Why the Křížová Hora (Cross Hill) Hike is a Must

The Křížová Hora (Cross Hill) hike is the perfect way to start your morning. It provides a peaceful atmosphere away from the busy Latrán district. The path follows a historic Way of the Cross with several small shrines. These shrines lead you up the hill to the Chapel of the Mountain of the Cross. This site has been a place of meditation for centuries.

The view from the top is unparalleled. You can see the entire UNESCO World Heritage site spread out below. The red-tiled roofs and the winding river create a perfect postcard scene. It is especially beautiful during the golden hour before sunset. The hike is short enough for families but steep enough to feel rewarding.

Reaching the summit only takes about 25 to 30 minutes from the town square. The trail is well-marked and easy to follow. You will pass through quiet residential areas and green meadows. It is a great way to see how locals live outside the tourist zone. Make sure to bring your camera for the panoramic shots.

12 Best Things to Do and See in Český Krumlov

Planning your itinerary can be overwhelming because there is so much to see. This list balances famous landmarks with hidden gems. Use these quick picks to help you decide:

• Best overall: Křížová Hora (Cross Hill) hike
• Best for families: Castle Gardens
• Best rainy-day: Egon Schiele Art Centrum
• Best free activity: Seminární Zahrada Viewpoint

1. Name: Křížová Hora (Cross Hill) Hike Type: activity Why go: It offers the most iconic panoramic view of the entire city. Best for: Photographers and hikers. Where: South of the town center. Time: 1.5 hours. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk from Svornosti Square toward Rooseveltova street. Tip: Visit at sunset for the best lighting on the castle.
2. Name: State Castle and Chateau Český Krumlov Type: sight Why go: This is the second-largest castle complex in the Czech Republic. Best for: History buffs. Where: Latrán district. Time: 2-3 hours. Cost: Varies by tour. Getting there: Walkable from anywhere in the center. Tip: Book tickets in advance on the official castle site to avoid long queues.
3. Name: Castle Gardens Type: nature Why go: A massive 17th-century garden with a revolving theater and fountains. Best for: A relaxing stroll. Where: Behind the main castle buildings. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Free. Getting there: Follow the castle gardens walk path up from the castle courtyards. Tip: The gardens are usually closed during winter months.
4. Name: Cloak Bridge Type: viewpoint Why go: A stunning multi-story stone bridge with incredible views of the town. Best for: Architecture lovers. Where: Connecting the castle courtyards. Time: 15 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Use the cloak bridge walking guide to find the best photo spots. Tip: Walk the lower level for views and the upper level for history.
5. Name: Latrán Street Type: neighborhood Why go: The most historic and colorful street in the city. Best for: Shopping and atmosphere. Where: Below the castle. Time: 45 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Take a Latrán street walking tour starting from the Budějovice Gate. Tip: Look up at the painted murals on the old houses.
6. Name: Egon Schiele Art Centrum Type: museum Why go: A world-class gallery dedicated to the famous Austrian painter who lived here. Best for: Art enthusiasts. Where: Široká street. Time: 2 hours. Cost: Moderate entry fee. Getting there: Located in the heart of the Old Town. Tip: Check the official museum site for current temporary exhibitions.
7. Name: Monasteries Český Krumlov Type: experience Why go: A beautifully restored complex of Minorite and Poor Clare monasteries. Best for: Cultural immersion. Where: Near the castle entrance. Time: 1.5 hours. Cost: Moderate. Getting there: Visit the monastery website for tour times. Tip: The craft workshops are great for children.
8. Name: Klet’ Mountain Type: day trip Why go: The highest peak in the Blanský Forest with an observation tower. Best for: Serious hikers. Where: 6km from the city. Time: 4-5 hours. Cost: Free (optional chairlift fee). Getting there: Follow the guide for hiking Klet mountain from the town. Tip: Eat at the mountain hut for traditional Czech food.
9. Name: Vltava River Loop Type: nature Why go: A scenic path that follows the horseshoe bend of the river. Best for: Waterfront views. Where: Surrounding the Old Town. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Free. Getting there: Start the Vltava river loop trail near the Egon Schiele garden. Tip: Watch the rafters navigate the weirs in the summer.
10. Name: Seminární Zahrada Viewpoint Type: viewpoint Why go: The most famous balcony view looking directly at the castle tower. Best for: Quick photos. Where: Next to the Regional Museum. Time: 15 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Included in the best viewpoints walking guide. Tip: It gets very crowded mid-day; go early.
11. Name: Svornosti Square Type: sight Why go: The central town square featuring the Plague Column and Town Hall. Best for: People watching. Where: Center of Old Town. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: All main streets lead here. Tip: The information center here has great physical maps.
12. Name: Museum Fotoateliér Seidel Type: indoor Why go: A perfectly preserved 19th-century photography studio. Best for: Vintage fans. Where: Linecká street. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Moderate. Getting there: A short walk south from the main square. Tip: You can book a session to get your photo taken in period costume.

Essential Planning for Your Hike and Visit

Visiting Český Krumlov in 2026 requires some basic preparation. The Křížová Hora (Cross Hill) hike is accessible year-round. However, the path can be slippery after rain or snow. Wear sturdy walking shoes with good grip. The incline is steady but not overwhelming for most fitness levels.

The chapel at the top is often closed for interior viewing. You can still enjoy the exterior architecture and the grounds. Check local tourism boards for special religious events or concerts. These often happen during the summer months. Bringing a bottle of water is recommended as there are no shops at the summit.

Timing is everything in this popular town. Most day-trippers arrive by 11:00 AM and leave by 4:00 PM. If you stay overnight, hike the hill early in the morning. You will likely have the entire viewpoint to yourself. The air is crisp and the town looks magical in the morning mist.

Exploring Nearby Trails and Nature

If you enjoy the Křížová Hora (Cross Hill) hike, you may want more. The region around Český Krumlov is full of forest trails. The Blanský Forest Protected Landscape Area starts just outside the city. It offers dozens of kilometers of marked paths for hikers and cyclists.

One popular option is the walk to the Dívčí Kámen castle ruins. This is a longer trek but very rewarding. You will walk through deep woods and along the river. It feels like stepping back into the Middle Ages. Always carry a physical map or an offline digital map.

For a more relaxed experience, try the paths near the graphite mine. These trails are flatter and pass through quiet meadows. They are excellent for those who want nature without steep climbs. The variety of terrain makes the area a top destination for active travelers.