Classic Culture: České Budějovice & Hluboká

This trip combines a stunning white castle with the regional capital. It is perfect for history buffs and beer lovers. The travel time is short, maximizing your sightseeing hours. Buses run frequently between these towns.

• Distance: 30 km (approx. 40 minutes)
• Best for: Architecture, beer tasting, and easy logistics
• Transport: Public bus or train

Day 1: The Windsor of Bohemia

Morning: Take a bus from Český Krumlov to Hluboká nad Vltavou. Walk up the hill to the castle gardens. Join the Hluboká nad Vltavou castle tour to see the lavish interiors. The representation rooms are particularly impressive.

Afternoon: Enjoy lunch in the town below the castle. Visit the hunting lodge nearby if time permits. Take a local bus to České Budějovice (20 minutes). Check into your hotel near the central square.

Evening: Walk around Přemysl Otakar II Square. It is one of the largest squares in Europe. Find a local tavern for dinner. Try the local stimulating cuisine with fresh tank beer.

Day 2: Breweries and Towers

Morning: Embark on a České Budějovice weekend trip staple: the brewery. Visit the Budweiser Budvar visitor center. Tours usually require booking in advance. Discover how the world-famous lager is matured.

Afternoon: Return to the city center. Climb the Black Tower (Černá věž) for panoramic views. The climb is steep but worth the effort. Explore the waterfront along the Malše/Vltava confluence.

Evening: Grab a final coffee at a riverside cafe. Take the direct bus or train back to Český Krumlov. The journey takes under an hour.

Nature Escape: Lipno & Šumava National Park

Trade cobblestones for treetops on this active weekend. Lipno nad Vltavou sits on the shores of a massive dam. It is the gateway to the Šumava National Park. This itinerary works well for families and outdoor enthusiasts.

Day 1: Views from Above

Morning: Travel from Český Krumlov to Lipno nad Vltavou. Buses are available, but a private shuttle is faster. Drop your bags at a lakeside hotel. Head straight to the Treetop Walkway (Stezka korunami stromů).

Afternoon: Walk up the gentle wooden ramp to the observation tower. The slide back down is fun for all ages. Afterward, rent an electric boat or paddleboard at the marina. The water is refreshing in summer.

Evening: Walk along the marina promenade. Many restaurants offer outdoor seating with sunset views. Enjoy grilled fish or hearty Czech classics.

Day 2: Deep into the Forest

Morning: Rent bicycles or e-bikes. Follow the paved path around the lake towards Frymburk. This path is flat and very safe. Alternatively, consult a Šumava National Park hiking guide for forest trails.

Afternoon: Take the ferry across the lake to the quieter side. Explore the ruins of Vítkův Hrádek if you have e-bikes. It is the highest castle ruin in Bohemia. Return to Lipno to return your bikes.

Evening: Relax by the water before your return transport. Buses back to Krumlov run less frequently in the evening. Check schedules on the official tourism portal ahead of time.

Cross-Border City Break: Linz, Austria

Český Krumlov is very close to the Austrian border. A weekend in Linz offers a complete change of pace and culture. You can enjoy modern art, Danube views, and Linzer Torte. It feels distinctly different from South Bohemia.

Day 1: Future and History

Morning: Book a shuttle bus from Český Krumlov to Linz. The ride takes about 70 to 90 minutes. You will be dropped off centrally. Head to the Hauptplatz (Main Square).

Afternoon: Cross the bridge to the Ars Electronica Center. This museum of the future focuses on technology and society. It is interactive and unique globally. Walk back to the Old Town for coffee.

Evening: Dine at a restaurant serving Austrian schnitzel. The atmosphere in Linz is modern yet relaxed. Enjoy the illuminated facades of the Lentos Art Museum by the river.

Day 2: Views and Cakes

Morning: Take the Pöstlingbergbahn tram from the main square. It climbs creating a steep grade up the hill. Visit the pilgrimage basilica at the top. The view over the Danube loop is incredible.

Afternoon: Return to the city center. A trip to Linz from Český Krumlov is incomplete without tasting Linzer Torte. Find a traditional bakery. Buy some souvenirs.

Evening: Take a late afternoon shuttle or train back. Ensure you have your passport, even within the Schengen zone. Spot checks can happen near the border.

Relaxing Spa Weekend: Třeboň

For pure relaxation, Třeboň is the ideal destination. This town is famous for peat spas, fish ponds, and Renaissance architecture. It is flat, quiet, and incredibly scenic. The pace here is much slower than in Krumlov.

Day 1: Castles and Tombs

Morning: Take a bus to Třeboň (approx. 45-60 minutes). Start at the main square surrounded by burgher houses. Walk to the Třeboň Chateau complex. The park is beautiful and free to enter.

Afternoon: Walk along the Svět pond dam. Visit the Schwarzenberg Tomb (Schwarzenberská hrobka). This neo-Gothic monument sits peacefully in a park. It is a photogenic and serene spot.

Evening: Dinner must include Třeboň Carp. Local restaurants prepare it in dozens of ways. Even non-fish lovers often enjoy "Carp fries".

Day 2: Wellness and Water

Morning: Book a treatment at the Aurora or Berta spa. Review our Třeboň spa town itinerary for booking tips. A peat bath warms the body and relaxes muscles.

Afternoon: Rent a bike or walk the educational trail around the ponds. The landscape is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. It is flat and effortless to navigate.

Evening: Enjoy a final stroll on the town fortifications. Board your direct bus back to Český Krumlov. You will return feeling completely refreshed.