High-Flying Fun and the Most Beautiful City in the South

Good morning! Welcome to this park by the Lipno Lake.
This car park is spacious and well connected to the places you will see here.

The experience of walking through the treetops of a pine forest is something that I don't think I have the right words to describe it. It is magical, beautiful, a moment you will never forget. I went in spring time and everything looked like a picture painted by a great artist.
You can get to the footbridge park by cableway (which is what I did and recommend you to do), by bus or walking through a tourist path. The same options are to descend from up there. Here you can see prices and timetables. In the park there is an observation tower with a huge slide. If you dare to go down the longest slide in the Czech Republic from the top of the tower, you have to buy a separate ticket. Ask at the information office.
I recommend taking the cableway up and down because the ride and the views are beautiful. I do not recommend walking up, although it is an option, because it is an uneven path and it is at least a 40 minute walk depending on your pace.
Here you have the information about the bus service as well.
To buy your tickets you can go to the information centre or you can also buy them online here. (Remember to ask for the ticket to go down the slide!)

(In this point you will see a car as a way to get to the footbridge park. Please, don't pay attention to it, it's just because the "cable car" option is not available. You can't go up with a car).
Walking among the pine trees at a height of 24 metres was like a dream. Even today, three years after I visited, I close my eyes and I can still see myself walking along those footbridges. Also the views from the top of the tower are breathtaking! You climb up to a height of 40 metres! It feels like having the vision of a bird, flying over an immense forest... then plummeting at full speed down a never-ending slide... A unique experience!
I have insisted before that you remember the tickets for the slide because I found out when I was already in the tower that it was not included in the entrance fee. To go down the slide I had to pay it cash, it wasn't much but if you don't have Czech crowns in your pocket, you have no way of getting your ticket.

Once the cable car or bus has dropped you back down again, I suggest.... No, better said: YOU MUST try these attractions, they are too much fun to miss them!
Both the Alpine Roller Coaster, which is promoted for families with children, and the Bobsleigh Track! Both are so awesome!! At least one ride on each will be a great time. Believe me!
Here you can see prices, opening hours and more information.

I realise that when you travel you want to try the typical dishes of the region or country... but I'm not going to lie to you. I was recommended this place for its pizzas and... the truth? I can't think of a better place to recommend because they are so delicious! They have other local food offerings, but the pizzas really are a delicacy... Mmmm!
Open daily from 11:30 to 21:00 h. For reservations, call: +420 602 561 844. For more information

After enjoying this part of the Šumava National Park, it is time to continue on, to the most beautiful and most important town in South Bohemia: Český Krumlov!

Of the 4 car parks around the old town of Český Krumlov, this is the most convenient in terms of location and size.

Maybe you were expecting to find a castle. I mean one building. Not the complex of buildings, courtyards, halls, gardens you'll find here... It probably reminds you of Prague. Not surprisingly, this castle is the second largest in the Czech Republic.
As you can imagine, in order to see everything there is to be seen here, you would have to dedicate at least a whole day to visit each building and each area... So I'll propose you what I consider to be the most unmissable things to be seen in a short time.
I suggest to choose one of the main tours: number 1 or number 2 (I enjoyed a lot Tour 1, which covers the oldest parts of the original castle, was great), then continue by visiting The Tower and after that, to the open public areas with free access. (This is just a proposal considering the timetable limitations of the route.)
Here you will find information about the tours and timetables, you can also buy your tickets online choosing guide language
I didn't buy the ticket online, I bought it at the ticket office and had the tour in English. People working there will give you all the information about the different tours, they speak perfect English and are very kind. There is also an app you can download to your mobile phone to access the tour description in the language of your choice.
As you may have already noticed, Český Krumlov is a city to be visited for several days. Let's just say that today you will get a free taste of all that this magnificent place has to offer to the visitor.

This beautifully ornamented and detailed tower has the best views of this city you could hope for.
The feeling I had was like looking at antique doll's houses set or one of those scale model cities that are used as a backdrop in a film or like peeping into a fairy-tale setting. I wonder what your impression will be..
Tickets can be bought at the tower itself. Here you have information about opening hours.

You'll reach the chateau gardens by crossing over the Plášťový Pláš (Mantle Bridge). This imposing bridge has a three-storey building at the top. The two covered upper floors were reserved for the nobles, while the uncovered lower floor was for the plebs (the one you'll walk through). The bridge was built to connect the castle area with the Baroque theatre and gardens. From up there you will have a breathtaking view, one of the best panoramics of the old city, so keep your camera handy!
This perfect garden was designed respecting the orography of the terrain. It is a paradise at the height of the city... A beautiful walk that fortunately is public and everyone can enjoy it.
Please check opening hours here.

