Český Krumlov & Linz
November 23rd
From our port in Linz, we took a 1 ½ hour bus ride to Český Krumlov in the Czech Republic. Flowing through this village of 13,000 is the Vltava River which winds around their 13th Century castle. This castle was built from stone and plaster and later in time it was painted with frescoes by famous Italian artists. The tallest point in the whole village is the tower. There are many delicious restaurants that serve local beer such as Pilsner Urquell and roast duck. Near the town center is the beautiful St. Vitus Cathedral.
Gates, carved furniture, and paintings in the area often depict the image of a man with a raven on his head. This symbol represents a Turk whose eyes are being pecked out by the raven to remember the victory of the Czech people over the Turkish invaders.
After a bus ride back to Linz, Austria, Chris and I went to check out the city life. The Christmas markets opened today so we went to buy some mulled wine – called Glühwein. Keep in mind the shops at the market only take cash, not credit cards. Being short on cash, Chris and I found a local shop called Maria’s. The whole wine bar seemed to be in a tunnel that had been painted bright pink. We knew we were in a great place since we could only hear people speaking German.
After this we walked down the busy downtown streets and found another Christmas market. This one was bigger and had more stalls than the one by the port – it was worth the walk.
After a bus ride back to Linz, Austria, Chris and I went to check out the city life. The Christmas markets opened today so we went to buy some mulled wine – called Glühwein. Keep in mind the shops at the market only take cash, not credit cards. Being short on cash, Chris and I found a local shop called Maria’s. The whole wine bar seemed to be in a tunnel that had been painted bright pink. We knew we were in a great place since we could only hear people speaking German.
Linz Street @ Christmas
Linz, Austria
Deli Shop on Main Street
Linz, Austria
Live Street Ice Sculpture
Linz, Austria
Gluehwein @ Maria’s
Linz, Austria
After this we walked down the busy downtown streets and found another Christmas market. This one was bigger and had more stalls than the one by the port – it was worth the walk.
Český Krumlov Castle
A perfect medieval city target for a dragon attack.
Český Krumlov Castle
First view of the city from the 13th century castle.
Český Krumlov Tower
City views from the castle tower.
Český Krumlov Tower
City views from the castle tower.
Český Krumlov Tower
City views from the castle tower.
Český Krumlov Tower
City views from the castle tower.
Český Krumlov Tower
View of the castle from the tower
Český Krumlov Castle
Entrance gate to the castle featuring the family coat-of-arms.
Český Krumlov Castle
View of the tower from the entrance area of the castle.
Český Krumlov Castle
Bear moat with live bears below the original draw bridge area.
Český Krumlov Castle
An angel statue in the entrance courtyard in front of the tower.
Český Krumlov Castle
View of the tower from the inner courtyard.
Český Krumlov Castle
Faux painted details on the castle walls.
Český Krumlov Castle
Inner courtyard view of faux elements painted onto the flat walls.
Český Krumlov Castle
They renovated in the 1500’s and brought in Italian painters to paint in faux architectural details.
Český Krumlov Castle
The arches supporting the private walk from the nobles’ quarters to the winter riding hall.
Český Krumlov Castle
A beautiful view for the nobles crossing from the castle to the winter riding hall over the private arched bridge.
Český Krumlov Castle
Door to the castle’s winter horse riding hall
Český Krumlov
Main street and market areas
Český Krumlov
City seal featured on the sewer system grates
Český Krumlov
More faux architectural elements bestowed upon the living quarters of high ranking castle associates.
Český Krumlov
A restored residence downtown with original elements historic to the town.
Český Krumlov
A typical street view in the town. Looks like a medieval move set.
Český Krumlov
More street views.
Český Krumlov
A view of the city museum next to the river that flows through the city.
Český Krumlov
Another of the story-book quality streets in the town.
Český Krumlov
Colorful buildings abound in one of the larger city-squares.
Český Krumlov
A fountain in the town square to commemorate the patron saints of the town for protection from the plague.
Český Krumlov
A black TARDIS dropped by to check out the town square plague fountain.
Český Krumlov
Hotel Dvorak served the best roasted duck we’ve ever had in our lives with fennel gravy and sauerkraut.
Roasted Duck
A delicious duck prepared at Hotel Dvorak
St. Vitus Church
The beautiful aisle view of the church.
St. Vitus Church
Shhhh…. A subtle reminder to be quiet during church.
St. Vitus Church
The church ceiling with Gothic architectural elements.
St. Vitus Church
The church pipe organ.
Český Krumlov
Beautiful dome towers visible from a lookout near the church and city museum.
Český Krumlov
A view of the castle from a lookout near St. Vitus church.
Český Krumlov
A view of the lower castle wall and nobels’ quarters from a bridge over the river.
Český Krumlov Castle
A beautiful view of the city from rooms in the castle.
Český Krumlov Castle
A mahogany table featuring a bird pecking the head of the Turk (a favorite symbol of the ruling Hapsburg family of Austria).
Český Krumlov
View of the castle from the ground.
Český Krumlov
The river running through the town powering a water-wheel before it goes over the spillway.