CZ: Český Krumlov - A Disneyland For Foreigners - VIDEO

We visited the town during last June days. This fact means for local inhabitants that only a couple of days remains that the city centre will be rather calm. Later, when holidays begin, the people will meet crowds of German, Dutch, British and another persons, speaking foreign languages. Nearly all tourists from abroad compare Český Krumlov, as well as another Bohemian cities, to Disneyland.

This South Bohemian city, situated not far from Austrian border, could present perfect show of all special matters. Narrow streets change into squares, and wide streets are spacious enough that some trade could be effected there. Cosy pubs, offering excellent meals, gardens, caffees and confectioners, all such stops are available. In general, you can find everything what could be attractive for tourists.

And what about culture lovers? They can admire local rotatory auditorium, a motive for many skirmish. This was a reason for a fact that Český Krumlov had to be warned that this locality could be crossed out from UNESCO Monuments´ Survey. Nevertheless, it is good luck that such action was not made up to now, for the time being. This case was postponed in two years, during last session of United Nations Section for Education, Science and Culture. To tell the truth, next very strong discussion, regarding Krumlov theatre destiny, will start two weeks before UNESCO session, for sure.

Silver substituted with carps

From ancient time periods, Krumlov was always rich town. Since 1475, a silver ore was excavated from local mines. A bit of sadness came in 1600, when it was found that silver ores are not too strong. So, the town began to construct the ponds, and all activities started to be orientated for agriculture. Rosenberg Parentage followed fall of mines. Moreover, Peter Vok was forced to sell his freshly reconstructed castle seat, owing to his big debts. Anyway, Emperor Rudolph II. bought this jewel over Vltava-river. Most oif monuments of Gothic and Renaissance style, which are subjects of admiration even today, was built during rule of Rosenberg Parentage. After 30-years´war and two next monarchs who followed, Schwarzenberg Parentage came. This Parentage owned local castle till 1940.

During 2nd World War, Český Krumlov was a part of German Third Reich. In 1945, American Army arrived, in order to help this beautiful Bohemian town to its national identity. However, 1948 followed, and strong Communist era coolled a bit such exhilarated period. The building according to socialist spirit begun, but it was good look that the historical character of the town was not damaged too much.

Big Treason - Krumlov Weir

Local Krumlov weir belongs, except bears and other places of interest in the city, to very alluring attractions. It presents, especially for watermen, the biggest „challenge“, in section from Vyšší Brod, in direction to České Budějovice. This weir is rather high and long but it is also very treacherous. When somebody overcomes it that he does not fall out the raft upstairs, it happens to him to to it downstairs, for sure. Nevertheless, a joy, that all such traps were overcome (the paddles are to be picked up) could be mostly premature. When flowing through, it is nearly impossible to take to water in the boat, and in a moment of deeper draught, only a minimal inclination would be sufficient, and Vltava-river starts to fulfill a boat, occupied with watermen, very quickly. Anyway, such humorous scenes belong to daily pictures for curious spectators, staying along a bridge and road, leading around.

Text/foto/video: Klára Svobodová

Translation: ing. Jan Jonáš