A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Heidelberg vs. Cesky Krumlov for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Heidelberg or Cesky Krumlov?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Heidelberg and Cesky Krumlov. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Where Should I go: Heidelberg or Cesky Krumlov?

Heidelberg

Heidelberg, in the state of Baden-Wurttemberg, is a top travel destination in Germany. It's picturesquely situated in the Neckar River Valley and is a wonderful place to spend a few days. The city has a population of over 148,000 and it's home to Germany's oldest university, the Ruprecht-Karls-Universitat, which has a student population of approximately 28,000.

Cesky Krumlov

Cesky Krumlov is a beautiful town located in Southern Bohemia in the Czech Republic. It sits along the Vltava River and is home to just over 13,000 residents. The town has many Baroque buildings as well as many pleasant cafes, restaurants and bars. It also has the second largest castle in the Czech Republic, and a beautiful old town square. The town remains very similar to how it was in the 18th century. Many of the buildings are well maintained, and many have been restored to their original beauty. The city is also a UNESCO World Heritage site, and has become a very popular tourist destination. During the summer months tourists may outnumber the local population.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Germany, The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Germany, The Best Tours for Seniors to Czech Republic, and The Best 3-Day Tours from Prague.


Which place is cheaper, Cesky Krumlov or Heidelberg?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Heidelberg is €142, while the average daily cost in Cesky Krumlov is €58. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Heidelberg and Cesky Krumlov in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Heidelberg 93
    Cesky Krumlov 35
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Heidelberg 186
    Cesky Krumlov 70
Compare Hotels in Heidelberg and Cesky Krumlov

Looking for a hotel in Heidelberg or Cesky Krumlov? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Heidelberg


Hotels in Cesky Krumlov


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Heidelberg Hotel Prices and Cesky Krumlov Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Heidelberg 17
    Cesky Krumlov 2.74

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Heidelberg

Also for Heidelberg, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Private Transfer from Heidelberg City to Mannheim City by Van: $64
  • Private Transfer from Badenweiler Thermal to Basel EuroAirport: $63
  • Privat Transfer From Basel EuroAirport BSL To Badenweiler : $126
  • One Way Private Transfer from Mannheim to Frankfurt : $251
  • Karlsruhe Airport (FKB) to BadenBaden Round-Trip Private Transfer: $46
  • Karlsruhe Airport (FKB) to Baden-Baden - Arrival Private Transfer: $23
  • Airport transfer from Karlsruhe Airport to Baden-Baden: $105

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cesky Krumlov

Also for Cesky Krumlov, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Transfer from Cesky Krumlov to Prague: Private daytrip with 2h for sightseeing: $156
  • Private Transfer from Cesky Krumlov to Prague, English-speaking driver: $122

Is it cheaper to fly into Heidelberg or Cesky Krumlov?

Prices for flights to both Cesky Krumlov and Heidelberg change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Heidelberg 37
    Cesky Krumlov 20

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Heidelberg

For Heidelberg, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Heidelberg crime dinner to solve the mystery with a delicious 3-course menu: $64
  • Craft Beer and Street Food Tour: $598

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Heidelberg 11
    Cesky Krumlov 6.12

Tours and Activities in Heidelberg

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Heidelberg.

  • 2 1/2h Guided Bicycle Tour Discover Heidelberg: $46
  • Alternative Heidelberg Tour.: $71
  • Amazing Schwetzingen Garden Tour: $238
  • Beer and Old Town Tour: $98
  • Bicycle Tour from Heidelberg to quaint Ladenburg.: $120
  • Culinary city tour in Heidelberg with delicious samples: $43
  • E.Bike Tours around Heidelberg: $153
  • Evening Heidelberg tour with historical night watchman: $17
  • Experience the Local Food around Mannheim: $64
  • Fascinating Heidelberg Sightseeing Walking Tour: $217
  • Food & Fables Tour of Heidelberg : $131
  • Guided Tour of Student Rabble, Whore Pack and the French War: $373

Tours and Activities in Cesky Krumlov

For Cesky Krumlov, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • 2,5h Chateau Collections and Tower Tour with Coffee & Dessert: $71
  • A day in the life of Český Krumlov - Private tour with a local: $196
  • Cesky Krumlov Old Town Private Walking Tour: $93
  • Cesky Krumlov Private Walking Tour With A Professional Guide: $209
  • Cesky Krumlov Scavenger Hunt and Best Landmarks Self-Guided Tour: $6.54
  • Cesky Krumlov Tour 4 hours : $278
  • Enchanting Český Krumlov Walking Tour: Echoes of the Past: $95
  • First white water experience with Tomáš Kobes: $218
  • Private Night tour of Český Krumlov: $85
  • Private evening tour Cesky Krumlov Old Town and Castle area: $60
  • Private tour of best of Český Krumlov - Sightseeing, Food & Culture with a local: $168
  • Touristic highlights of Český Krumlov on a Private half day tour with a local: $168

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Heidelberg 17
    Cesky Krumlov 3.15

Sample the Local Flavors in Heidelberg

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Heidelberg:

  • Highlights of the romantic Black Forest & brewery, private tour: $295


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Heidelberg and Cesky Krumlov, we can see that Heidelberg is more expensive. And not only is Cesky Krumlov much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Cesky Krumlov would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Cesky Krumlov and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Heidelberg would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Heidelberg than you might in Cesky Krumlov.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Heidelberg Expensive? and Is Cesky Krumlov Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Heidelberg or Cesky Krumlov?

