Schedule and Dates for Svornosti Square Market

The holiday season in Český Krumlov typically begins in late November. For the 2026 season, the market opens on November 27. It runs daily until the Feast of the Three Kings on January 6, 2027. This long duration allows travelers to enjoy the town after the Christmas rush. The town is a UNESCO World Heritage site, making it a stunning backdrop.

Understanding the daily hours is vital for your itinerary. From Monday to Thursday, stalls usually open at 11:00 AM and close at 6:00 PM. On Fridays and Saturdays, the market stays open later until 8:00 PM. Sunday hours often mirror the weekday schedule but may start earlier at 10:00 AM. These times can vary slightly based on local weather conditions.

Special events often take place on Advent Sundays. You might see the lighting of the Christmas tree or live carols. Most of these performances happen in the late afternoon. Plan to arrive by 4:00 PM to catch the best cultural displays. This ensures you see the square both in daylight and under festive lights.

10 Best Things to Do at the Český Krumlov Christmas Markets

There is more to the city than just the main square. You can find hidden gems in every corner of the historic center. Here are the top experiences to include in your winter trip.

• Quick Pick: Best Overall - Svornosti Square Advent Market
• Quick Pick: Best for Families - The Bear Moat at the Castle
• Quick Pick: Best View - Castle Tower Viewpoint
• Quick Pick: Best Indoor - Egon Schiele Art Centrum

1. Name: Svornosti Square Advent Market Type: Sight Why go: This is the heart of the holiday celebration. Best for: Traditional atmosphere and shopping. Where: Main Square (Náměstí Svornosti). Time: 1-2 hours. Cost: Free entry. Getting there: Walk from any Old Town hotel. Tip: Try the traditional food to try at Krumlov Christmas markets like hot mead.
2. Name: Castle Tower & Museum Type: Viewpoint Why go: It offers the best panoramic view of the snowy rooftops. Best for: Photographers and history buffs. Where: Latrán area. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Small admission fee. Getting there: Follow the signs to the State Castle and Chateau. Tip: Buy tickets online to avoid the short winter queues.
3. Name: Latrán Neighborhood Type: Neighborhood Why go: This historic district features medieval architecture and boutique shops. Best for: Exploring narrow alleys and local crafts. Where: Below the castle. Time: 1.5 hours. Cost: Free to wander. Getting there: Cross the Barber's Bridge from the main square. Tip: Look for the small gingerbread shops tucked into side streets.
4. Name: Monasteries Český Krumlov Type: Experience Why go: The complex hosts unique craft workshops during the Advent season. Best for: Hands-on activities and cultural history. Where: Klášterní Dvůr. Time: 2 hours. Cost: Varies by workshop. Getting there: A five-minute walk from the castle entrance. Tip: Check the official site for the workshop schedule.
5. Name: Egon Schiele Art Centrum Type: Museum Why go: It is a world-class gallery in a former brewery. Best for: Modern art lovers seeking a break from the cold. Where: Široká Street. Time: 2 hours. Cost: Moderate entry fee. Getting there: Located in the center of the Old Town. Tip: The museum cafe is a quiet spot for a coffee.
6. Name: The Bear Moat Type: Sight Why go: The castle has kept bears since the 16th century. Best for: Families and animal enthusiasts. Where: Between the first and second castle courtyards. Time: 15 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Enter the castle grounds via the main gate. Tip: Read about the history on Wikipedia before you visit.
7. Name: Vltava River Riverside Type: Experience Why go: The river reflects the city lights beautifully at night. Best for: Romantic evening strolls. Where: Along the banks of the Vltava. Time: 45 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Accessible from multiple points in the Old Town. Tip: The view from the Cloak Bridge is especially dramatic in winter.
8. Name: Museum of Marionettes Type: Indoor Why go: It showcases the long tradition of Czech puppetry. Best for: Families with children. Where: Former Church of St. Jost. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Small entry fee. Getting there: Located on Latrán street. Tip: Combine this with a visit to the castle interiors for a full day.
9. Name: Hluboká Castle Type: Day Trip Why go: It is often called the most beautiful castle in the Czech Republic. Best for: A fairy-tale day out. Where: Hluboká nad Vltavou (30km away). Time: 4-5 hours. Cost: Transport + entry fee. Getting there: Take a local bus or organized tour from Krumlov. Tip: The castle gardens are stunning even when covered in frost.
10. Name: České Budějovice Type: Day Trip Why go: It features one of the largest town squares in Europe. Best for: Larger scale Christmas markets and local beer. Where: 25km north of Krumlov. Time: 3-4 hours. Cost: Low transport cost. Getting there: Frequent buses and trains run from the main station. Tip: Visit the Budweiser Budvar Brewery while you are in town.

Essential Visitor Tips for Svornosti Square

Winter in South Bohemia can be quite cold. Temperatures often drop below freezing in December and January. Wear layers and sturdy walking shoes for the uneven cobblestones. Many stalls only accept Czech Koruna (CZK) in cash. It is wise to keep small bills for snacks and drinks.

The square gets very crowded on Saturday afternoons. If you prefer a quiet experience, visit on a Tuesday or Wednesday morning. This allows you to browse the stalls without the rush. Most vendors speak basic English, but a few Czech words are always appreciated. Say "Dobrý den" for hello and "Děkuji" for thank you.