From this bridge (which name means Bridge Under the Castle) you have a very good view of the Plášťový Pláš and also you can take spectacular photos of the city and the Vltava River meander.

If you have managed to cross the "Bridge under the Castle", (I say this because I didn't want to get off, had to be pushed, I would have stayed there for hours!!) then get lost before reaching this fountain!! Maybe it sounds a bit weird... but I really suggest you: get lost in the streets, go into the little shops, stroll through the street stalls, walk around aimlessly ....
I love getting lost in places like this, not looking at maps or making sure where I'm standing, no... just going where my steps take me.
Ah..... get immersed in the unique air and atmosphere of Bohemia!!!
Once you have wandered around and have your eyes (and soul.. ) filled with the charm of this place you can stop at this square to admire its size (quite large for the size of the old town), its quaint buildings and its famous Plague fountain.
I think that after the great pandemic we all look at this kind of monuments with different eyes, with a different level of understanding. Do you feel the same way?

"Photo here, please!!!"
The view of the castle tower from this bridge is for the perfect photo, so take your time!!!! As I did... (another bridge from where I had to be pushed off... hahaha!)

All I will say is... Stunning views, Old Bohemian Fest, old tavern, beer and Grog.
No, I was lying, of course I'll say something else!..... This place is magical! For me it's an important part of the beautiful experience I had been in this city. Both day and night (I was there at both times) the atmosphere is super nice, warm and rustic. It was like a dream....
I recommend you to try the Old Bohemian Fest (which is a real party but with flavours), it is a typical dish of southern bohemia, with a mixture of smoked meats, cereals, dumplings and potato cake. Every restaurant makes this dish differently... but I've never tried one that wasn't finger-licking good. The beer on tap here is excellent!!! Then for a taste we ordered Grog. It's a typical drink to raise the temperature of the body for sure, it has rum, it is sweet and it is served hot.....
Shall I tell you the history of Grog? Yes!! It's about drunken sailors... you're going to love it!
In the 17th century, given the problems that alcohol was causing among the sailors under the command of the English admiral Edward Vernon, he came up with the idea of diluting rum with water (1/4 L. of rum for every litre of water) under the strict control of the lieutenant of the guard. To make it taste less bland, sugar and lime were added.
Twice a day, once at noon and once in the evening, the sailors were given a measure of this mixture. Let's say, to keep them happy, but not dumbed. Thus Grog was born... But wait, I'm forgetting the detail of the name: Admiral Vernon was called "Old Grog" because of a coarse cloth cloak he wore, called Grogham. Hence the name of the drink.
I, by the way, came out of this restaurant a little bit "grogui " after the Grog. In Spanish, we also use the term "grogui" to mean "dizzy"... And it's all thanks to Admiral Vernon!

More pictures here pleasee!!!
Now to wash down the food feast, there's nothing better than walking up to this viewpoint and being enchanted by the sights at night.
Oh... it's so beautiful!!! And so romantic!! Take the opportunity to say "I love you" to whoever is next to you, even if it's a tourist you don't know... hahah. It doesn't matter!.... It's a very magical moment and you have to take advantage of it!... hahaha... (Sorry it's the Grog).

Well, it's been a day full of adventures and emotions, even so I would say: "check in and continue touring the city at night!!" because, for me, this city has no moment of the day or corner to waste! But don't worry, I won't propose anything else for today. Throughout my years of travel, I have learned that knowing when to stop to rest is also a fundamental part of making the most of a journey. ("Grog wisdom"...)
Important: Check-in at this Hotel is normally until 18:00 h. so you will have to inform the hotel staff if you will be arriving later. Cars cannot enter the hotel area after 22:30 h. Keep this in mind if you need to bring your luggage in your car. That's why I consider this hotel to be ideally located, because having your car in Parking lot Number 2, you can walk to and from the hotel with your luggage without having to move your car.
Just one more thing. Don't forget to try the Hemenex while you're touring Czechia. What's that? It's a typical Czech breakfast, a kind of English Brunch but let's say more complete as they also add toast with jam, sausages and several other things. That's all, I just wanted to mention it in case you feel like having it for breakfast tomorrow.
Have a good night!