Quick Picks: Best Castles Near Český Krumlov

Choosing where to go can be difficult. South Bohemia has dozens of historic sites. Some are ruins while others are grand palaces. Use these quick picks to narrow your search. These options are perfect for a day trip from the city center.

• Best Overall: State Castle and Chateau Český Krumlov
• Most Photogenic: Červená Lhota Water Castle
• Best for Families: Hluboká nad Vltavou
• Best Free Site: Dívčí Kámen Ruins

Each site offers a unique look into Czech history. Make sure to check local weather before you go. Many castles are in rural areas. Comfortable shoes are always a good idea.

The Best Castles Near Český Krumlov List

This region is famous for its aristocratic history. You can see Gothic towers and Renaissance halls. Most sites are within an hour of the city. Here is our curated best castles near Český Krumlov list for your itinerary.

1. Name: State Castle and Chateau Český Krumlov Type: Sight Why go: It is the second-largest castle complex in the country. The Baroque theater is world-famous. Best for: First-time visitors. Where: City center. Time: 3-5 hours. Cost: 200-500 CZK depending on the tour. Getting there: Walking distance from anywhere in town. Tip: Visit the bear moat near the entrance.
2. Name: Hluboká Castle Type: Sight Why go: It looks like a white English castle. The gardens are vast and beautiful. Best for: Architecture lovers. Where: Hluboká nad Vltavou. Time: 4 hours. Cost: 250-400 CZK. Getting there: Take a bus or drive 35 minutes. Tip: Book a Hluboká nad Vltavou castle day trip in advance.
3. Name: Červená Lhota Water Castle Type: Experience Why go: It is a bright red Renaissance castle on a lake. It is incredibly romantic. Best for: Couples. Where: Near Jindřichův Hradec. Time: 2 hours. Cost: 200-300 CZK. Getting there: Driving is the best option. Tip: Rent a boat to see the castle from the water.
4. Name: Rožmberk Castle Type: Sight Why go: This fortress sits high above the Vltava River. It has a spooky "White Lady" legend. Best for: History buffs. Where: Rožmberk nad Vltavou. Time: 2-3 hours. Cost: 150-250 CZK. Getting there: 25-minute drive south. Tip: Combine this with a rafting trip on the river.
5. Name: Zvíkov Castle Type: Viewpoint Why go: It is located at the confluence of two rivers. The views are breathtaking. Best for: Nature lovers. Where: Zvíkovské Podhradí. Time: 3 hours. Cost: 150 CZK. Getting there: 1-hour drive north. Tip: Take the ferry from Orlík for a scenic arrival.
6. Name: Orlík Castle Type: Sight Why go: This castle sits right on the edge of a large reservoir. The interiors are very grand. Best for: Indoor tours. Where: Orlík nad Vltavou. Time: 2-3 hours. Cost: 200-350 CZK. Getting there: 1 hour and 10 minutes by car. Tip: Visit the nearby aquarium after the tour.
7. Name: Landštejn Castle Type: Experience Why go: These are massive Romanesque ruins in the woods. You can climb the tower for views. Best for: Hikers. Where: Czech Canada region. Time: 2 hours. Cost: 100-150 CZK. Getting there: 1.5-hour drive. Tip: Bring a picnic to enjoy in the courtyard.
8. Name: Jindřichův Hradec Castle Type: Sight Why go: It is one of the largest castle complexes in Bohemia. The Rondel pavilion is stunning. Best for: Art enthusiasts. Where: Jindřichův Hradec town. Time: 3 hours. Cost: 200-300 CZK. Getting there: Drive or take a train from České Budějovice. Tip: Explore the town's historic square afterward.
9. Name: Dívčí Kámen Type: Experience Why go: These are wild ruins reachable only by foot. The setting is very peaceful. Best for: Adventure seekers. Where: Near Třísov. Time: 4 hours including the hike. Cost: Small entry fee (approx. 60 CZK). Getting there: Take a train to Třísov and walk. Tip: The path is rocky, so wear sturdy boots.
10. Name: Třeboň Chateau Type: Sight Why go: It is located in a famous spa town. The castle has unique Renaissance features. Best for: Relaxed travelers. Where: Třeboň. Time: 2 hours. Cost: 180-250 CZK. Getting there: 45-minute drive. Tip: Try the local carp specialty in a nearby restaurant.

Červená Lhota Water Castle Opening Hours Info

Planning a visit requires knowing the Červená Lhota water castle opening hours info. This castle follows a strict seasonal schedule. Most Czech state castles close during the winter months. Červená Lhota usually opens in April and closes in October.

In April and October, the castle is often open only on weekends. From May to September, it is typically open daily except for Mondays. Opening hours usually start at 9:30 AM. They often close around 5:00 PM during the peak summer months. Always check the official website for 2026 holiday closures.

Tickets are sold for specific time slots. If you want a guided tour, arrive early. English tours may have limited availability. You can still walk around the lake for free at any time. This is a great way to get the famous red reflection photo.

Planning Your South Bohemia Castle Tour

Many of these sites are easy day trips near Český Krumlov. Renting a car is the most flexible option. Public transport is available but can be slow in rural areas. Buses are often better than trains for reaching specific villages.

You can combine several sites into one trip. For example, visit Hluboká in the morning. Then, spend your afternoon visiting České Budějovice from Český Krumlov. This city is the regional capital and has great food. It sits directly between many of the top castles.

Always carry some Czech Koruna (CZK). Small castle kiosks may not accept cards. Most major chateaus now offer online booking. This saves time during the busy summer season. Enjoy the history and beauty of the South Bohemia region.