ČESKÝ KRUMLOV
Spend a day exploring Český Krumlov and its beautiful 13th century castle. The castle dominates the skyline and the area. The city dissected by the Vltava River can be recognised from the distance thanks to the large castles turret. One thing we noticed when exploring the castle is that the decorative detail on the exterior of the building is in fact painted on. The castle has been a UNESCO world heritage site since 1992. The castle theatre is another notable place to visit. Visitors can be taken on a guided tour underneath the stage to explore the rope system that controls the stage.
We walked through large open courtyards and connected bridges that give incredible views on the city and the river. We watched as a hot air balloon flew over and the bright blue clear sky gave colour to the wintery landscape.
After exploring the castle we headed down into the streets, the air was cold and any wind child us. We found a Christmas market in the centre of town and noticed some strange rolls being cooked over coals. This was our first experience of Hungarian chimney cakes, they are amazing and if you come across them at a Christmas market then you must get one.
The city is a friendly relaxed town to walk around and despite the freezing weather people were out and about having fun.
The city is a cultural hub and the centre is turned into a medieval festival during the summer solstice weekend. Activities such as jousting and fencing can be watched.
If you do take a quick day visit from a neighbouring country then please remember that the Czech Republic does not use the Euro, it currently uses its own currency the Czech koruna.
