Český Krumlov Castle & River Tour: Lunch & Raft Cruise

The Castle Tower's panoramic views and a water-level perspective of the castle from the river are both part of the same morning.

A four-hour guided tour of Český Krumlov combines the castle's five courtyards, furnished interiors, and Castle Tower with a one-hour timber raft cruise on the Vltava River, a Czech lunch with local drink, and a walk through the Alley of Crafts. The guide is a professional licensed in English, German, Czech or Russian, and pickup is included. St. Vitus Church, the Seminary Garden, and the castle gardens are part of the route.

The experience

The tour starts at Svornosti Square and moves through the town's cobblestone streets, stopping at St. Vitus Church to see its interior, then climbing to the Seminary Garden for a first view of the castle across the river. You'll walk the Path of Fame and visit the Alley of Crafts to watch blacksmiths at work, a glimpse into how traditional Czech crafts are still made. Before entering the castle, you get a Czech trdelník (chimney cake) or ice cream from a local vendor.

Inside Český Krumlov Castle, the route covers all five courtyards, the French-style gardens with their revolving auditorium, and the Little Castle's furnished rooms filled with rare collections. The Castle Tower climb ends with panoramic views of the town's red rooftops and the river winding below. After that comes lunch in a local restaurant: a choice of dishes like Kulajda (potato soup with mushrooms and sour cream), Svíčková na smetaně (beef tenderloin in cream sauce), or Vepřo knedlo zelo (roast pork with bread dumplings and sauerkraut), paired with one local beer or lemonade of your choice.

The final hour is a timber raft cruise on the Vltava River, drifting past the castle from water level: a view most visitors never see. The guide explains the castle's architectural styles and the hidden stories in its mascarons and rose carvings as you move through the courtyards. No hidden costs. Everything listed is included.

What’s included

• St. Vitus Church interior.
• professional licensed guide.
• Alley of Crafts visit.
• Castle Tower entrance with panoramic views.
• French-style chateau garden with revolving auditorium.
• full Czech lunch with one local drink of your choice.
• explanation of architectural styles.
• guided tour of the UNESCO heritage town centre.
• one hour on the Vltava River in a traditional timber raft.
• one Czech trdelník or ice cream.
• visit to all five castle courtyards, the Cloak Bridge and Bear Moat.
• Little Castle furnished interiors and rare collections.
• pickup included.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day17 departure times: the first at 09:00, the last at 17:00

Book up toStart time

AgesAdult (13 and older) · Child (6 to 12 years) · Infant (under 6): free

GroupUp to 10

Live guideEnglish, German, Czech and Russian

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.You can choose from 21 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated 15 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortPublic transport nearby

Operated by Lucie Bradacova

Is this one for you?Pickup is included, so you do not need a car or directions to the start. The guide collects you from your accommodation. The four-hour structure fits a morning or afternoon without eating into a full day elsewhere in Bohemia.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English, German, Czech and Russian.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (6 to 12 years); Infant (under 6): free.

What is inside the Little Castle that makes it worth the visit?

The Little Castle holds furnished interiors and rare collections that are not on display anywhere else in Český Krumlov, and entry is included in the tour.

Does the tour include time to see the castle bears?

Yes, you meet the castle bears in the Bear Moat as part of the castle grounds visit.

How does the Vltava River cruise work, and is it safe for people who are not strong swimmers?

The cruise is a one-hour float on a traditional timber raft with gentle currents. You sit on the raft and do not need to swim or paddle.

Is there a pickup point, or do I need to arrange my own transport to the tour start?

Pickup is included in the tour price. The guide collects you from your accommodation or a central meeting point before the tour begins at Svornosti Square.

What are the Counting of Roses and Mascarons, and why does the guide explain them?

Mascarons are carved stone faces and decorative heads built into the castle's walls. The guide reveals the stories and symbolism hidden in these architectural details as you walk through the courtyards.