Cesky Krumlov
Imagine dancing puppets on cobbled streets after dark……. This is my ever-lasting memory of Cesky Krumlov in the Czech Republic. It didn’t happen, but in my somewhat warped imagination, that is what it conjured up for me. Cesky is a quirky old town with medieval buildings and cobbled streets. This all adds to the mystical feeling of believing anything could happen. It helps to fire up your imagination of what this town used to be like centuries ago. Welcome to the Mysterious and Magical Cesky Krumlov.
There is a magical feel inside the city walls where you can close your eyes and imagine the noise of yesteryears. Everyone is yelling to be heard, and food is displayed in wicker baskets while vegetables are bartered for a small piece of meat or some precious fruit. The smells of fresh food and mixing with the unwashed bodies of the people and their animals. But, anyway, back in the real world….
Magical Cesky Krumlov Highlights
The castle and the city walls are imposing, keeping watch over the town and everyone who visits. Take your time to wander around and stop every so often to observe your surroundings. There will be a lot of other visitors all rushing about, but if you rush, it will be a waste of your time here. This city must be seen at leisure to soak up everything around you.
Cobbled streets with thick-walled buildings feel like they are leaning in. The medieval feeling of the town is everywhere. I did expect to see horses and carts delivering goods to the shop, but I tend to have a vivid imagination.
The wooden puppets which you will find on sale everywhere are a work of art. Many of them are hand-painted, making it easy to see the craftsmanship. Think of the ‘lonely goatherd’ scene in the Sound of Music or Pinocchio; you will be 50% there.
Crepes – seem to be a bit of a speciality with all sorts of flavours on offer. Something sweet after dinner or any time of day. I dare you to be able to walk past one of the shops offering that hypnotic smell without having a least 1. They are not something that I would usually eat, but the smell combined with the tempting fillings makes you say – ‘ooh do you fancy one of those?’
Beer – The Czech Republic has the world’s highest beer consumption per capita. I can see why, as the beer was delicious and so easy to drink; however, be careful with the quantities you drink. I’m pretty sure I got drunk from the feet up, and at 5%, it’s fairly strong. There is so much choice, with Pilsner Urquell, Staropramen & Budweiser Budvar being the most recognised.
Time to visit
Accommodation in and around the city is everything from B&B basic accommodation up to 5* deluxe and matches all purses. The height of summer is best avoided to avoid a mass of tourists. Not just on price but so you see it at its best. The town is popular with day visitors on tours from all over the world. Which means it does tend to be a bit quieter in the evening.
Start of our ebike route to Prague
We went in April during a particularly settled period of warm weather, and it turned out to be a great last-minute decision. We used Cesky Krumlov as the starting point for our ebike tour to the capital city of Prague. There is a train station so we could return from Prague to collect our car. Tip – buy your car parking ticket from a booth in advance as this saves money.
Whether it was the time of year we went, the warm weather or their natural temperament, we were immediately struck by how pleasant and helpful the Czechs were. You can’t always tell how happy they are from their straight faces. Plus, their language can sound a little harsh, but we warmed to them. They were somewhat bemused to see cyclists so early in April. But with clear skies, warm sunshine and tons of blossom lining our route. We felt we had picked the best time of year.
Our ebike route took us along the Vltava River (Moldau River to my German-speaking friends). The route is varied, moving from the riverside through farmlands and back again. It is a route for beginners onwards; you could do it with a family, a group of friends or just 2 of you. It is a beautiful country with an interesting history, so this route is one to put on your “to-do” list.
In Summary
Cesky Krumlov is worth at least a day or 2 to visit. To explore the narrow streets and winding lanes and sample their excellent beer. Their food is hearty, if not the healthiest. However, everything we ate tasted good quality after a day of exploring.
This stunning city had me enchanted. It has something around every corner that will spark the imagination of even the most unimaginative amongst us.
Prague
Cesky Krumlov was the start of our tour to Prague, which I will write about later.
What I liked about Cesky Krumlov:
- The city walls and the views you get from up there. It’s worth the climb up.
- Cobbled streets remind you how old this city is.
- Wooden puppets are everywhere. They make you smile and let your imagination run riot by thinking of them all partying later on after dark.
- The beer – is delicious, and if you are not normally a beer drinker, give a wee one a go.