Booking Your Castle Baroque Theater Tour

The theater is a delicate historical treasure. Because of this, you can only visit through a guided tour. These tours run from May through October each year. You should learn how to book Baroque Theater guided tours before you arrive.

Tickets often sell out weeks in advance. The theater only allows a small number of people inside each day. This helps protect the fragile 18th-century wood and canvas. You can check the Český Krumlov Castle official site for the latest schedule.

Tours are available in several languages, including English and Czech. Each session lasts about 45 minutes. You will see the auditorium, the orchestra pit, and the stage. The guide will explain how the complex scenery changes worked centuries ago.

10 Best Things to Do in Český Krumlov

There is more to this city than just the theater. You can spend days exploring the narrow streets and riverside paths. Here are the top sights in Cesky Krumlov for your itinerary.

• Best overall: Castle Baroque Theater
• Best for families: Vltava River Rafting
• Best rainy-day: Egon Schiele Art Centrum
• Best free: Cloak Bridge Viewpoint

1. Name: Castle Baroque Theater Type: Experience Why go: It is one of only two such theaters in the world with original machinery. Best for: History and drama enthusiasts. Where: Fifth Castle Courtyard. Time: 45 minutes. Cost: Moderate. Getting there: Walk through the castle courtyards to the far end. Tip: Wear flat shoes as the floors are historic and uneven.
2. Name: Castle Tower Type: Sight Why go: It offers the most iconic 360-degree view of the town. Best for: Photographers. Where: Second Castle Courtyard. Time: 30-45 minutes. Cost: Low. Getting there: Follow signs for climbing the castle tower near the entrance. Tip: Go early in the morning to avoid the narrow stairwell crowds.
3. Name: Cloak Bridge Type: Architecture Why go: This multi-story bridge is a feat of engineering. Best for: Architecture lovers. Where: Between the fourth and fifth courtyards. Time: 15 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk the path from the castle toward the theater. Tip: Read about the Cloak Bridge architecture to appreciate its three levels.
4. Name: Castle Garden Type: Nature Why go: It is a massive, peaceful green space with a unique revolving theater. Best for: A relaxing walk. Where: Above the castle complex. Time: 1-2 hours. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk uphill past the Baroque Theater. Tip: Visit the castle garden and revolving theatre during the summer for outdoor performances.
5. Name: Egon Schiele Art Centrum Type: Museum Why go: It features world-class modern art in a historic brewery building. Best for: Art lovers. Where: City center. Time: 1.5 hours. Cost: Moderate. Getting there: A short walk from the main square. Tip: Check out the Egon Schiele Art Centrum for rotating contemporary exhibits.
6. Name: Minorite Monastery Type: History Why go: Explore the calm cloisters and hidden gardens of this religious site. Best for: Quiet reflection. Where: Latrán district. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Low. Getting there: Located near the castle entrance gate. Tip: Use a Minorite monastery guide to find the best fresco rooms.
7. Name: Vltava River Rafting Type: Experience Why go: See the castle from the water while splashing through small weirs. Best for: Adventure seekers. Where: River banks. Time: 1-3 hours. Cost: Moderate. Getting there: Rent a raft at several points along the river. Tip: Bring a waterproof bag for your phone and camera.
8. Name: St. Vitus Church Type: Sight Why go: This Gothic church is the spiritual heart of the town. Best for: Religious history. Where: Near the main square. Time: 20 minutes. Cost: Free (donations welcome). Getting there: Follow the spire from anywhere in the center. Tip: Look for the impressive net vaulting on the ceiling.
9. Name: Latrán Neighborhood Type: Neighborhood Why go: It is the oldest part of the town with beautiful medieval houses. Best for: Wandering. Where: Below the castle. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Free. Getting there: Cross the Barber's Bridge from the main square. Tip: Stop at a local cafe for a traditional Czech pastry.
10. Name: Hluboká Castle Type: Day trip Why go: A stunning white castle inspired by England's Windsor Castle. Best for: Fairytale vibes. Where: 30km north of the city. Time: 4-5 hours. Cost: Moderate. Getting there: Take a direct bus or train from the main station. Tip: Visit the surrounding English-style park for great photos.

Planning Your Visit to the Castle Complex

The castle is a UNESCO World Heritage site. It can get very busy during the afternoon. Many day-trippers arrive from Prague around 11:00 AM. Try to explore the courtyards before the crowds arrive.

The town is very walkable but quite hilly. You will encounter many cobblestone streets. Wear comfortable walking shoes for your visit. Most areas are accessible, but the castle tower has many stairs.

Check the weather before you plan your river trip. Rafting is best on sunny days. If it rains, the museums and the Visit Czechia visitor center are great alternatives. Always keep a map of the historic center handy.