Experience Museum Fotoatelier Seidel Photography and History

The Museum Fotoatelier Seidel is not just a gallery. It is a fully preserved photography studio from the Art Nouveau era. Josef Seidel and his son František captured the soul of the region here. They left behind thousands of glass plate negatives. These images show the landscapes and people of the Bohemian Forest. You can learn more about the history of Seidel photography studio Cesky Krumlov during your tour.

The building itself is a work of art. It contains original darkrooms, cameras, and personal belongings. Walking through the rooms feels like stepping back to 1905. The light in the glass-roofed studio is still perfect for portraits. It is a must-visit for anyone who loves visual storytelling. The museum preserves a way of life that has vanished elsewhere. It is one of the most authentic experiences in the city.

12 Best Things to Do in Český Krumlov

Before you dive into the details, here are some quick picks for your trip. These highlights will help you prioritize your time in the city.

• Best Overall: Český Krumlov Castle
• Best for Photography: Museum Fotoatelier Seidel
• Best for Families: Graphite Mine Tour
• Best Free Activity: Walking the Cloak Bridge

1. Name: Museum Fotoatelier Seidel Type: Museum Why go: To see a perfectly preserved 19th-century photo studio and rare glass negatives. Best for: History buffs and photographers. Where: Linecká Street. Time: 1.5 hours. Cost: Moderate (includes guide). Getting there: 10-minute walk from the main square. Tip: Book a portrait session to get your own vintage-style photo.
2. Name: Český Krumlov Castle Type: Iconic Sight Why go: It is the second-largest castle complex in the Czech Republic. Best for: Everyone. Where: Latrán area. Time: 2-4 hours. Cost: Varies by tour route. Getting there: Visible from everywhere; entrance is via the Red Gate. Tip: Visit the official castle site to check seasonal opening times for interiors.
3. Name: The Castle Tower Type: Viewpoint Why go: It offers the most famous 360-degree views of the town and river. Best for: Panoramic photos. Where: Second Castle Courtyard. Time: 30-45 minutes. Cost: Small entry fee. Getting there: Walk through the castle entrance. Tip: Combine this with the castle tower and castle museum ticket to save money.
4. Name: Baroque Theatre Type: Unique Experience Why go: One of the world's best-preserved 18th-century theatres with original machinery. Best for: Culture lovers. Where: Fifth Castle Courtyard. Time: 1 hour. Cost: High (limited guided tours). Getting there: Walk through the upper castle. Tip: Tickets sell out weeks in advance; book early.
5. Name: Castle Gardens Type: Nature Why go: Beautifully manicured gardens and a unique revolving auditorium. Best for: Relaxing walks. Where: Behind the castle complex. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Free (gardens only). Getting there: Walk uphill from the Cloak Bridge. Tip: The gardens are best in late spring when flowers are in full bloom.
6. Name: Latrán Neighborhood Type: Neighborhood Why go: This historic district was where castle craftsmen once lived. Best for: Atmosphere and shopping. Where: Below the castle. Time: 1-2 hours. Cost: Free to wander. Getting there: Cross the Barber's Bridge from the Old Town. Tip: Look for the small medieval murals on the building facades.
7. Name: Church of St. Vitus Type: Iconic Sight Why go: A stunning Gothic church that dominates the town skyline. Best for: Architecture. Where: Kostelní Street. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Free (donations welcome). Getting there: 2-minute walk from the main square. Tip: Visit during the day to see the sunlight through the stained glass.
8. Name: Egon Schiele Art Centrum Type: Museum Why go: Dedicated to the famous Austrian painter who lived in the city. Best for: Modern art fans. Where: Široká Street. Time: 1.5 hours. Cost: Moderate. Getting there: Central Old Town. Tip: Visit the Egon Schiele Art Centrum gallery for world-class rotating exhibitions.
9. Name: Minorite Monastery Type: Indoor Why go: A peaceful complex with beautiful cloisters and historic exhibits. Best for: Quiet reflection. Where: Klášterní Street. Time: 1-2 hours. Cost: Moderate. Getting there: Near the castle entrance in Latrán. Tip: Explore the minorite monastery complex visit for its hidden gardens.
10. Name: Graphite Mine Type: Unique Experience Why go: Ride a mine train underground and learn about the city's mining history. Best for: Families and kids. Where: Chvalšinská Road. Time: 1.5 hours. Cost: Moderate. Getting there: 15-minute walk from the city center. Tip: Wear warm clothes as the graphite mine tours take you into cold tunnels.
11. Name: Vltava River Rafting Type: Experience Why go: See the city from a different perspective while floating down the river. Best for: Adventure. Where: Various rental points. Time: 1-3 hours. Cost: Moderate. Getting there: Rentals are located near the city park. Tip: Watch out for the weirs; they are fun but can be splashy.
12. Name: Mount Kleť Type: Day Trip Why go: The highest peak in the area with an observation tower and chairlift. Best for: Hiking and views. Where: 10km north of the city. Time: 3-4 hours. Cost: Low (chairlift fee). Getting there: Short train ride or drive to Holubov. Tip: Eat at the mountain hut for traditional South Bohemian food.

How to Plan Your Visit to the Seidel Museum

Visiting the museum requires a bit of planning. The studio is small and preserves many fragile items. Most visitors choose a guided tour to understand the history. These tours explain the techniques used in Museum Fotoatelier Seidel photography. You will see how they developed photos without modern electricity. It is helpful to know how to book a tour at Museum Fotoatelier Seidel before you arrive. Groups are kept small to protect the interiors.

The museum is open year-round, but hours vary. In winter, it may only open on weekends. Always check the official schedule for 2026 before traveling. If you are a photographer, ask about special workshops. They sometimes offer sessions using old-fashioned equipment. This is a rare chance to practice historic art. The museum shop also sells beautiful postcards and books. These make excellent souvenirs of your time in South Bohemia.

Essential Tips for Exploring South Bohemia

Český Krumlov is best explored on foot. The streets are made of old cobblestones. Wear comfortable shoes to avoid sore feet. The town can get very crowded during the day. Try to explore early in the morning or late at night. The castle courtyards are often quiet and magical after sunset. You will find many small cafes tucked away in side streets. These are perfect for a quick coffee break.

Consider staying overnight rather than just a day trip. The atmosphere changes when the tour buses leave. You can enjoy a quiet dinner by the Vltava river. Most local restaurants serve hearty Czech meals like roast duck. If you visit in summer, look for local festivals. The Five-Petalled Rose Festival is a famous medieval event. It brings history to life with costumes and parades. Always carry some local currency for small shops.