10 Must-See Ghost Tours and Legends of Český Krumlov

Český Krumlov is famous for its well-preserved medieval architecture. This makes it the perfect setting for eerie stories and late-night walks. You can choose from organized group walks or visit legendary spots on your own. Most tours focus on the town center and the massive castle complex. Here are the best ghost tours and legends of Český Krumlov to experience.

• Best overall: Night Ghost Tour with a Local Guide
• Best for history: The Legend of the White Lady
• Best for families: The Alchemist’s House
• Best free activity: Walking the Cloak Bridge

1. Name: Night Ghost Tour with a Local Guide Type: activity Why go: This is the best way to hear professional storytelling. Guides dress in period costumes and carry lanterns. Best for: First-time visitors. Where: Starts at Svornosti Square. Time: 90 minutes. Cost: 20-30 USD. Getting there: Walk to the main town square. Tip: Book at least two days in advance during summer.
2. Name: The Legend of the White Lady Type: sight Why go: Perchta von Rosenberg is the most famous ghost in the Czech Republic. She is said to haunt the State Castle and Chateau. Best for: History buffs. Where: Český Krumlov Castle. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Free to walk the grounds. Getting there: Walk up the castle ramp from Latrán. Tip: Look for her in the courtyards after twilight.
3. Name: The Alchemist’s House on Latrán Type: experience Why go: This house is linked to strange experiments and secret places in Český Krumlov. It has a mysterious energy that locals still talk about today. Best for: Fans of the occult. Where: Latrán street. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Free to view from outside. Getting there: Walk across the Barber’s Bridge toward the castle. Tip: Look for the unique symbols carved into the stone.
4. Name: The Tale of Mad Julius Type: sight Why go: Julius Caesar d'Austria was the illegitimate son of Emperor Rudolf II. His tragic and violent story is a dark part of castle lore. Best for: Dark history enthusiasts. Where: Castle Garden and Red Gate. Time: 45 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Enter through the main castle gate. Tip: Visit the castle moat nearby to see the bears.
5. Name: The Haunted Barber’s Bridge Type: sight Why go: This bridge connects the Old Town with the Latrán district. It is said to be haunted by the spirit of a barber's daughter. Best for: Photographers. Where: Lazebnický most. Time: 15 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Central town location. Tip: It is very crowded during the day, so visit after 10 PM.
6. Name: St. Vitus Church Graves Type: sight Why go: The church is a masterpiece of Gothic architecture. Its old burial grounds are filled with legends of former priests and nobles. Best for: Quiet reflection. Where: Kostelní street. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: A short walk from the main square. Tip: Respect the silence of the religious grounds.
7. Name: The Water Sprite of the Vltava Type: experience Why go: Czech folklore is full of "Hastrman" or water sprites. Locals believe one lives under the river bends near the town. Best for: Families with children. Where: Vltava River banks. Time: 20 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Any riverside path in town. Tip: Look for bubbles in the water near the wooden bridges.
8. Name: The Curse of the Eggenberg Family Type: experience Why go: The Eggenbergs were powerful lords who left behind many mysteries. Their former brewery and gardens are full of ghost stories. Best for: Beer lovers. Where: Former Eggenberg Brewery. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Varies by tour. Getting there: Walk toward the northern edge of the town center. Tip: Try the local dark lager while hearing the tales.
9. Name: Hluboká Castle Night Walk Type: day trip Why go: This white castle looks like a fairy tale but has a ghostly side. It is one of the most beautiful sites in South Bohemia. Best for: Couples. Where: Hluboká nad Vltavou. Time: 4 hours total. Cost: 15 USD for transport. Getting there: Take a 40-minute bus from the main station. Tip: The exterior lighting is spectacular for night photos.
10. Name: Rožmberk Castle Ghost Tour Type: day trip Why go: This is the ancestral home of the Rosenberg family. It offers dedicated night tours during the summer months. Best for: Serious ghost hunters. Where: Rožmberk nad Vltavou. Time: Half-day trip. Cost: 25 USD including entry. Getting there: 30-minute drive or bus south of the city. Tip: Check the official website for specific night tour dates.

Planning for Exploring Český Krumlov at Night

Many travelers wonder about safety when the sun goes down. You might ask, is Český Krumlov safe to walk alone at night? The answer is generally yes, as the town is very peaceful. The streets are well-lit in the main areas. However, some alleys are quite narrow and dark.

To get the most out of your night, wear comfortable shoes. The cobblestones are uneven and can be slippery when wet. Most ghost tours start around 8 PM or 9 PM. It is a good idea to eat dinner early. Many kitchens close by 9 PM in the smaller restaurants.

If you prefer a quiet experience, wait until after 10 PM. Most day-trip tourists leave by this time. You will have the bridges and castle courtyards almost to yourself. This is when the legends of Český Krumlov feel most real.