Český Krumlov: Free Walking Tour & Castle Courtyards

Summary

Walk cobbled alleys to castle towers and bear pits in Český Krumlov

You’ll wander Český Krumlov’s cobbled streets with a local guide who knows every twist and story. See castle courtyards (and real bears), hear quirky legends, and pick up honest tips for food or hidden corners to explore on your own. You’ll leave feeling less like a tourist—more like you belong here, even just for an afternoon.

What’s the experience like?

I met our guide right in the main square — red t-shirt, red umbrella, easy to spot even with the morning market noise. There was this faint smell of coffee drifting from somewhere (I never did find out which café), and a mix of Czech and German voices bouncing off the old stone. We set off down these narrow, crooked lanes that honestly felt like they were built for people half my size. Our guide, Petra, kept pausing to point out odd little details — like a faded fresco above a door or how some windows lean at angles that make no sense. I tried repeating one of the street names; she laughed and said even locals mess it up sometimes.

The castle is huge — second biggest in the Czech Republic, apparently — but what I didn’t expect was how many layers it has. Five courtyards, each with their own vibe. At one point we stopped by the bear pit (yes, there are actual bears living below the castle walls). It’s weirdly quiet there except for distant shuffling from inside the enclosure and someone’s camera clicking. The stones underfoot were still damp from last night’s rain so everything smelled a bit earthy, almost mossy. Petra told us about different tours you can do inside the castle itself, but just wandering those courtyards felt like enough for me.

Afterwards she gave us a bunch of ideas for where to eat or what to check out later — not just tourist stuff either. A bakery she swears makes the best koláče in town (I went after and… yeah, she wasn’t wrong). The whole walk took maybe two hours? Time got fuzzy with all the stories about old Bohemian families and artists who’d lived here. I still think about that view from the bridge near the tower — roofs stacked up like red dominoes against all that green hillside. Anyway, if you’re in Český Krumlov and want to get your bearings without feeling rushed or talked at, this free tour is probably your best bet.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Český Krumlov and castle

• Walk cobbled streets and learn history
• Visit Český Krumlov Castle courtyards
• See castle bears and tower
• Explore nobles' residential area

Top questions

How long does the Český Krumlov free tour last?

The tour takes about two hours from start to finish.

Where does the free walking tour of Český Krumlov start?

The tour begins in the main square of Český Krumlov; look for a guide in a red t-shirt holding a red umbrella.

Is there an entry fee for Český Krumlov Castle included?

No entry fees are included; the tour explores castle courtyards but not interior rooms.

Are there real bears at Český Krumlov Castle?

Yes, there are live bears kept in the castle bear pit which you can see during the tour.

Is this tour suitable for families with strollers?

Yes, infants and small children can ride in prams or strollers on this tour.

Does this free tour include tips on what to do after?

Yes, your local guide will share recommendations on places to eat and visit after the walk ends.

What language is spoken during this walking tour?

The reference content doesn’t specify language; check locally for options.

What’s included

Your experience includes a guided walking tour through Český Krumlov’s historic center and castle courtyards led by a knowledgeable local—plus plenty of insider advice on what to do next around town. Your booking covers what would normally be given as a donation at the end of the walk.