The History of Český Krumlov Castle Bears

The tradition of keeping bears at the castle began in the 16th century. The noble Rosenberg family claimed a kinship with the Italian Orsini family. Since "orsa" means she-bear in Italian, the family adopted bears as their symbols. You can learn more about the history of bear keeping in Český Krumlov to understand this bond. The bears were first kept in the moat during the reign of Wilhelm von Rosenberg.

The current bear moat was designed in the 1700s. It provides a spacious area for the bears to roam, climb, and bathe. Many visitors ask are the castle bears treated well by modern standards. The castle staff works with veterinarians to ensure the bears stay healthy and active. They receive special diets and environmental enrichment throughout the year.

Seeing the bears is a free experience for all visitors. You can look down into the moat from the bridge as you enter the main castle. To increase your chances, you should know when to see the bears in the moat during the day. They are most active during feeding times or in the cooler morning hours. During winter, the bears often hibernate and are less visible to the public.

10 Best Things to See Near the Castle Bears

The castle complex is massive and offers much more than just the bear moat. You should plan to spend at least half a day exploring the different courtyards. Here are the top attractions to visit during your trip.

• Best overall: The Castle Tower and Museum
• Best for families: The Bear Moat
• Best rainy-day: Baroque Theater
• Best free: Castle Gardens

1. Name: The Bear Moat Type: experience Why go: See the famous castle bears in their historic habitat. Best for: Animal lovers and families. Where: Between the 1st and 2nd courtyards. Time: 15-30 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk through the main castle entrance from Latrán. Tip: Do not throw food to the bears as it harms their health.
2. Name: Castle Tower Type: viewpoint Why go: Get the most iconic 360-degree views of the city and river. Best for: Photographers. Where: 2nd courtyard. Time: 45 minutes. Cost: Paid ticket required. Getting there: Enter through the Castle Museum entrance. Tip: Climb the 162 steps early in the morning to avoid crowds.
3. Name: Baroque Theater Type: museum Why go: Visit one of the best-preserved 18th-century theaters in the world. Best for: History buffs. Where: 5th courtyard. Time: 1 hour (guided tour only). Cost: Paid ticket. Getting there: Follow the path past the Cloak Bridge. Tip: Book tickets in advance as tours are very limited.
4. Name: Cloak Bridge Type: sight Why go: Walk across a massive multi-level stone bridge with stunning arches. Best for: Architecture fans. Where: Between the 4th and 5th courtyards. Time: 10 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Part of the main castle walking route. Tip: Check the Cloak Bridge views from the lower levels for great photos.
5. Name: Castle Gardens Type: nature Why go: Relax in a huge Baroque garden with a fountain and rotating theater. Best for: A peaceful walk. Where: Top of the castle hill. Time: 1-2 hours. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk uphill past the theater. Tip: Visit in late spring when the flowers are in full bloom.
6. Name: Latrán Neighborhood Type: neighborhood Why go: Explore the historic street leading to the castle with medieval houses. Best for: Shopping and atmosphere. Where: Below the castle. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk from the Old Town across the barber's bridge. Tip: Look for Latrán neighborhood hidden gems in the small side alleys.
7. Name: Minorite Monastery Type: cultural Why go: See a peaceful complex with a mix of Gothic and Baroque art. Best for: Quiet reflection. Where: Latrán area. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Small entry fee. Getting there: A short walk from the castle red gate. Tip: The Minorite Monastery and gardens are perfect for escaping the summer heat.
8. Name: Egon Schiele Art Centrum Type: museum Why go: View works by the famous Austrian painter who lived in the city. Best for: Art enthusiasts. Where: Old Town. Time: 1.5 hours. Cost: Paid ticket. Getting there: Five-minute walk from the main square. Tip: Check the latest exhibitions before you visit.
9. Name: Moldavite Museum Type: unique experience Why go: Learn about the green "space glass" stones found only in this region. Best for: Curious minds. Where: Panská street. Time: 45 minutes. Cost: Paid ticket. Getting there: Near the main square. Tip: The interactive exhibits are great for kids who like geology.
10. Name: Graphite Mine Type: adventure Why go: Ride a train deep underground to see how graphite was mined. Best for: Adventure seekers. Where: Outskirts of the city. Time: 2 hours. Cost: Paid ticket. Getting there: 15-minute walk or short taxi from the center. Tip: Wear warm clothes as the mine stays cold year-round.

Practical Tips for Visiting the Bear Moat

When visiting the Český Krumlov Castle bears, timing is everything. The bears are usually most active in the morning. By mid-afternoon, they often nap in the shade. If you visit in winter, keep in mind they may be hibernating. You can still see the moat, but the bears might be tucked away in their dens.

Photography is allowed from the bridge above. However, you must never use a flash as it can startle the animals. Keep a firm grip on your phone or camera. If you drop something into the moat, you cannot get it back. The safety of the bears is the top priority for the State Castle and Chateau Český Krumlov administration.

The area around the moat can get very crowded. Large tour groups often stop here for several minutes. If it is too busy, try visiting the Castle Tower first. You can come back to the bears when the crowds thin out. The bridge is accessible for strollers and wheelchairs, though the cobblestones can be bumpy.