Státní hrad a zámek Český Krumlov

About the museum

The State Castle and Chateau of Český Krumlov is one of the most important monuments in Central Europe in terms of architecture, cultural tradition and size. It preserves building development from the 14th to the 19th century. The oldest mention of the castle dates from 1240–1242; the first written record of the name is from 1253, when Krumlov was the seat of Vítek of Krumlov. Later it belonged to the Rožmberks (Rosenbergs), the Eggenbergs and the Schwarzenbergs.

The complex comprises about forty buildings and palace structures around five courtyards, and seven hectares of castle gardens. The Baroque garden was created in the second half of the 17th century; the complex also includes the Rococo garden pavilion Bellarie, which was reconstructed in 2023–2024. The town was declared an urban heritage reserve (městská památková rezervace) in 1963, the castle complex became a national cultural monument in 1989, and in 1992 the entire historic complex was inscribed on the UNESCO list.

The castle is managed by the National Heritage Institute (Národní památkový ústav). Visitors can take several tour circuits: Renaissance and Baroque apartments, 19th-century apartments with the history of the Schwarzenbergs, the castle Baroque theatre with preserved machinery and costumes, the castle museum with the castle tower, and the stables and saddlery.

Highlights

• UNESCO site: one of the largest castle and chateau complexes in Central Europe
• Circuit I with the chapel of St George and the Rococo Masquerade Hall
• castle Baroque theatre with original machinery and costumes
• castle museum and castle tower with a walkway reached after 162 steps
• Baroque castle garden and Rococo garden pavilion Bellarie

Permanent exhibitions

• Okruh I – Renesanční a barokní apartmány – Tour of the original Renaissance and Baroque interiors, including the castle chapel of St George and the Rococo Masquerade Hall.
• Okruh II – Apartmány z 1. a 2. poloviny 19. století – Route on the history of the Schwarzenberg family, with a portrait gallery and original interiors from the 19th century.
• Zámecké barokní divadlo – One of the most comprehensively preserved Baroque theatres in the world, with its original building, stage, machinery and hundreds of costumes.

Operated by

Národní památkový ústav, Státní hrad a zámek Český Krumlov

Admission & discounts

The prices stated for the main item apply to circuit I, Renaissance and Baroque apartments. Payment is possible by card and in cash. Free admission is also granted to holders of annual and single free NPÚ tickets, NPÚ employees and holders of the Náš člověk card.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible: no information
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom: no information
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome: no information
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

Climbing to the viewing walkway of the castle tower involves 162 steps.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops

In July and August the castle holds children's tours Život na zámku (Life at the Chateau) from 13:40 (booking recommended); children under 5 enter free.

Getting there & parking

Coordinates of the II. nádvoří (Second Courtyard): 48°48′46″ N, 14°18′55″ E. The road I/39 leads to the town from České Budějovice (22 km); from Prague it is about 180 km.

Amenities & dining

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit