We love Prague, and have always said we needed to explore the country more, and there’s far more to the Czech Republic than Prague itself as my Czech friends keep telling me, so when some friends asked us if we would like to go with them to Český Krumlov last weekend (which happened to be a Bank Holiday), we were hardly going to say no…
Český Krumlov lies around an hour’s drive on the other side of the Bavarian Forest National Park (rumour has it that there are still wild bears on the Czech side)…
Having gone straight from school, and after a hastily thrown together in car picnic, we crossed the border into the Czech Republic just as the sun was going down. Driving through the dark forests and tiny towns, we were struck by the (not unwelcome) lack of street lamps (which made us realise how light polluted our part of the world can be) and the fragrant smell of woodfires from the houses that line the winding roads. After passing a few lakes, the signs for Český Krumlov became clearer, and the GPS was confident we were going the right way. When we got there, the GPS was also confident that we should follow a tiny track with restricted access up the side of the Český Krumlov’s Castle for which the town is so famous. We almost believed it, but having reached a point where the only hope of getting through was probably by motorbike, we reversed all the way back again (thankfully without being spotted by anyone), and called our much more organised friends – who were, by this point, wondering where on earth we were (we obviously hadn’t learned our lesson from our last GPS “incident”!)… Expertly guided by human to our great home for the weekend – Pension Rozmaryna (Pensions are more prolific in the town than Hotels, and are a great way to stay in a historic building AND meet the locals), it wasn’t long before we were settling down to a great, very quiet nights sleep…
Up bright and early for breakfast, our friendly host obviously thought we all looked malnourished and presented the majority of us with five fried eggs and ham each (yes even the children). As one of the last in the party to be served, I asked for boiled eggs in the hope that I would be given one or two, but you guessed it (forgetting that you have boiled eggs in your handbag is not to be recommended by the way)… This gargantuan feast was then followed by a surprise chocolate pancake, and the knowledge that even if we wanted to, we wouldn’t have been able to eat a thing until the evening…
Set up for the day, we ignored the rain and went out to explore. Český Krumlov is not huge, but the town together with its massive castle is a UNESCO World Heritage site, and April/the beginning of May are good times to visit before the streets become overwhelmed with tourists (A Korean Soap Opera, amongst other things are based here, so it’s extremely popular!)…
Also famous for its gingerbread, moldavite (a precious stone quite unique to the area), ancient streets and interesting restaurants, Český Krumlov is a great way to spend a couple of days, and I will tell you more about it shortly…
Where to stay: Pension Rozmaryna; Latran 70-71, Česky Krumlov, 381 01, Czech Republic, email: info@pensionrozmaryna.cz website: www.pensionrozmaryna.cz The rooms are spacious, quiet, and well decked out. The beds are comfortable, and nothing is too much trouble for the friendly hosts, who went out of their way with suggestions for a great stay, including organising a private tour of the town for us with less than half an hour’s notice…
Aleksei Maide says
Czech Republic Is one of my favourite countries, been there on three occasions now, definitely going back for more :)
Emma says
It’s lovely isn’t it? I can completely understand why you like it! Thanks Aleksei! :)
Christine says
Wow, 5 eggs each for breakfast! I eat a lot of eggs but couldn’t face that many.
I’ve not heard much about the town and castle before but it looks like a great place to visit. Rather jealous of you being able to just pop over the border and visit too.
Emma says
That is something I do love about living here Christine, it’s still a novelty after a few years too! :D Thank you! :)
Emma says
It looks gorgeous Emma, those finger statues are a bit freaky though!
Emma says
Thank you! They are aren’t they? :D
Ruth says
Ooh that picture of the blossom could be a postcard! Beautiful. I’m less sure about the finger sculptures though, I find them a little creepy!
I have to ask… can you pronounce all the Czech names properly? I loved Prague to pieces, but felt like an absolute idiot foreigner by my inability to say street and suburb names.
Emma says
I cannot pronounce many Czech words I will admit, but I am willing to give it a go! :D Thanks Ruth! :)
Cass@frugalfamily says
I’ve always wanted to visit the Czech Republic as I’ve heard it’s beautiful – your photos certainly back that up ;-)
Emma says
Thank you Cass! :)
Sim @ SimsLife.co.uk says
I have always wanted to visit Prague. Absolutely stunning architecture throughout the country as seen in your awesome images! Cesky Krumlov looks amazing, somewhere I definitely hope to visit one day!x
Emma says
It’s really lovely, and would be great to combine with a trip to Prague too! Thank you! :) x
Midlife Singlemum says
I love Czechia as we call it here. The towns always remind me of the town in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. Or I expect to see Hansl and Gretl walking down the street with Pinochhio. I know I’ve got all my countries mixed up but this is what it evokes.
Emma says
And I can completely understand why! Thanks so much! :)
Sonya Cisco says
I would love to go to the Czech Republic – the architecture really appeals to me! I once had one foot in Slovakia (during a mountain ridge walk in Poland!) but that is as close as I have got yet! Lovely photos as always x
Emma says
Such a pretty part of the world! Always a novelty having one foot in one country and one in another, we never get tired of that down here with Austria/Germany! :D Thanks Sonya! :) x
Mammasaurus says
Ooo the steeples and roofs are just fairytale worthy! and the fingers at the end like something from one of my oddball dreams – which of course is a good thing!
Smashing shots Emma :)
Emma says
Thanks so much Annie! :) x
brooke says
We will have to put this on our list of “must visit.”
Emma says
Quick Brooke, before time runs out!! :/ xx
Trish - Mum's Gone to says
You followed the SatNav again?!!!
That second photo looks so cute, you’d think it was a model village.
I see someone’s been stroking a statue again…
Emma says
Thanks Trish! I know, will we ever learn? That is actually the same place, just taken from the castle grounds above! :)
Nikki Thomas says
What a stunning place, I love the colours, really amazing. I think that sounds like an excellent breakfast, I could totally eat that every morning
Emma says
I haven’t been able to eat eggs since! Thanks Nikki! :D