I am starting to look at a rough itinerary for a visit to Vienna/Prague. I understand that Cesky Krumlov is not easily accessible by train, so we would rent a car to get between Vienna and Prague, so we could stop at Cesky Krumlov.

I am not familiar with the geography of this area, but I believe that we will not be in the mountains? We have been to Salzburg and Innbruck, and during that visit, did not hike as much as we would have liked. We could detour, however, if we were fairly close to some nice hiking/mountains.

I just started my research between these two cities (I have plenty of plans for Vienna and Prague). So far, I am considering a stop at the Melk Abbey as well.

Have you checked the drop off charges for renting in Austria and dropping in the Czech Republic? It could be substantial.

Cesky Krumlov is 5.5 hours from Vienna by train and then another 4 hours to Prague. I'm not sure you could make the drive in much less time. Although Cesky Krumlov is nice I don't think it's worth a huge time detour or the expense of renting a car.

adrienne, we would like to include Cesky Krumlov on our itinerary.

The via michelin website indicates that driving times are almost half of what you indicate the train times are (Vienna to CK = 3 hours; CK to Prague = 2 hr. 45 mins).

I find it always takes me longer than what the web sites state but I'm sure I'm not the fastest driver and don't always go the maximum speeds.

In the Czech Republic make sure you slow down going through towns; the speeds usually drop to 50kpm and there are often speed cameras.

Also make sure your rental car includes the mandatory vignette for both countries so you can drive on the autoroutes.

Enjoy your time in CK!

U can use the yellow busses of Student Agency for both Vienna-Prague and Prague-Cesky Krumlov ... but you'd better to book tickets online 'cause they are often full.

What about Bratislava castle, and Devin castle, as well as the Natural woods NE edge of Bratislava? Also the Sandberg cliffs along the north side of the Danube fits nicely in there.

oops, NW edge of Bratislava!!

Bratislava is nice but small a you see "everything" in half day. Devin is a ruin and Bratislava castle is closed ...

I definitely recommend stopping to see the Abbey at Melk, it's spectacular! You also might want to consider stopping overnight in Cesky Krumlov if you have enough time, there's a lot to see there. We really enjoyed touring the castle, especially seeing the amazing baroque theater in the castle, and taking a raft trip on the river around the town (it doesn't take long, but it's fun and very scenic). We spent two nights in CK three years ago, and wished we could have stayed longer.

Sara, we would like to stay overnight in Cesky Krumlov - that's in our plans so far.

I love the Baroque, so I'm sure I would like the Melk Abbey.

I was considering a detour out to visit Hallstatt in Austria (I know it's not on the way) and we do want to stop in Kutna Hora, too.

Agree with everything that Sara says.

Hallstatt is a very quaint, charming village! Loved it!

Also agree with the large rental car drop fee that you would incur. Check out the Lobo Shuttle between Vienna and CK and then again between CK and Prague.

I took a bus from Prague to CK and then the Lobo Shuttle from CK to Linz.

I definitely recommend spending 1 or 2 nights in Cesky Krumlov. We stayed there last summer at the Hotel Zlaty Andel, & love the city. Toured the castle, went on the river raft ride. Walked around, took photos & enjoyed the sights. On the way to CK from Prague, we also stopped at a beautiful castle but I can't remember the name. it is in my trip report so if you click on my name, you can find my trip report.

Do you have time to stop in Telc? We LOVE Telc, too. Very pretty square, great castle & lovely ponds! Telc is tranquil & such a pleasant surprise. Also toured a wine cellar in Znojmo which is close to Austria.

The name of the castle is Hluboka. It is closer to CK than to Prague, & will not be out of your way. It is definitely worth a visit!