A Day of Adventure in a Fairytale Town: CK Town Travelogue

At 7 AM, the sky over Prague was still shrouded in a light mist. With a lightweight backpack on my shoulders, I set out for the long-awaited one-day trip to Český Krumlov (CK Town). As a UNESCO World Heritage site in the Czech Republic, this medieval town surrounded by the Vltava River has always captivated me with its colorful rooftops and fairytale-like castle featured in travel books. Today, I was finally going to experience its magic firsthand! Morning: From Prague to CK, Starting the Fairytale Journey I chose the RegioJet bus, which costs about CZK 200, departing from Prague's Na Knížecí station. The bus was comfortable and offered free Wi-Fi, and the three-hour journey transitioned from urban landscapes to fields and forests, providing a relaxing view. Around 10 AM, I arrived at CK Town's bus station, where the air was fresh, and the painted tower could already be faintly seen in the distance. My first stop was Vyhlídka viewpoint. Walking along the cobblestone path at the town's entrance for about 10 minutes, the view suddenly opened up—Vltava River, like a blue-green ribbon, meandered through the red-roofed and white-walled buildings. The painted tower and castle stood majestically on the hill, as if I had stepped into a postcard. I couldn't resist taking several photos; the scenery was truly worth the trip! Next, I walked to Český Krumlov Castle, the second-largest castle in the Czech Republic, with free access to its courtyard. The painted tower is a must-visit spot, and I paid CZK 100 to climb it. Although the 147 steps were a bit tiring, the 360-degree panoramic view of the town from the top made it all worthwhile! From the tower, I could see the winding river, rustic bridges, and the distant spire of St. Vitus Church—absolutely breathtaking. The castle courtyard also houses two live bears, symbols of the Rosenberg family, whose adorable demeanor attracted many visitors. Noon: Old Town Cuisine and Strolling After exploring the castle, my stomach started growling, so I headed to Krčma Šatlava cellar restaurant in the Old Town. This restaurant has a medieval cave-like ambiance, with stone walls and candlelight creating a mysterious atmosphere. I ordered the Czech classic roasted pork knee, which had crispy skin and tender meat, paired with sauerkraut and potato dumplings—utterly satisfying! A meal costs about CZK 300, offering great value. The restaurant also serves homemade beer, whose refreshing taste tempted me to have an extra glass. After lunch, I strolled through the cobblestone streets of the Old Town. Svornosti Square is the town's center, surrounded by colorful Renaissance buildings and a plague column that tells its history. I visited a few souvenir shops and bought some handmade postcards and Czech crystal trinkets. Walking along the riverside, I crossed the wooden Latrán Bridge, where the clear water and the colorful houses on both sides made it hard to look away. Afternoon: Riverside Leisure and Artistic Exploration At 1:30 PM, I joined a short Vltava River rafting activity (about CZK 500 for 1 hour). Sitting on a wooden raft, I glided across the calm river, with the castle and church reflecting on the water's surface. Occasionally, ducks swam by, adding to the relaxed and pleasant experience. The guide shared the town's history, including how the castle changed hands among different families, deepening my understanding of CK. After disembarking, I visited the Egon Schiele Art Centrum. This museum showcases Schiele's paintings and his connection to the town, with an entrance fee of about CZK 180. Although Schiele was an Austrian painter, he once lived in CK. The museum's quiet and artistic atmosphere is perfect for travelers who appreciate art. Evening: Sweet Treats and Return Journey Around 4 PM, I stopped by Kavárna Café Laibon by the river and ordered a traditional Czech dessert, Trdelník (chimney cake). Its caramelized crust was crispy, while the inside was soft and fluffy. Paired with a cup of hot chocolate, it was the perfect way to end the afternoon's exploration. Under the setting sun, CK Town became even warmer, with its colorful rooftops bathed in golden hues. I took a few more photos by the river before reluctantly heading to the bus station. At 5 PM, I boarded the return bus and arrived back in Prague by 8 PM. Although it was just a short day, CK Town's fairytale atmosphere, leisurely pace, and delicious food made me fall in love with this place completely!