Hi-

We are planning a trip to Prague for 6 days for our 1 year anniversary. Is 4 days enough to get a good feel for Prague? I was hoping to take a side trip to Ceský Krumlov. Is this doable? We are planning on going around 11/7-11/14. I don't think the castle will be closed yet during that time period.

Also, what is the most convenient way of getting there from Prague? Unfortunately we won't have a car so we would have to go by bus or train.

Thanks.

I'm also interested in the answer, so bookmarking.

Getting to Cesky Krumlov is probably easiest and quickest by bus. It's about 3 hours. The bus station is close to the old town while the train station further away. I believe there are couple direct buses a day each way. Here's the website for schedules.
http://jizdnirady.idnes.cz/JRCis.asp?tt=c&cl=E5

Yes, four full days in Prague would be give you a good feeling for the town. I'd say a day in CK is plenty of time. It's quite small. But I'm not sure the castle is open in November. It's still worth exploring even if the castle's closed, but I'd spend most of my time in Prague.

You're right, the castle is closed. Hmmm.... but you DO recommend going to Cesky Krumlov despite the castle being closed?

Despite the castle being closed I definitely would still go to Cesky Krumlov. While we found the castle to be nice, we have been in far lovelier ones elsewhere.

You will find CK to be especially gorgeous and quiet early in the morning or evenings.

The castle is nice, but I feel it mainly gives the town a visual if not historical focus. Like many castles, it tends to be more dramatic on the outside from a distance. I would think during November, there would be few tourists, so that alone could make it a special experience. I can't really tell you to go or not to go, but if it's a place you want to see, I'd just go. It doesn't make sense to do it as a day trip, but if the connections work out, you might be able to just spend one night.

This exact same question has been asked quite a few times on here. I personally think a private bus tour is the most efficient way to do Cesky Krumlov in a day trip, and there are several companies that do this from Prague, and the price is reasonable.

It's surprising that several people also ask that same thing about would you go for a day trip if the castle were closed. I say no, I would not. Especially in winter or bad weather, which is when it is closed, of course.

Sure, it's a cutesy town that is all dolled up for tourists, and I would go if it were on the way to somewhere but I would never spend a day trip from Prague to go there if the castle were closed, nor recommend it to anyone. I just think there are many better alternatives.

But you might be in the same camp as though who said the castle wasn't important. I think it is the most important thing in that town.

Have any of you taken the shuttle from Hotel Lobo in Cesky Krumlov to Linz? We thought we would spend the night in Cesky (after 3 days in Prague) and then use the shuttle to Linz and then take the train to Budapest. Any comments?

I whole heartedly recommend visiting Ceske Krumlov. If you do a search for "turnip" you'll find my painfully long trip report including both towns.

Have a great time in the Czech Republic.

Cheers, the turnip

I recommend it too, whether or not the Castle is open. As a matter of fact, I would stay overnight as well.

Would Castle at Cesky Krumlov be open still in late Oct. such as 26-29th?

Check out my trip report, I was in Prague for a month in July. I gave lots of suggestions on what to do/see, eat, etc.

I posted it in early August.

The castle is open every day - except Monday - until Oct. 31.