Český Krumlov sits in a corner of South Bohemia that is close to Austria and rich in castles, ponds and forests. Many visitors spend all their time in town, but a day trip makes a welcome change of scene, and several are easy enough to do in half a day. The list below runs from the quick and nearby to the long and scenic.
Kleť, the mountain outing
About nine kilometres north of town, Kleť rises to 1,084 metres and is topped by the oldest stone lookout tower in Bohemia, with views across the Šumava and, on clear days, to the Alps. A chairlift from Krásetín makes the summit easy, and marked trails suit hikers who want to walk up or down. Allow a half day, and choose a clear morning. It is the best quick escape if you like views and fresh air, and it is a good rainy-day alternative only if the cloud base is high.
Hluboká Castle and České Budějovice
Hluboká is the pale, turreted neo-Gothic palace that Czechs compare to Windsor, set in a landscaped park above the Vltava valley. A day trip often combines it with České Budějovice, the regional capital, known for its large arcaded square and for the Budvar brewery. The drive from Krumlov takes well under an hour, so you can return for dinner. The castle runs a shorter tour programme in early winter and a fuller one in the warm season, so confirm opening days. This is the easiest all-round day trip for families and first-time visitors.
Telč, the quiet UNESCO town
Telč is a small town with one of the most beautiful Renaissance squares in Central Europe, lined with arcaded, gabled houses and closed by a chateau. It is roughly two hours away by road, so it works best as a private day trip with a guided walk. Telč is calmer than Český Krumlov and a good choice for travellers who dislike crowds. Chateau interiors are seasonal, but the square and the ponds are worth the journey in any month.
Hallstatt, the alpine postcard
For a bigger day, a private trip crosses the border into Austria and reaches the lake village of Hallstatt in the Salzkammergut after roughly two and a half to three hours each way. The scenery is spectacular, with the church spire against the mountains and the lake, but the village is small and very popular, and the journey makes a long day. Bring euros, carry your ID and choose a clear day. It is the option for people who have already seen the highlights of Krumlov and want something dramatic.
Zlatá Koruna and the river
Downstream along the Vltava lies the monastery of Zlatá Koruna, which can be reached by a long walk, a bike ride or, in the right season, a boating trip from Krumlov. It is a quieter, more local kind of outing and pairs well with a summer day when the river is open. Check the season and the operators before you plan it, because routes and rentals depend on water levels and the calendar.
Combining trips
Two short outings fit neatly into one day, such as Hluboká in the morning and a stroll around České Budějovice in the afternoon, or Kleť early and a beer tour back in town. Avoid stacking a long trip such as Hallstatt with a late dinner reservation, because the return time can slip. Many hotels will store luggage or help with transfers, so ask at the front desk when you book.
How to choose
For a half day, choose Kleť or Hluboká. For architecture without crowds, choose Telč. For scenery, choose Hallstatt. For a family day with plenty of variety, Hluboká with České Budějovice is hard to beat. In winter, favour places where interiors run a winter programme, such as Hluboká, and keep mountain trips for a clear, dry day. Leave early, because winter days are short.
Practical notes
Public transport to many of these places is slow and involves changes, which is why private transfers and guided day trips are so popular. If you drive, remember that parking in the old town is restricted, so leave the car outside the centre when you return. Take a charged phone, water, snacks and a rain layer, and agree your return time before you set out. A day trip also works best when you have already seen the main sights of Krumlov, so schedule it for your second or third day.