Medvedi Prikop (Bear Moat), Cesky Krumlov
Еу Bear Moat is a historic castle moat that spans between the First and Second courtyards of Český Krumlov Castle. In its early days, the moat played a crucial role in protecting the castle's perimeter, including the wall and the tower gate. The tower gate allowed entry to the second courtyard of the castle and was originally equipped with a wooden drawbridge.
One notable transformation occurred in 1760 when the original wooden drawbridge was replaced by a sturdy stone bridge. This stone bridge, adorned with statues of the Virgin Mary and St. Joseph, marked a significant change in the moat's structure and set the stage for its present-day configuration. This bridge is the foundation of the current Bear Moat.
The history of bear breeding at Český Krumlov Castle dates back to the 16th century, during the reign of the Rožmberk family. Bears have been a part of Bear Moat since 1707. Currently, the moat is home to a bear couple named Vok and Kateřina, who welcomed two cubs into the world in 1994. The birth of the cubs was celebrated with enthusiasm, and the bears became a beloved attraction for visitors, especially children.
One of the most cherished events at Český Krumlov Castle is the annual bear celebrations, held every year on Christmas Day. During this festive occasion, children participate by bringing various gifts for the bears. These gifts are placed under a decorated tree, creating a heartwarming and community-driven celebration that continues to delight both locals and visitors.
One notable transformation occurred in 1760 when the original wooden drawbridge was replaced by a sturdy stone bridge. This stone bridge, adorned with statues of the Virgin Mary and St. Joseph, marked a significant change in the moat's structure and set the stage for its present-day configuration. This bridge is the foundation of the current Bear Moat.
The history of bear breeding at Český Krumlov Castle dates back to the 16th century, during the reign of the Rožmberk family. Bears have been a part of Bear Moat since 1707. Currently, the moat is home to a bear couple named Vok and Kateřina, who welcomed two cubs into the world in 1994. The birth of the cubs was celebrated with enthusiasm, and the bears became a beloved attraction for visitors, especially children.
One of the most cherished events at Český Krumlov Castle is the annual bear celebrations, held every year on Christmas Day. During this festive occasion, children participate by bringing various gifts for the bears. These gifts are placed under a decorated tree, creating a heartwarming and community-driven celebration that continues to delight both locals and visitors.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Cesky Krumlov. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "51±¬ÁÏÍø: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
Medvedi Prikop (Bear Moat) on Map
Sight Name: Medvedi Prikop (Bear Moat)
Sight Location: Cesky Krumlov, Czech Republic (See walking tours in Cesky Krumlov)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Cesky Krumlov, Czech Republic (See walking tours in Cesky Krumlov)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Cesky Krumlov, Czech Republic
Create Your Own Walk in Cesky Krumlov
Creating your own self-guided walk in Cesky Krumlov is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Cesky Krumlov Castle Grounds Walk
Perhaps the main draw of Cesky Krumlov is its imposing castle, looming over the Old Town. Being one of Central Europe's most extensive castle complexes, it boasts a total of 40 buildings and five castle courtyards, making it an undeniably impressive sight. The origins of this castle trace back to approximately 1240, but its current Baroque appearance hails from the late 17th and early 18th... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 0.9 Km or 0.6 Miles
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 0.9 Km or 0.6 Miles
Cesky Krumlov Introduction Walking Tour
Cesky Krumlov is the second most popular tourist destination in the Czech Republic, trailing only Prague, the capital, in terms of visitors. And it’s no wonder since this medieval, UNESCO-listed town is simply the prettiest.
The name Cesky Krumlov has an intriguing etymology, in which "Cesky" means "Czech," while "Krumlov" is derived from the German name... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.6 Km or 1 Miles
The name Cesky Krumlov has an intriguing etymology, in which "Cesky" means "Czech," while "Krumlov" is derived from the German name... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.6 Km or 1 Miles