Into Czech - Cesky Krumlov

On a cold and raining morning, armed with a smartphone full of e-tickets we boarded the train in Bad Ischl and headed north to Linz, Austria, where we crossed the Danube, changed trains and crossed the border into the Czech Republic at Rybnik; de-trained in Ceske Budijovice, pulled some Czech Korner out of the ATM and caught a bus 40 minutes south to Cesky Krumlov.

Krumlov is a medieval town set in a series of oxbow bends of the Vltava River. There is a scenic view from almost anywhere inside or outside the Old Town; thus many pics by me. We stayed for 3 nights: one full day to tour the town and its castle and another to take a long walk in the surrounding forests and hills: Bus to Rajov, walk to Zlata Koruna, walk WEST to Klet Mountain, walk SOUTH to Cesky Krumlov

Many viewpoints, many photos. ;-)












The Castle with its painted tower, gardens, courtyards, and viewpoints, is a favorite stop for tour groups.












Not to mention the old theater which is closed for renovation.


Waiting to start the castle tour - with flowers.


The synagogue has been fixed up.


The Castle Gardens are big and pleasant.






And the view as we walked down to our hotel from the Church of the Crosses.


And now, the 2nd day's walk: Bus to Rajov, walk to Zlata Koruna, walk WEST to Klet Mountain, walk SOUTH to Cesky Krumlov

The Cemetery between Rajov and Zlata Koruna.


The Zlata Koruna Monastery was open but no one was at the ticket office for the "official tour" so we just poked our heads in.


Working our way through the well-managed forest towards the Granatnik Observation Tower.


Up to the tower.


Sun-Ling atop the tower with panoramic, labeled map.


And the trail continues up. We started at about 480 meters above sea level in Rajov. My Klet is about 1100 meters.


A very large ant colony.


The beech and fir forest is well managed. It's like a woodlot on steroids with selective cutting and permanent logging roads/trails, to go along with reforestation as you can see is this photo.


Several views from atop the observation tower at the summit of Mt Klet.




Lots of trails to choose from on the way back to Krumlov.


The area is popular with cyclists. Although there is some serious uphill/downhill, there are also many roads and trails that run at constant elevation "around" the mountain.


Almost back to town.