Top 9 Swimming Spots in Český Krumlov

Finding the right entry point makes a big difference. Some areas have grassy banks for sunbathing. Others are rocky and better for a quick dip. Here are our top recommendations for your summer trip.

• Best overall: Horní Brána City Park
• Best for families: Nové Spolí Campground
• Best for views: Rybářská Riverside
• Best for peace: Pod Svatým Duchem

1. Name: Horní Brána City Park Type: Sight/Activity Why go: It is the most popular local spot with wide grassy areas. Best for: Families and sunbathers. Where: Horní Brána neighborhood, near the municipal park. Time: 2-4 hours. Cost: Free. Getting there: A 10-minute walk from the main square. Tip: Bring a picnic blanket as benches fill up fast.
2. Name: Rybářská Riverside Type: Experience Why go: Swim right under the historic city walls. Best for: Iconic views of the old town. Where: Rybářská street, below the castle. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk down the stairs from the castle district. Tip: This area is great for local secrets in Cesky Krumlov like quiet evening swims.
3. Name: Nové Spolí Type: Activity Why go: The water is often cleaner here as it is upstream. Best for: Serious swimmers who want more space. Where: Southern edge of the city. Time: Half-day. Cost: Free (small fee for campground facilities). Getting there: 20-minute walk or short bike ride south. Tip: Use the campground entry for easier access to the water.
4. Name: Pod Svatým Duchem Type: Nature Why go: A tranquil spot away from the main tourist paths. Best for: Nature lovers seeking quiet. Where: Near the Chapel of the Holy Spirit. Time: 1-2 hours. Cost: Free. Getting there: Follow the river path heading east out of town. Tip: The current can be slightly stronger here, so stay close to the bank.
5. Name: Myší Díra (Mouse Hole) Type: Experience Why go: It is a famous shortcut for canoeists with a small beach area. Best for: Watching the boats while you cool off. Where: Near the wooden bridge at the bend of the river. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Free. Getting there: Easily reached on foot from the center. Tip: Be careful of the many rafts passing through this narrow section.
6. Name: U Trojice Type: Activity Why go: A spacious area downriver with a more local vibe. Best for: Avoiding the central crowds. Where: Northern part of the city near the brewery. Time: 2 hours. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk north along the river from the Latrán district. Tip: The river is wider and shallower here, perfect for wading.
7. Name: Kemp Vltavan Access Type: Experience Why go: This area offers easy river entry and nearby refreshments. Best for: Socializing and grabbing a cold drink. Where: Near the Vltavan campsite. Time: 2-3 hours. Cost: Free. Getting there: 15-minute walk from the bus station. Tip: You can often find people renting paddleboards nearby.
8. Name: Větřní River Bank Type: Day Trip Why go: A short trip out of town reveals wilder river sections. Best for: A change of scenery. Where: Větřní village, 5km south of the city. Time: Half-day. Cost: Small bus fare. Getting there: Take a local bus or bike 15 minutes south. Tip: Check out the local paper mill history while you are there.
9. Name: Zlatá Koruna Type: Day Trip Why go: Swim with a view of a stunning 13th-century monastery. Best for: Combining history with a river day. Where: Zlatá Koruna, 8km north. Time: Full day. Cost: Small train or bus fare. Getting there: Short train ride from Český Krumlov station. Tip: Visit the UNESCO listed monastery before your swim.

Safety Tips for Swimming in the Vltava

Swimming in a river is different from a pool. The Vltava is a working river with many rafts. You must stay alert at all times. Always look out for oncoming boats and stay near the banks.

The water temperature can be surprisingly cold. Even in July, it may only reach 18-20 degrees Celsius. This is because the water comes from the bottom of the Lipno Dam. Enter the water slowly to avoid cold shock.

Check the local water quality before you dive in. Heavy rain can sometimes affect the clarity of the river. It is generally safe to swim in Cesky Krumlov, but use common sense. Avoid swimming near the weirs as the currents are dangerous.

Best Times to Visit the Vltava River

Summer is the peak season for river activities. July and August offer the warmest air temperatures. However, these months are also the busiest. You will share the water with hundreds of rafts.

For a quieter experience, try June or early September. The water remains refreshing, but the crowds are smaller. Mornings are usually the most peaceful time on the river banks. Most rafters start their journey after 10:00 AM.

Keep an eye on the weather forecast. Summer storms can happen quickly in South Bohemia. If you hear thunder, exit the water immediately. The river level can rise fast after heavy rainfall.