Planning Your Museum Fotoatelier Seidel Tour

The Museum Fotoatelier Seidel is a rare time capsule. It was once the home and studio of Josef and František Seidel. They captured the life of the town for decades. Today, the building remains exactly as they left it. You can see original glass plate negatives and vintage cameras. The darkrooms still hold the scent of old chemicals. It is a hauntingly beautiful space for any traveler.

Taking a Museum Fotoatelier Seidel tour is highly recommended. The guides explain how the family lived and worked through difficult times. You will learn about the transition from black-and-white to color photography. The house itself is a masterpiece of Art Nouveau architecture. Every room is filled with personal items and professional tools. It feels like the owners just stepped out for a moment.

You should know how to book a tour at Museum Fotoatelier Seidel before you arrive. Groups are kept small to protect the delicate interior. Tours are available in several languages, including English. You can even book a special photo session in period costumes. This is a great way to create a unique souvenir. Make sure to check the seasonal opening hours on their official site.

11 Must-See Attractions in Český Krumlov

Český Krumlov offers a mix of history, art, and outdoor fun. Whether you stay for a day or a week, these spots are essential. Use this list to build your perfect itinerary. Here are the top picks for your 2026 trip.

• Quick Pick: Best Overall - Museum Fotoatelier Seidel
• Quick Pick: Best for Families - Vltava River Rafting
• Quick Pick: Best Rainy-Day - Egon Schiele Art Centrum
• Quick Pick: Best Free - Walking the Cloak Bridge

1. Name: Museum Fotoatelier Seidel Type: Museum/Experience Why go: It is a perfectly preserved 19th-century photography studio. Best for: History buffs and photography enthusiasts. Where: Linecká Street, just south of the main square. Time: 1.5 - 2 hours. Cost: Moderate (approx. 200 CZK). Getting there: A 5-minute walk from the Town Square. Tip: Book the guided tour in advance to see the darkrooms.
2. Name: State Castle and Chateau Type: Iconic sight Why go: This is the second-largest castle complex in the Czech Republic. Best for: Everyone visiting the city. Where: Latrán district. Time: 2-3 hours. Cost: Varies by tour circuit. Getting there: Follow the signs from the Latrán neighborhood. Tip: Visit the official site to check tour times for the Baroque Theater.
3. Name: The Castle Tower Type: Viewpoint Why go: It offers the most famous panoramic view of the town. Best for: Photographers and view seekers. Where: Inside the first castle courtyard. Time: 30-45 minutes. Cost: Low (approx. 150 CZK). Getting there: Enter the castle and look for the colorful tower. Tip: Wear comfortable shoes for the 162 steep steps. Learn more about visiting Český Krumlov Castle for more details.
4. Name: Cloak Bridge Type: Unique structure Why go: This multi-story bridge offers stunning views of the Vltava River. Best for: Scenic walks and free views. Where: Connecting the castle courtyards. Time: 20 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk through the castle toward the gardens. Tip: Visit at sunset for the best lighting. Try walking the Cloak Bridge in the early morning to avoid crowds.
5. Name: Vltava River Rafting Type: Active experience Why go: Seeing the castle from the water is a unique perspective. Best for: Adventure seekers and families. Where: Various rental points along the river. Time: 1-3 hours. Cost: Moderate. Getting there: Most rental shops are near the Latrán bridge. Tip: Rafting on the Vltava River is best during the summer months.
6. Name: Egon Schiele Art Centrum Type: Museum/Art Why go: It houses a massive collection of works by the famous Austrian painter. Best for: Modern art lovers. Where: Široká Street. Time: 1.5 hours. Cost: Moderate. Getting there: Located in the heart of the Old Town. Tip: Visit the Egon Schiele Art Centrum to see the temporary exhibitions which are often world-class. Check out our guide to the Egon Schiele Art Centrum visit.
7. Name: Latrán Historic District Type: Neighborhood Why go: This area was once where the castle servants lived. Best for: Exploring narrow alleys and local shops. Where: The area below the castle. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Free. Getting there: Cross the Barber's Bridge from the Old Town. Tip: Look for the hidden courtyards that house tiny craft breweries.
8. Name: Monasteries of Český Krumlov Type: Indoor/Cultural Why go: A peaceful complex showing the life of Minorite monks. Best for: Quiet reflection and history. Where: Klášterní Street. Time: 1-2 hours. Cost: Moderate. Getting there: A short walk from the castle entrance. Tip: Visit the Monasteries craft workshops to see traditional blacksmithing.
9. Name: Graphite Mine Type: Unique experience Why go: You can ride a mine train deep underground. Best for: Families with kids. Where: Chvalšinská Street. Time: 1.5 hours. Cost: Moderate. Getting there: A 15-minute walk or short drive from the center. Tip: Touring the Graphite Mine requires warm clothes as it is cold underground.
10. Name: Castle Gardens Type: Nature/Relaxation Why go: These massive Baroque gardens feature a revolving theater. Best for: Relaxing walks and picnics. Where: The highest point of the castle complex. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Free (gardens only). Getting there: Walk past the Cloak Bridge and up the hill. Tip: The gardens are closed during the winter months.
11. Name: Mount Kleť Type: Day trip Why go: It is the highest peak in the Blanský Forest with an observation tower. Best for: Hikers and nature lovers. Where: 10 km north of the city. Time: 4-5 hours. Cost: Low (chairlift fee). Getting there: Take a local bus or drive to Krasetín. Tip: Use the chairlift to go up and hike down for a great workout.

Practical Tips for Your Český Krumlov Visit

Visiting this town requires some preparation to avoid the tourist traps. Most people arrive by bus from Prague. The walk from the bus station is about 10 minutes. Wear sturdy shoes because the cobblestones are very uneven. Heels are not recommended for exploring the historic center.

Dining can be expensive near the main square. Walk into the side streets of Latrán for better prices. Many restaurants offer traditional Czech food like roast duck. Booking a table is smart during the busy summer season. Most places accept cards, but keep some cash for small shops.

The town is very crowded between 11:00 AM and 4:00 PM. Day trippers fill the streets during these hours. If you stay overnight, you can enjoy the quiet atmosphere. The castle courtyards are magical after dark. Early morning is also a great time for photos without the crowds.