How long does it take to walk the Inner City of Cesky Krumlov?

A thorough exploration of the Inner City usually takes between 60 and 90 minutes. This distance is roughly 1.5 kilometers, but the uneven cobblestones and frequent stops for photos and history mean you should take your time.

Is Cesky Krumlov safe to walk at night?

Yes, Cesky Krumlov is exceptionally safe for nighttime strolls. The town center is well-lit and maintains a peaceful, romantic atmosphere after the large tour groups leave in the late afternoon.

Can I see the bears at Cesky Krumlov castle for free?

Yes, the bears can be viewed for free from the bridge crossing the moat. However, please note that the bears are often brought into their indoor enclosures during the evening and night hours.

What is the story of the Barber's Bridge?

The bridge is named after a local barber whose daughter was tragically murdered by Julius Caesar d'Austria, the mentally ill son of Emperor Rudolf II. It is considered one of the most haunted spots in the Czech Republic.

Are there public toilets available during the walk?

Public toilets are available in the Main Square (Náměstí Svornosti), but they typically close by early evening. It is recommended to use the facilities in a local cafe or restaurant if walking late at night.

Is the Cesky Krumlov ghost walk suitable for children?

Yes, while the stories involve legends and some tragedy, the walk is suitable for families. There are no jump-scares, and the focus is on historical folklore and atmospheric architecture.

What is the best time to visit the Main Square for photography?

Blue hour—just after sunset—is the best time for photography in the square. This is when the Plague Column and the surrounding Renaissance facades are beautifully illuminated against the darkening sky.

Zigway - The Guide Follows You

1 hr 15 min

Duration

6

Stops

Easy

Difficulty

About This Tour

Cesky Krumlov is a town where time seems to have frozen in the Middle Ages. As the sun sets and the long shadows of the castle walls stretch across the Vltava River, the atmosphere shifts from a bustling tourist destination to a realm of mystery. This self-guided walk invites you to explore the darker side of this UNESCO World Heritage site, focusing on the legends, myths, and tragic histories that linger in the corners of the Inner City. Far from the daytime crowds, this neighborhood stroll reveals a side of the town often missed by those hurrying toward the main castle gates. You will begin your journey at the castle moat, where the presence of bears serves as a living connection to the 16th-century traditions of the Rožmberk family. From there, the route takes you through the Red Gate and into the winding streets of Latrán, a district once reserved for the castle's craftsmen and servants. As you cross the Barber's Bridge, you'll hear the tragic and gruesome tale of Julius Caesar d'Austria, a story that still haunts the local memory. This walking route isn't just about architecture; it's about the folklore that defines the Bohemian spirit. Continuing into the heart of the Inner City, the walk leads to the Main Square, where the Fountain and Plague Column stand as silent witnesses to the town's survival against the Black Death. You will also discover the secrets of the Hotel Růže, a former Jesuit college with a facade that masks centuries of religious discipline and reported paranormal occurrences. The route concludes at the peaceful Kaple svatého Martina, a location tied to the town's spiritual and funerary history. This audio walk offers the flexibility to explore at your own pace, allowing you to linger in the most atmospheric spots. For those seeking a walking tour Cesky Krumlov offers beyond the standard historical facts, this journey into the ghostly legends provides a deeper, more evocative connection to the past. It is an essential experience for anyone fascinated by the intersection of history and the supernatural.

Highlights

The ancient tradition of the Castle Moat bears
The tragic legend of the Barber's Bridge
The somber history of the Plague Column
Architectural mysteries of the former Jesuit College
Atmospheric nighttime views of the Vltava River
The secluded spiritual history of St. Martin's Chapel

Route Map

Numbers indicate the order of stops on the tour

Tour Stops (6)

1

A Moat with Bears

Begin your journey at the Castle Moat, known as Medvědí příkop. Since the 16th century, bears have been kept here, a tradition started by the Rožmberk family. They claimed kinship with the noble Orsini family of Italy—'orsa' meaning bear in Italian. While the bears are a popular sight by day, at night, the empty-looking stone pit feels much more ancient and defensive. It serves as a reminder that this castle was not just a home, but a fortress designed to keep the world out. Listen closely, and you might imagine the sound of heavy paws from centuries past guarding the entrance to the lords' domain.

2

Latrán 1 (The Red Gate)

Pass through the Red Gate, the main entrance connecting the castle to the Latrán district. This gate marks the boundary between the world of the nobility and the world of the commoners. Latrán was historically inhabited by people whose lives were dedicated to serving the castle. The architecture here is a mix of Gothic and Renaissance, with many buildings featuring 'sgraffito' decorations. As you walk through, imagine the gate slamming shut at night, sealing the townspeople away from their masters. The gate has seen centuries of royal processions, but also the desperate flight of those trying to escape the many sieges the town endured.

3

Lazebnický most (Barber's Bridge)

Step onto the Barber's Bridge, the most famous crossing in the town. This spot is central to the darkest legend of Cesky Krumlov. In the early 17th century, Julius Caesar d'Austria, the illegitimate son of Emperor Rudolf II, was sent to the castle to treat his mental instability. He fell in love with Markéta Pichlerová, the barber's daughter. In a fit of madness, he murdered her and threw her body into the river. Legend says his restless spirit, and hers, can still be felt here when the mist rises from the Vltava. Look at the wooden statues of St. John of Nepomuk and the Crucifixion as you consider the tragic history beneath your feet.

4

Fountain and Plague Column

You are now in Náměstí Svornosti, the Main Square. At its center stands the Marian Plague Column, topped by a statue of the Virgin Mary. Built in the late 17th century, it was a gesture of gratitude for the town being spared from the worst of the Black Death. Surrounding the base are eight patron saints of the town and protectors against the plague. At night, the square falls quiet, and the column becomes a somber reminder of a time when death was a constant neighbor. The shadow of the column was once used by locals to mark the passing of the darkest hours of the night.

5

Hotel Růže

Look up at the imposing Hotel Růže. Long before it was a luxury hotel, this building was a Jesuit College established in 1586. The Jesuits were known for their strict discipline and intellectual rigor, but local lore suggests the building holds deeper secrets. It is said to be haunted by a 'White Lady' and former monks who appear in the hallways. The building is a masterpiece of Renaissance architecture, but its heavy stone walls were designed to isolate the students from the temptations of the town. Even today, the courtyard retains a quiet, almost monastic stillness that feels disconnected from the modern world.

6

Kaple svatého Martina

End your walk at St. Martin's Chapel. Originally a Gothic structure, it was rebuilt in the Baroque style and served as a cemetery chapel for the nearby parish. Surrounded by the greenery of the town park, it feels far removed from the shops and restaurants of the center. This was a place of final transition, where the town's residents were brought before being laid to rest. The chapel's simple, lonely silhouette against the night sky provides a perfect moment for reflection on the layers of history and the countless souls who have called this town home over the centuries.

Frequently Asked Questions

The best way to experience the town's legends is a self-guided evening walk through the Inner City. This route covers the Barber's Bridge, the Castle Moat, and the Plague Column, all of which are central to local folklore.