10 Best Viewpoints in Český Krumlov for 2026

Finding the perfect angle in this medieval town is easy. The river creates a unique loop around the center. This layout provides many different elevations for photos. Most of these spots are within walking distance. You can see the whole town in one afternoon. Here are the top locations for stunning vistas.

• Quick picks:
• Best overall: Seminary Garden
• Best for families: Castle Garden
• Best rainy-day: Castle Tower (Indoor stairs)
• Best free: Cloak Bridge

1. Name: Seminary Garden Type: viewpoint Why go: This is the most famous postcard view. It shows the castle tower perfectly framed by trees. You can see the whole Old Town from here. Best for: Classic city panoramas. Where: Horní Street, next to the Regional Museum. Time: 20-30 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk up the hill from the main square. Tip: Visit in the morning for the best light. Check where the Seminary Garden viewpoint is located before you go.
2. Name: Cloak Bridge Type: sight Why go: This massive stone bridge offers two levels of views. The lower level is open to everyone. It overlooks the river and the Latrán district. Best for: Architectural photos and river views. Where: Between the second and fourth castle courtyards. Time: 15 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk through the main castle gates and keep going up. Tip: Look through the small arched windows for framed shots. Learn more about the Cloak Bridge architecture and views.
3. Name: Castle Tower Type: experience Why go: It is the highest point in the city center. You get a 360-degree view of the entire region. The colorful tower itself is a masterpiece. Best for: Panoramic bird's-eye views. Where: Second Castle Courtyard. Time: 45 minutes. Cost: Small entry fee required. Getting there: Enter via the Red Gate and walk to the tower base. Tip: The stairs are narrow, so go early to avoid crowds. Visit the official castle site for current prices.
4. Name: Fifth Castle Courtyard Type: viewpoint Why go: This area is located past the Cloak Bridge. It offers a wide view of the town's southern side. It is often quieter than the main bridge. Best for: Sunset photography. Where: Upper part of the castle complex. Time: 20 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Continue walking uphill from the Cloak Bridge. Tip: This is one of the best sunset spots overlooking Český Krumlov Castle.
5. Name: Mountain of the Cross (Křížová hora) Type: day trip Why go: It offers a distant view of the whole town. You can see how the castle sits above the river. The walk up is peaceful and green. Best for: Nature lovers and hikers. Where: Southern outskirts of the town. Time: 1.5 to 2 hours round trip. Cost: Free. Getting there: Follow the blue hiking trail from the town center. Tip: Bring water as there are no shops at the top.
6. Name: Castle Garden Type: nature Why go: The garden is vast and beautifully manicured. It features a large pond and a revolving theater. You get glimpses of the castle through the hedges. Best for: Relaxing walks and garden photography. Where: The very top of the castle hill. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Free (seasonal opening). Getting there: Walk past the fifth courtyard to the garden gates. Tip: Check the castle garden and revolving theatre schedule for events.
7. Name: St. Vitus Church Terrace Type: sight Why go: This spot provides a close-up view of the Gothic church. It also looks down into the narrow streets below. The atmosphere is very historic. Best for: Detail shots of the church spire. Where: Kostelní Street. Time: 15 minutes. Cost: Free to view the exterior. Getting there: Walk towards the tall spire visible from the square. Tip: The interior is also worth a quick visit.
8. Name: Lazebnický Bridge Type: experience Why go: This is the wooden bridge connecting the castle to the old town. You are right above the water here. You can see rafters floating by in summer. Best for: River-level action shots. Where: Between Latrán and the Old Town. Time: 10 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: This is the main walking path in town. Tip: It gets very crowded at noon.
9. Name: Horní Street Overlook Type: viewpoint Why go: This is right at the entrance to the historic center. It gives you an immediate "wow" moment. You see the castle and the church together. Best for: First-time visitors. Where: Near the bus stop "Špičák" entrance path. Time: 10 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk from the main bus station toward the center. Tip: This is a great spot for a quick selfie.
10. Name: Latrán District Alleys Type: experience Why go: These narrow streets offer framed views of the castle gates. The colorful houses add a lot of charm. It feels like stepping back in time. Best for: Street photography. Where: The district below the castle. Time: 45 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Cross the Lazebnický Bridge from the square. Tip: Look for the Budějovice Gate at the end of the street.

How to Reach the Best Viewpoints in Český Krumlov

Český Krumlov is best explored on foot. The historic center is mostly a pedestrian zone. Most viewpoints are located within this compact area. You should wear comfortable shoes for the cobblestones. The walk to the castle involves some steep inclines.

You can arrive by bus or train from Prague. The bus station is closer to the center than the train station. From the bus station, it is a ten-minute walk. You will pass the Horní Street overlook on your way in. This is a great introduction to the town.

For the higher spots, like the Mountain of the Cross, plan for a hike. The paths are well-marked with color-coded signs. These signs are common throughout the Czech Republic. They make navigation very simple for international tourists. Always carry a digital map for backup.

Best Photography Times for Scenic Spots

Timing is everything for the Best viewpoints in Český Krumlov. The morning sun hits the castle tower directly. This makes the Seminary Garden ideal before 10:00 AM. The light is soft and the shadows are long. You will also find fewer tourists at this hour.

Golden hour is perfect for the Fifth Courtyard. The sun sets behind the hills, lighting up the red roofs. The town glows in a warm orange hue. This is the best time for professional-looking photos. Stay until the blue hour to see the city lights flicker on.

Winter offers a different but beautiful perspective. Snow on the red roofs creates a magical scene. The crowds are much smaller in January and February. However, some garden areas may be closed for the season. Always check local weather before planning a sunrise shoot.

Practical Tips for Your Sightseeing Walk

Preparation makes your visit more enjoyable. The cobblestone streets can be slippery when wet. Avoid high heels or thin-soled shoes. Sturdy sneakers or walking boots are much better. This is especially true if you climb the castle tower.

Most viewpoints are free to access. However, the Castle Tower and museum require tickets. You can buy these at the visitor center or online. Buying online saves time during the busy summer months. Keep some local currency (Czech Koruna) for small snacks.

Stay hydrated while walking between the spots. There are many cafes near the river for a break. Try a local pastry like Trdelník while you enjoy the view. Remember to respect the local residents in quiet alleys. Keep noise levels down in residential parts of Latrán.