As part of a two-month tour of Central Europe in early summer of 2006 we thought we would try and spend a few days in each of the lesser-visited countries adjoining Austria. So after a week steadily driving and exploring along an arc from Calais taking in Belgium and Holland we settled in at the south eastern corner of Germany near to the Austrian and Czech borders at Lackenhauser. From our large but quiet campsite (Knaus Campingpark ) it was possible to walk across a stream and be in Austria one side and Germany the other, literally a foot in both camps.
It was after a pleasant few days of local walking we drove off to visit one of the latest members of the E.Union, the Czech Republic who joined in 2004. Having purchased our Czech Crowns in the U.K. prior to leaving (roughly 45 to the pound then, more like 30 now) we were quite keen to explore and spend some of them.So we crossed into the Czech Republic at Bad Leonfelden on the border and drove along quiet hedge lined country roads similar to our native Norfolk, but in very bad state of repair. After a while we reached the outskirts of the walled fairy-tale medieval town of Cesky Krumlov. Parking was easy at a car park alongside the outer ring road (no height barrier ).
Then a short stroll through the old wall and over the bridge and we were in this picturesque old town, with its stunning architecture surrounding a wonderful central square. With the river Vltava almost encircling this small piece of Bohemia it s no wonder it has been placed on the Unesco World Heritage List. Lunch in the main square was a local fare of beef and bread dumplings; carp and salad washed down with coffee, at 330kc. ( 7) for both, very good value.
Although not a large place there is plenty of interest, side streets with trades-people demonstrating their skills.
And house fronts covered with lovely murals.
And the famous Round Tower. 
Our A.C.S.I. campsite book told us there was a lakeside site at Lake Lipno back southwards, so off we went and despite our non existent Czech and their total lack of English we booked in for the night with the lovely lake as our near neighbour, heaven. 
Chilling out time.
Our stay was over all too soon and it was time to return through the border checkpoint to Austria and follow the Blue Danube (more brown than blue) and our continuing adventure.