Our van pulled out of Vienna early in the morning. As we drove through the lush countryside, the atmosphere inside the vehicle was warm and excited. The kids asked questions about castles, old times, and if they’d really get to taste candy from the “old days.”

Our first cultural stop wasn’t a monument, but a bite. Along the route, we took breaks to sample some classic Czechoslovak-era sweets and beers. From “Pedro” chewing gum and “Lentilky” (colorful chocolate buttons) to rich “Tatranky” wafers and sweet “Horalky,” the kids were thrilled. The parents, on the other hand, were intrigued by the bold, full-bodied flavors of beers that once graced tables in Prague and Bratislava during the socialist period. Each snack and sip was a playful, nostalgic nod to a time long gone, yet still vividly alive through taste.

When we finally arrived in Cesky Krumlov, it felt as though we had entered a fairytale. The winding cobblestone streets, pastel-colored houses, and imposing castle above the Vltava River formed a picture-perfect backdrop. We were greeted by a local guide who brought the town’s rich history to life.

With each story, each alleyway, we drifted further into the past. We learned about the noble families who once ruled here, the medieval festivals, the Baroque theater inside the castle, and the town’s more recent transformation into a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The guide’s insights helped even the youngest kids understand why this town mattered, not just in Czech history, but in the broader tapestry of Europe.

Lunch was served at a traditional tavern, where dumplings, goulash, and more local beer awaited. It was hearty, humble, and delicious. Even the kids couldn’t resist the rustic charm of the local cuisine.

As the sun began to set, casting a golden glow over the rooftops of Krumlov, we made our way back to Vienna. The van was quieter this time—some children asleep, others still chatting softly about knights and castles.

We hadn’t just visited a town; we had traveled through time. Tasting the past, walking through centuries, and sharing it all with a family seeing it for the first time—it was a journey none of us will soon forget.

Cesky Krumlov reminded us that history lives not just in museums, but in every street corner, flavor, and shared story.