The History of the White Lady Legend

The story begins in the 15th century with Perchta von Rosenberg. She was forced into a miserable marriage by her father. Her husband was a cruel man who mistreated her for years. On his deathbed, he asked for her forgiveness. Perchta refused, and he cursed her to haunt his family estates forever.

Today, she is a symbol of the State Castle and Chateau Český Krumlov. Legend says she appears wearing different colored gloves. White gloves mean good news or a birth. Black gloves are a sign of coming tragedy or death. Red gloves often warn of a fire in the town.

Many locals still believe in her presence today. You can find many haunted mysterious places in Český Krumlov linked to her name. Before you start your walk, check these quick picks for your itinerary:

• Best overall: Český Krumlov Castle
• Best for families: Barber's Bridge
• Best rainy day: Museum of Torture
• Best free spot: Castle Garden

9 Haunted and Mysterious Places in Český Krumlov

To truly feel the legend of the White Lady of Český Krumlov, you must visit these sites. This town is a UNESCO World Heritage site with deep secrets. Here are the top spots to explore.

1. Name: Český Krumlov Castle Type: Sight Why go: This is the primary home of the White Lady ghost. Best for: History buffs and ghost hunters. Where: Castle District. Time: 2-3 hours. Cost: Usually 200-300 CZK for tours. Getting there: Walk up from the Latrán neighborhood. Tip: Look for the 15th-century portrait of Perchta in the castle interiors.
2. Name: The Castle Garden Type: Nature Why go: People report seeing the White Lady walking among the trees at twilight. Best for: A quiet, atmospheric walk. Where: Above the castle complex. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Free. Getting there: Follow the path past the revolving theater. Tip: Visit at sunset for the best atmosphere.
3. Name: Museum of Torture Type: Museum Why go: It showcases the darker side of medieval justice in the region. Best for: Those who enjoy macabre history. Where: Main Town Square (Náměstí Svornosti). Time: 45 minutes. Cost: Expect to pay around 100-150 CZK. Getting there: Located in the town hall basement. Tip: The wax figures can be very realistic and scary for kids.
4. Name: Barber's Bridge Type: Experience Why go: Linked to the tragic legend of a mad prince and a barber’s daughter. Best for: Romantic views with a dark twist. Where: Connects Latrán and the Old Town. Time: 15 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Central point of the town. Tip: Read the plaque about the "Mad Prince" Julius Caesar d'Austria.
5. Name: Latrán District Type: Neighborhood Why go: The oldest part of town with narrow, winding, eerie streets. Best for: Photography and exploring hidden alleys. Where: Below the castle. Time: 1-2 hours. Cost: Free. Getting there: Enter through the Budějovice Gate. Tip: Many buildings here still have original medieval murals.
6. Name: St. Vitus Church Type: Sight Why go: It houses the tombs of the Rosenberg family who started the legend. Best for: Architecture and quiet reflection. Where: Kostelní Street. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Free entry, donations welcome. Getting there: Visible from anywhere in the town center. Tip: Look for the Rosenberg crest with the five-petaled rose.
7. Name: The Jesuit College Type: Indoor Why go: Formerly a site of learning, now rumored to have ghostly monk sightings. Best for: Seeing grand Renaissance architecture. Where: Horní Street. Time: 20 minutes to view the exterior. Cost: Free (now a luxury hotel). Getting there: A short walk from the main square. Tip: The building has a beautiful courtyard often open to the public.
8. Name: Minorite Monastery Type: Indoor Why go: A peaceful but mysterious complex with ancient cloisters. Best for: Escape from the crowds. Where: Latrán. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Entrance fees apply for exhibitions at the Monasteries Český Krumlov. Getting there: Near the castle entrance. Tip: The gardens are a great place to rest.
9. Name: Zlatá Koruna Monastery Type: Day Trip Why go: A nearby Gothic monastery with its own dark legends and spirits. Best for: A half-day excursion. Where: 8 kilometers north of the city. Time: 3 hours. Cost: Paid tours available. Getting there: Take a local bus or train from the main station. Tip: It is one of the best-preserved monasteries in Bohemia.

Tips for Exploring Haunted Český Krumlov

To make the most of your visit, consider taking a self-guided night walk. The town looks completely different once the day-trippers leave. The narrow streets become quiet and the shadows grow long. This is the best time to feel the presence of the White Lady.

Always respect the local residents when exploring late at night. Many of the haunted buildings are now private homes or hotels. Keep your voice down and stay on public paths. If you want a deeper experience, look for official ghost tours. These guides often share secret stories not found in books.

Wear comfortable shoes for the cobblestone streets. Some areas near the castle can be slippery when wet. If you are visiting in 2026, check for special evening events. The town often hosts historical festivals that bring these legends to life.