Český Krumlov

A day trip from České Budějovice to Český Krumlov by train on Monday 24 November 2026 was an interesting excursion in South Bohemia. 

It brought us quite close to the Czech border with Austria.

The small local train takes 45 minutes to cover the 22km single track route which wends its way through forests in the rolling countryside after crossing the river Vitava. 

There are several stops at small stations and halts along the route. One station had a timber yard.

Arriving at Český Krumlov, we passed Hostinec Slepá kolej after leaving the train. It was too early for a beer so we resolved to visit before catching the train back later.

View from steps towards the town

The station is uphill from the well preserved medieval town. Serpentina - a pedestrian route with broad steps can be taken to avoid following the curved road all the way down to Český Krumlov.

Approaching Budějovická brána (Budweiser gate), we passed Hostinec u Dušků with a balcony overlooking a tributary of the river Vitava (left above) and in the other direction there were views of the town from the bridge. 

We walked along the sloping cobbled streets of the town passing several shops with tasteful displays.

There were a few tour groups in evidence near the castle (left above) and at the bridge near the town centre -Lazebnický most (right above).

After crossing the river we looked at the town square with it's Christmas market and then walked to the museum (closed on Mondays) where elevated views are possible from a courtyard garden.

Retracing our steps towards the bridge at a lower level we enjoyed soup and beer for lunch at Krčma U dwau Maryí (the Tavern of the Two Marys). Our small table by the first floor window had the best view!

The draught Eggenberg was 75 Kc for a half litre glass.

In 2016 a new craft brewery Historický Pivovar Krumlov was founded at the site of the old Eggenberg brewery. With a large yellow circle on the right of the aerial map above, the brewery was only a short walk from the tavern near the bridge, marked with a small yellow circle.

Port 1560 is the town's new cultural centre at the former brewery site. It looks like the old brewery buildings are in the 'C' area on the plan. 

We walked through the courtyard and turned left to find the new brewery site next to the taproom and restaurant marked as 1 & 2 in the top right of the plan.

WORK IN PROGRESS - watch this space