We are pleased to present a new Solo Travel Destination Post from Quyen, a member of the Solo Travel Society on Facebook. Quyen lives in Norway, and submitted the following report about Cesky Krumlov. Do you have a solo travel destination that you would like to recommend? Submit your description here, along with a few photos, and share it with fellow travelers!
Solo travel rating: 1 (1 is easiest, 3 is most difficult. Please see chart below)
Languages spoken: Czech
Small shops in town.
Reasons to Visit Cesky Krumlov
Just 3 hours from Prague by bus, Cesky Krumlov is like a fairy tale town direct from Disneyland to real life!
Although you can take a one-day tour to Cesky Krumlov by bus (which is quite cheap with free coffee, tea, etc. on board), I highly recommend staying here for at least 2 days so that you can fully enjoy the charm of this small city with only 14,000 inhabitants.
Cesky Krumlov's castle is the second largest one in the Czech Republic. The first one is, of course, the Prague Castle. From the Cloak Bridge and the Vth Courtyard you will have a picturesque panorama over the city. Small pastel houses with orange roofs are spread out as far as the eye can see. The main river Vltava turns several times when it flows through Cesky Krumlov, making it even more beautiful and romantic under the spring sun.
You will need one day to visit the castle complex, which opens to tourists in April. Then take another day, if you want, to take part in a guided beer tour from Eggenberg, one of the most famous breweries in town, starting everyday from 11:00 am. And if you are still interested in this small little gem, stay for another day to visit the Regional Museum, and then walk around the town, just for the sake of strolling around in a new city.
As the city and its center are quite small, most accommodations are within 5 minutes walking from the main square as well as from the bus station. The center is not entirely car-free but it is pedestrian friendly.
Prices in Cesky Krumlov, as well as in Prague and other cities in the Czech Republic, are relatively cheap. Currently, 1 EUR = 27 CZK, and 1 USD = 23 CZK. A dinner with 1/4 roasted duck with dumplings and a small beer will cost you approximately 170 CZK in a local restaurant (of course the price will be more if you end up in a tourist trap).
City view from the Vth Courtyard.
The main square, less than 5 minutes walk from my pension.
Solo Travel Destination Rating System
Safety – 1 (1 very safe, 2 safe in most areas, 3 be cautious at all times.)
Language – 2 (1 English is first language, 2 English speakers easy to find, 3 English speakers rare)
Navigation – 1 (1 easy to navigate by transit or car, 2 poor transit, car necessary, 3 not easy to get around)
Culture – 1 (1 Similar to North America or Western Europe, 2 Different from above but relaxed and easy, 3 Challenging)
Average Rating – 1 (1 is easiest, 3 is most difficult)
