The Legend of the White Lady of Rožmberk

Perchta von Rožmberk was born into a powerful noble family. Her father forced her to marry Jan of Liechtenstein. Jan was a cruel and violent man. Perchta suffered for many years in his dark castle. On his deathbed, Jan asked for her forgiveness. Perchta refused because of his many sins.

Jan cursed her with his final breath. He declared that she should never find peace in the afterlife. Since then, her spirit has appeared in Rožmberk family estates. She is usually seen wearing a white dress. This appearance earned her the name of the White Lady.

The color of her gloves tells a story. White gloves mean a birth or a happy event is coming. Red gloves warn of a fire or disaster. Black gloves are the most feared sign. They signal that death is approaching the castle or the town. This legend is a key part of the UNESCO World Heritage status of the region.

10 Places to Find the White Lady of Rožmberk

Český Krumlov is a town where history feels alive. Many visitors come specifically to see where Perchta lived. You can start your journey at the visiting Český Krumlov State Castle complex. This site is the heart of the legend. Use this list to find the most significant spots.

• Best overall: State Castle and Chateau
• Best for families: Castle Tower
• Best rainy-day: Minorite Monastery
• Best free: Latrán Neighborhood

1. Name: Český Krumlov State Castle Type: Sight Why go: This is the primary home of the White Lady spirit. Best for: History buffs Where: Castle District Time: 2-3 hours Cost: Varies by tour Getting there: Walk from the town square Tip: Book the main palace tour to see the inner chambers.
2. Name: The Castle Tower Type: Sight Why go: It offers the best view of the town she once watched over. Best for: Photographers Where: Second Castle Courtyard Time: 45 minutes Cost: Moderate Getting there: Climbing the Castle Tower is easy via the stairs Tip: Go at sunset for the most hauntingly beautiful views.
3. Name: Portrait of Perchta von Rožmberk Type: Experience Why go: See the actual face of the woman behind the legend. Best for: Art lovers Where: Castle Gallery Time: 20 minutes Cost: Included in tour Getting there: Located inside the main castle building Tip: Look closely at her expression; some say her eyes follow you.
4. Name: Rožmberk Castle Type: Day trip Why go: This was the ancestral seat of her powerful family. Best for: Legend seekers Where: 25km south of Český Krumlov Time: Half-day Cost: Moderate Getting there: Take a local bus or drive 25 minutes Tip: Check out the "White Lady's Room" for a spooky atmosphere.
5. Name: The Cloak Bridge Type: Sight Why go: It is one of the most haunted historical places in Český Krumlov. Best for: Architecture fans Where: Between the 4th and 5th courtyards Time: 15 minutes Cost: Free Getting there: Walk through the castle grounds Tip: Visit late at night when the crowds are gone.
6. Name: Latrán Neighborhood Type: Neighborhood Why go: These medieval streets have remained unchanged since her time. Best for: Atmosphere Where: Below the castle Time: 1 hour Cost: Free Getting there: Main walking route into the city Tip: Look for the Rožmberk five-petaled rose symbol on the buildings.
7. Name: St. Vitus Church Type: Sight Why go: This church holds the tombs of many Rožmberk family members. Best for: Quiet reflection Where: Kostelní Street Time: 30 minutes Cost: Free/Donation Getting there: A short walk from the main square Tip: Respect the silence as this is an active place of worship.
8. Name: Minorite Monastery Type: Experience Why go: Explore the spiritual side of medieval life in the town. Best for: Families Where: Klášterní Street Time: 1-2 hours Cost: Moderate Getting there: Located in the Latrán district Tip: Visit the craft workshops to see how people lived in the 1400s.
9. Name: Třeboň Castle Type: Day trip Why go: This is where Perchta spent her final days and died. Best for: Completionists Where: 45km east of Český Krumlov Time: Full-day Cost: Moderate Getting there: Direct bus or 45-minute drive Tip: The surrounding town is famous for its beautiful ponds.
10. Name: The Castle Gardens Type: Nature Why go: A peaceful place where the White Lady is often spotted. Best for: Walkers Where: Top of the castle hill Time: 1 hour Cost: Free Getting there: Walk up through the castle courtyards Tip: Visit the revolving theater located within the gardens.

Planning Your Haunted Český Krumlov Trip

To fully enjoy the story of the White Lady of Rožmberk, stay overnight. The town becomes much quieter after the day-trippers leave. The evening mist over the Vltava River creates a perfect spooky mood. You can find many ghost tours that start after dark.

Wear comfortable shoes for the cobblestone streets. Many of the best sites require walking uphill. Visit during the shoulder seasons like spring or autumn. The crowds are smaller, and the weather is often cool and misty. This adds to the medieval feeling of the town.

Always check the official castle website for tour times. Some areas are closed during the winter months. Booking your tickets in advance is highly recommended for 2026. This ensures you do not miss the interior rooms where the legends live.