Today was officially our last day in the Czech Republic, and we spent it exploring Český Krumlov, and honestly, I can’t think of a better way to end the trip. The town is tucked away in the southern part of the country, and it truly feels like stepping into a fairytale. With its winding cobblestone streets, pastel-colored buildings, and the river bending around the city, it’s no surprise it’s considered one of the most beautiful towns in the country.
Our main stop was the Český Krumlov Castle Complex, which I was surprised to learn is the third largest castle complex in the world. We got to tour several rooms inside the castle, and the views from the top were absolutely breathtaking. One quirky detail? The castle has real bears living in the moat, which has been a tradition for centuries. It was definitely something I didn’t expect to see, but it made the visit even more memorable.
What stood out to me about the town itself is how small and quiet it is, especially compared to Prague. Most tourists only stay for a few hours, and that’s actually had a big impact on local life, there aren’t even any pharmacies in the historical center. Some local businesses struggle to stay open year-round because of how short visitors’ stays tend to be. Still, the town holds onto its charm, and there’s something really peaceful about the way it’s preserved.
This visit felt like the perfect conclusion to our time in the Czech Republic. It was calm, scenic, and gave me the chance to reflect on everything we’ve seen and learned over the past few days. I’m going to miss this country more than I expected.
Swanson School of Engineering 