Few routes capture the beauty and diversity of Central Europe like the journey from Prague to Hallstatt (or Salzburg), with a stop in Český Krumlov. From Prague’s historic bridges and baroque squares, through the romantic maze of Český Krumlov’s Renaissance old town, to Hallstatt’s tranquil alpine lake — every destination actually feels like a scene from a storybook.
Travelers often pass through these places too quickly, focusing on logistics instead of experiences. But this route invites you to enjoy the landscapes, local cuisine, and hidden corners without worrying about transport connections or luggage.
Covering this route involves crossing national borders and transversal regions.
The full route can be travelled independently, but for those preferring comfort and direct connections, shuttle service providers like CK Shuttle offer door-to-door transport linking Prague, Český Krumlov, Hallstatt, and Salzburg. Travelers are picked up directly from their hotel in Prague and travel in modern, air-conditioned vans to Český Krumlov, where they have about five hours of free time to explore.
While visitors wander through the Český Krumlov castle, enjoy lunch by the river, or visit local shops, their luggage is safely stored by the driver. Later in the afternoon, the trip continues toward Hallstatt or Salzburg, passing through scenic countryside and border villages before reaching the destination by evening.
It’s a practical way to cover the distance while still seeing more than one destination in a single day.
To make the stop in Český Krumlov — or any destination along the way — even more rewarding, travelers can use SmartGuide, a digital audio guide app that offers self-guided walking tours in over 30 languages. Travelers can download the app and listen while exploring.
The app turns a smartphone into a local storyteller, guiding visitors through landmarks based on geolocation, providing maps, multimedia content, and short stories that bring history to life. From tales of Bohemian nobility to the salt mines of Hallstatt, SmartGuide helps travelers understand not just what they see, but why it matters.
The app works offline and adapts to your pace, making it an easy way to discover the stories behind each place — no group tour or schedule required.
The Prague – Český Krumlov – Hallstatt tour blends practicality and cultural exploration. Instead of losing a travel day to transfers and connections, it becomes a day of discovery — from Czech castles to Austrian lakes.
To follow this route the easy way:
Book your transfer with CK Shuttle – direct, hotel-to-hotel travel between Prague, Český Krumlov, Hallstatt, and Salzburg.
Download SmartGuide – explore each destination independently with self-guided walking tours available offline in your language.
Enjoy the freedom of self-guided exploration, paired with the comfort of hassle-free transport — the perfect combination for discovering the best of Central Europe.