Fairytale Český Krumlov from a bridge above with local performers dancing below to traditional Czech music. 

We took a bus early in the morning and arrived in Český Krumlov in time for a guided tour of the town, the castle, and the castle theater. My friends and I didn’t know who else had signed up for the weekend trip, but were pleasantly surprised when classmates we had from our home university and friends we had made in Prague through CEA CAPA joined us!

Two of my friends overlooking the town through a castle window just after arrival.

Our tour guide knew everything there was to know about the history, culture, and architecture of Český Krumlov. It was absolutely incredible to hear a true local tell us stories of her time growing up and living in the town. We felt like we got to fully immerse ourselves in a part of the Czech Republic not all get the chance to visit, and were so grateful we got to do it together. 

My best friend and I in front of the picturesque Vltava River that runs through the center of town. 

Friends and classmates from our home university enjoying our free time together in Český Krumlov. 

The tour guides took us through every room of Český Krumlov Castle, explaining customs of the royals, history of the decor, and elaborate stories of the town. I had never seen such intricate, jaw dropping, stunning rooms in my life. It felt like walking through a period piece and going back in time to get ready for a royal ball. The Castle Theater was just as spectacular, and we even got to go under the stage to see behind the scenes of how performances worked. 

Ending the guided castle tour in the ornate and one-of-a-kind Masquerade Hall.

The beautiful and unique Baroque Castle Theater built in the 1700s for the royal family.

The most special part of the trip was the festival we got to be a part of while in Český Krumlov. The town was celebrating their traditional autumn festival, honoring the feast day of St. Wenceslas, the patron saint of Czech lands, brewers, and winemakers. The celebrations transformed the square and streets into cultural performances complete with local food and drinks. We could hear the Czech music from our castle window where we were staying for the night, and were drawn to join in on the festivities. It was such a unique and magical event we felt so lucky to experience.  

Handmade wreaths crafted at the market in the main town square.

Czech goulash, hot dogs, and tornado potatoes we tried from the festival in Svornosti Square. 

Local dancers performing in Svornosti Square for the St. Wenceslas celebrations.

Český Krumlov is a fairytale come true, and I will never forget the perfect weekend we got to spend there with CEA CAPA. 

The perfect pink castle of Český Krumlov on a busy day during the St. Wenceslas Festival.