Český Krumlov's striking Renaissance castle, occupying a promontory high above the town, began life in the 13th century. It acquired its present appearance in the 16th to 18th centuries under the stewardship of the noble Rožmberk and Schwarzenberg families. The interiors are accessible by guided tour only, though you can stroll the grounds on your own.
Three main tours are offered: Tour 1 (one hour) takes in the opulent Renaissance rooms; Tour 2 (one hour) visits the Schwarzenberg portrait galleries and their 19th-century apartments. The Theatre Tour (40 minutes, 10am to 4pm Tuesday to Sunday May to October) explores the chateau’s remarkable rococo theatre.
