Where is the Seminary Garden viewpoint located exactly?

The Seminary Garden (Seminární zahrada) is easy to find. It is located on Horní street, directly across from the Regional Museum. This spot offers a classic postcard view of the castle and tower. You can reach it in five minutes by walking from the main square. The garden is a quiet space with benches and roses.

Many people miss this spot because it looks like a private entrance. Look for the large stone gate next to the museum building. Once inside, you will see a wide terrace overlooking the town. It is one of the best best sunset spots overlooking Český Krumlov Castle. The sun sets behind the castle hills, creating a golden glow over the red roofs.

10 best viewpoints in Český Krumlov for 2026

Explore the most scenic spots in this fairy-tale town. These locations offer the best angles for photography and relaxation. Here are our top picks for your next trip.

• Best overall: Seminary Garden
• Best for sunset: Cloak Bridge
• Best for heights: Castle Tower
• Best free spot: Fifth Courtyard

1. Name: Seminary Garden Type: Viewpoint Why go: It offers the most balanced view of the castle and the river. Best for: Classic postcard photos. Where: Horní Street, Latrán. Time: 15-30 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk up the hill from Svornosti Square. Tip: Visit early in the morning to avoid tour groups.
2. Name: Cloak Bridge Type: Architecture Why go: This massive stone bridge has several levels of viewing platforms. Best for: Seeing the river curves and the town's red roofs. Where: Between the 4th and 5th castle courtyards. Time: 20 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk through the castle grounds. Tip: Read about the Cloak Bridge architecture and views before you go.
3. Name: Castle Tower Type: Sight Why go: It is the highest point in the town center. Best for: 360-degree panoramic views of South Bohemia. Where: Second Castle Courtyard. Time: 45 minutes. Cost: Approximately 150 CZK. Getting there: Enter through the main castle gate. Tip: The stairs are narrow, so wear comfortable shoes.
4. Name: Fifth Castle Courtyard Type: Experience Why go: It has small window-like openings in the wall for framed photos. Best for: Artistic shots of the town below. Where: Past the Cloak Bridge. Time: 15 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Continue walking uphill through the castle. Tip: This is a great spot to rest before entering the gardens.
5. Name: Castle Garden Type: Nature Why go: A large Baroque garden with a beautiful fountain. Best for: A quiet walk away from the crowds. Where: Top of the castle complex. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Free. Getting there: Follow the path past the revolving theater. Tip: The gardens are usually closed during the winter months.
6. Name: Horní Street Museum Terrace Type: Viewpoint Why go: It is right next to the Seminary Garden but often less crowded. Best for: Seeing the St. Vitus Church spire. Where: Next to the Regional Museum. Time: 10 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk towards the museum from the square. Tip: Check the museum's opening hours for indoor exhibits.
7. Name: St. Vitus Church Type: Sight Why go: The area around the church offers unique angles of the narrow streets. Best for: Capturing the town's Gothic atmosphere. Where: Kostelní Street. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Free (donations welcome). Getting there: Walk uphill from the river. Tip: Be respectful as this is an active place of worship.
8. Name: Mount Kleť Type: Day trip Why go: It features the oldest stone lookout tower in Bohemia. Best for: Seeing the Alps on a very clear day. Where: 10 km north of the city. Time: 3-4 hours. Cost: Small fee for the tower; chairlift has a cost. Getting there: Take a local train to Holubov and then hike or use the chairlift. Tip: Visit the observatory at the top if you like science.
9. Name: Dívčí Kámen Type: Day trip Why go: Dramatic ruins of a castle on a high rock above the river. Best for: Hikers and history lovers. Where: Near the village of Třísov. Time: Half-day. Cost: Small entry fee. Getting there: 15-minute train ride followed by a 3 km walk. Tip: Bring water and snacks as there are few shops nearby.
10. Name: Svornosti Square Type: Neighborhood Why go: While not high up, the view of the surrounding Renaissance houses is iconic. Best for: People watching and town atmosphere. Where: Main town square. Time: 20 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: This is the heart of the Old Town. Tip: Visit the official tourism office located here for maps.

Planning your visit to the best viewpoints

To get the most out of your visit, timing is very important. Most viewpoints are open 24 hours, but the castle areas have specific gates. The State Castle and Chateau usually closes its courtyards at night. Early morning is the best time for photography because the light is soft. You will also avoid the large day-trip crowds from Prague.

Wear sturdy walking shoes because the streets are made of old cobblestones. Some viewpoints require climbing steep hills or stairs. Most spots are free, which makes Český Krumlov a great budget destination. Always keep a map or a GPS app handy. The winding streets can be confusing for first-time visitors.