South Bohemia is a natural an culturally rich region. of forests and fishponds and fairy-tale chateaux. Rustic Baroque is what the region is especially known for.

Cesky Crumlov

The map of Cesky Krumlov looks like a concoction for a storybook with tales of castles, knights, kings and princesses, a place where bakers, cobblers and other artisans gather in the evening to share stories. A winding river passes a nearly round district making it look like a piece of a jigsaw puzzle. But it is not fiction, not Disneyland, this is real. From a distance a spectacle with pointed and round towers, churches and a castle with an almost looking foreground of red tiled roofs. In the center of Cesky Crumlov you can visit the Egon Schiele house and see the fascination of this painter with this view.

The town is on the UNESCO World Heritage list, and even without considering the individual attractions is worth several hikes. Depending on the time of day you always sem to discover new vistas and some new play of light and shadows in the winding streets and in the more distant views.

Cesky Krumlov castle.

The biggest castle of the Czech Republic after the one in Prague Castle. Build as a Gothic castle in the 13th century by the Lords of Krumlov who not long afterwards became extinct. After that the castle was owned by several noble families who did a makeover in Renaissance style, later in Baroque and after that in NeoGothic style, resulting in an rich interior. Especially the Baroque theater that is almost completely original is very impressive.

Hluboka Castle

The ultimate Disney castle. This castle has since been held mid-17th century by the Schwarzenberg family who at one point also owned Cesky Crumlov Castle. In the 19th century they rebuild the castle in a style modeled on Windsor Castle, complete with a landscaped garden. Inside the castle is as overwhelming as its counterpart. Wooden floors, walls and ceilings put down a decorum of warm luxury. Especially the library and the room with the grand piano matching the walls, floors and ceiling are impressive.