conversation is as important as the food. It is the perfect place to sit back and soak in the true spirit of Cesky Krumlov, reflecting on the layers of history and flavor you have uncovered today.

Frequently Asked Questions

The walk itself is short, covering about 1.5 kilometers (1 mile). However, including time for snacks, a drink, and photography, most people spend between 2 and 3 hours completing the full route.