Why Visit Hluboká Castle from Český Krumlov?

Hluboká nad Vltavou is a charming town located north of Český Krumlov. The drive takes about thirty minutes by car. You can also use public transport quite easily. This makes it an ideal choice for a morning or afternoon excursion. The castle stands out with its bright white walls and ornate details. It is a sharp contrast to the red roofs of Krumlov.

The region is officially recognized for its deep cultural roots. You can learn more about the area's significance through the UNESCO World Heritage Centre. While Krumlov is medieval, Hluboká represents the romantic era of the 19th century. Visiting both gives you a full picture of Czech history. The castle interior is incredibly rich with wood carvings and art.

Planning ahead is key to a smooth experience. Most visitors spend at least four hours in the town. This allows time for a castle tour and a walk in the park. If you have a full day, you can see much more. Our guide ensures you do not miss the hidden gems nearby.

11 Highlights for Your Hluboká Castle Day Trip Guide

To make the most of your time, follow these top picks. Here are the best things to see and do in Hluboká nad Vltavou.

1. Name: Hluboká State Chateau Type: Sight Why go: It is arguably the most beautiful castle in the Czech Republic. The romantic Neo-Gothic architecture is breathtaking. Best for: Photographers and history buffs. Where: On the hill above the town center. Time: 2 hours. Cost: 240-320 CZK for tours. Getting there: Walk up the hill from the main parking lot. Tip: Book your interior tour tickets online to avoid long queues.
2. Name: Aleš South Bohemian Gallery Type: Museum Why go: Located in the former castle riding hall, it holds amazing Gothic and modern art. The building itself is an architectural masterpiece. Best for: Art lovers and rainy days. Where: Right next to the main castle entrance. Time: 1.5 hours. Cost: Around 150 CZK. Getting there: Included in the castle complex walk. Tip: Look for the famous Gothic Madonnas in the permanent collection.
3. Name: Hluboká Castle Park Type: Nature Why go: The English-style landscape park covers 58 hectares. It offers peaceful paths and great views of the castle facade. Best for: Relaxing walks and families. Where: Surrounding the castle building. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Free. Getting there: Accessible from any castle gate. Tip: Visit in autumn for the most vibrant leaf colors.
4. Name: Zoo Ohrada Type: Experience Why go: This is one of the oldest zoos in the country. It focuses on local wildlife and animals from the Palearctic region. Best for: Families with children. Where: Near the Munický Pond, a short drive from the castle. Time: 2-3 hours. Cost: 150-200 CZK. Getting there: Take a short bus ride or walk the forest path. Tip: Check the feeding times for the European otters.
5. Name: Ohrada Hunting Lodge Type: Sight Why go: This Baroque lodge houses a fascinating museum of forestry, hunting, and fishing. It is located right by the zoo. Best for: Cultural history enthusiasts. Where: On the banks of Munický Pond. Time: 1 hour. Cost: 100-130 CZK. Getting there: Shares a parking lot with the zoo. Tip: View the impressive collection of antlers in the main hall.
6. Name: Munický Pond Path Type: Nature Why go: A scenic trail circles this large pond. It connects the town center with the Zoo and Hunting Lodge. Best for: Cyclists and hikers. Where: Between the town and the zoo. Time: 45 minutes for a full walk. Cost: Free. Getting there: Follow the marked green trail from the town. Tip: You can take a small ferry boat across the pond in summer.
7. Name: Hluboká Town Square Type: Neighborhood Why go: The town center is full of colorful houses and small cafes. It is a great place to grab a traditional Czech lunch. Best for: Foodies and souvenir shopping. Where: At the base of the castle hill. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Free to explore. Getting there: This is where most buses drop you off. Tip: Try the local pastries at the bakeries near the church.
8. Name: Ferrata Hluboká Type: Activity Why go: For adventure seekers, this via ferrata offers routes over the Vltava River. It provides a massive adrenaline rush with great views. Best for: Active travelers and teens. Where: Karlov area, about 4km from the castle. Time: 2 hours. Cost: Free (equipment rental costs extra). Getting there: Best reached by bicycle or car. Tip: Rent your gear in the town center before heading out.
9. Name: Vltava River Cruise Type: Experience Why go: Take a boat from the Hluboká harbor to the village of Purkarec. It is a relaxing way to see the river canyon. Best for: Couples and slow travelers. Where: The local marina (Hluboká nad Vltavou - přístav). Time: 1.5 hours. Cost: 200-300 CZK. Getting there: Walk 15 minutes from the town square. Tip: Visit the Karlův Hrádek castle ruins at the boat stop in Purkarec.
10. Name: Adventure Golf Hluboká Type: Activity Why go: This is a high-quality mini-golf course set in a beautiful garden. It is considered one of the best in the region. Best for: Families and groups of friends. Where: Near the sports complex by the river. Time: 1.5 hours. Cost: 150 CZK. Getting there: A short walk from the town center. Tip: There is a great restaurant right next to the course.
11. Name: České Budějovice Old Town Type: Day trip Why go: Since you must pass through here, stop to see the massive Premysl Otakar II Square. It is the regional capital of South Bohemia. Best for: Sightseeing and beer lovers. Where: 10km south of Hluboká. Time: 2-3 hours. Cost: Free to walk. Getting there: Stop here on your bus or train back to Krumlov. Tip: Read our České Budějovice sightseeing guide for more details.

Planning Your Hluboká Castle Day Trip Guide Logistics

Getting to Hluboká from Český Krumlov is straightforward. If you drive, the journey is simple and well-signed. Parking is available in several large lots at the bottom of the hill. Expect to pay a small fee for all-day parking. From the lot, it is a ten-minute walk up to the castle.

Public transport is a reliable and affordable option. You can take a bus from the main Krumlov station. Most routes require a quick change in České Budějovice. You can also look into a Holašovice UNESCO village guide if you want to add another stop. Combining these two sites makes for a very full day of history.

For those who enjoy religious history, consider the Zlatá Koruna monastery visit on your way back. It is located directly on the route between the two towns. Always check the seasonal opening hours before you depart. Most castles in the Czech Republic have limited hours during the winter months. Visiting in late spring or early summer offers the best weather for the gardens.