Heidelberg has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Cesky Krumlov. When comparing the sizes of Heidelberg and Cesky Krumlov, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.


When is the best time to visit Heidelberg or Cesky Krumlov?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Heidelberg or Cesky Krumlov in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Heidelberg and Cesky Krumlov. Many visitors come to Heidelberg in the summer for the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Heidelberg is around the same temperature as Cesky Krumlov. Typically, the summer temperatures in Heidelberg in July average around 21°C (69°F), and Cesky Krumlov averages at about 20°C (68°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Cesky Krumlov this time of the year. In Heidelberg, it's very sunny this time of the year. Heidelberg usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Cesky Krumlov during summer. Heidelberg gets 224 hours of sunny skies, while Cesky Krumlov receives 227 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Heidelberg usually receives less rain than Cesky Krumlov. Heidelberg gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Cesky Krumlov receives 91 mm (3.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Heidelberg 21°C (69°F) 
    Cesky Krumlov 20°C (68°F)

Should I visit Heidelberg or Cesky Krumlov in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Heidelberg as well as Cesky Krumlov. Most visitors come to Heidelberg for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In October, Heidelberg is generally around the same temperature as Cesky Krumlov. Daily temperatures in Heidelberg average around 12°C (54°F), and Cesky Krumlov fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

In the autumn, Heidelberg often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Cesky Krumlov. Heidelberg gets 102 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cesky Krumlov receives 108 hours of full sun.

Heidelberg usually gets more rain in October than Cesky Krumlov. Heidelberg gets 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Cesky Krumlov receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Heidelberg 12°C (54°F) 
    Cesky Krumlov 11°C (52°F)

Should I visit Heidelberg or Cesky Krumlov in the Winter?

Both Cesky Krumlov and Heidelberg are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Heidelberg because of the shopping scene and the cuisine.

It's quite cold in Cesky Krumlov in the winter. The weather in Heidelberg can be very cold. Heidelberg is much warmer than Cesky Krumlov in the winter. The daily temperature in Heidelberg averages around 3°C (37°F) in January, and Cesky Krumlov fluctuates around -0°C (31°F).

Heidelberg usually receives less sunshine than Cesky Krumlov during winter. Heidelberg gets 38 hours of sunny skies, while Cesky Krumlov receives 44 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Heidelberg usually receives less rain than Cesky Krumlov. Heidelberg gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Cesky Krumlov receives 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Heidelberg 3°C (37°F) 
    Cesky Krumlov -0°C (31°F)

Should I visit Heidelberg or Cesky Krumlov in the Spring?

Both Cesky Krumlov and Heidelberg during the spring are popular places to visit. The natural beauty are the main draw to Heidelberg this time of year.

In the spring, Heidelberg is around the same temperature as Cesky Krumlov. Typically, the spring temperatures in Heidelberg in April average around 11°C (52°F), and Cesky Krumlov averages at about 11°C (51°F).

In the spring, Heidelberg often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Cesky Krumlov. Heidelberg gets 155 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cesky Krumlov receives 155 hours of full sun.

Heidelberg usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Cesky Krumlov. Heidelberg gets 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Cesky Krumlov receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Heidelberg 11°C (52°F) 
    Cesky Krumlov 11°C (51°F)

Typical Weather for Cesky Krumlov and Heidelberg

Heidelberg Cesky Krumlov
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 3°C (37°F) 52 mm (2 in) -0°C (31°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)
Feb 4°C (39°F) 52 mm (2 in) 2°C (36°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Mar 7°C (45°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 6°C (43°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
Apr 11°C (52°F) 57 mm (2.2 in) 11°C (51°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
May 16°C (60°F) 82 mm (3.2 in) 15°C (59°F) 82 mm (3.2 in)
Jun 19°C (65°F) 79 mm (3.1 in) 18°C (65°F) 92 mm (3.6 in)
Jul 21°C (69°F) 78 mm (3.1 in) 20°C (68°F) 91 mm (3.6 in)
Aug 20°C (68°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 19°C (67°F) 93 mm (3.6 in)
Sep 17°C (63°F) 63 mm (2.5 in) 16°C (61°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Oct 12°C (54°F) 57 mm (2.2 in) 11°C (52°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Nov 7°C (44°F) 65 mm (2.6 in) 5°C (42°F) 59 mm (2.3 in)
Dec 4°C (38°F) 63 mm (2.5 in) 1°C (35°F) 64 mm (2.5 in)