Top Locations for Golden Hour Views

Watching the sunset here requires a little bit of planning. The sun often hides behind the hills early. You should check the exact sunset time for your date. Arriving 30 minutes early is a good rule. This gives you time to find the perfect angle for your camera.

Many people head straight to the castle. While the castle is great, there are other hidden gems. Some spots offer a view of the castle itself. Others let you sit right by the water. You can find more ideas in our best viewpoints in Český Krumlov guide.

• Best Overall: Cloister Bridge
• Best for Families: Seminary Garden
• Best Rainy-Day: Regional Museum Terrace
• Best Free Spot: Fifth Castle Courtyard

9 Best Sunset Spots in Český Krumlov City Center

Here are the top locations to enjoy the evening light. Each spot offers a unique perspective of the medieval streets. Most are within a ten-minute walk of the main square. Make sure to wear comfortable shoes for the cobblestones.

1. Name: Cloister Bridge (Plášťový most) Type: Sight Why go: This massive stone bridge offers the most iconic view of the town. Best for: Panoramic photos and romantic walks. Where: Castle complex, connecting the courtyards. Time: 20-30 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk up the hill from the Latrán district. Tip: Look through the stone arches for framed views of the river.
2. Name: Seminary Garden (Seminární zahrada) Type: Viewpoint Why go: It provides a perfectly centered view of the Castle Tower and the St. Vitus Church. Best for: Classic postcard shots. Where: Horní Street, across from the Regional Museum. Time: 15 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: A short walk from the main square (Náměstí Svornosti). Tip: This is a popular spot, so arrive early to get a spot by the wall.
3. Name: Fifth Castle Courtyard Type: Viewpoint Why go: It is located high above the town with wide-open views of the valley. Best for: Watching the sun dip behind the distant hills. Where: Past the Cloister Bridge in the castle grounds. Time: 20 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Follow the path through the castle courtyards. Tip: Check the official castle site for seasonal gate closing times.
4. Name: Regional Museum Terrace Type: Viewpoint Why go: This small terrace is quiet and offers a slightly different angle of the old town. Best for: A peaceful moment away from the main crowds. Where: Next to the Regional Museum on Horní Street. Time: 10-15 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk towards the museum from the main square. Tip: Visit the museum first, then enjoy the view as it closes.
5. Name: Castle Garden (Zámecká zahrada) Type: Nature Why go: It is the highest point in the city center with beautiful manicured hedges. Best for: A long evening stroll among flowers and fountains. Where: At the very top of the castle hill. Time: 45 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk up through all castle courtyards or take the back entrance. Tip: The gardens usually close at dusk, so check the time carefully.
6. Name: Barber’s Bridge (Lazebnický most) Type: Experience Why go: You can watch the light reflect off the Vltava River and the wooden bridge. Best for: Feeling the pulse of the city at twilight. Where: Connects the Old Town with the Latrán district. Time: 10 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Located in the heart of the pedestrian zone. Tip: Look up toward the castle to see it illuminated as the sun sets.
7. Name: Křížová hora (Mountain of the Cross) Type: Day trip Why go: It offers a bird's-eye view of the entire town and the surrounding forest. Best for: Hikers and those wanting a full sunset horizon. Where: A hill located just south of the city center. Time: 1.5 hours (including the walk). Cost: Free. Getting there: Follow the blue-marked trail from the town center. Tip: Bring a flashlight for the walk back down after dark.
8. Name: Rybářská Street Type: Neighborhood Why go: This riverside street offers a low-angle view of the castle towering above. Best for: Dramatic photography and riverside atmosphere. Where: Along the river below the castle. Time: 20 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk down the stairs from the main square area. Tip: There are several benches here where you can sit and watch the water.
9. Name: Castle Tower (Hrádek) Type: Sight Why go: It is the most famous symbol of the city with 360-degree views. Best for: Seeing the layout of the medieval streets from above. Where: The first castle courtyard. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Paid entry. Getting there: Enter through the Red Gate in Latrán. Tip: The tower often closes before the actual sunset, so go for the golden hour instead.

Practical Tips for Chasing the Sun

When visiting the best sunset spots in Český Krumlov city center, keep the weather in mind. South Bohemia can be chilly in the evening. Even in summer, a light jacket is useful. The sky often clears up after a quick afternoon rain. These moments usually provide the most vibrant colors for photos.

If you are looking for the best photos in Český Krumlov, bring a tripod. The low light in the narrow streets can make photos blurry. Many viewpoints are free to access at any time. However, the castle interior and tower have specific hours. Plan your route so you end at a free public viewpoint.

Finally, consider the crowds. The Cloister Bridge can get very busy. If you want a private moment, try the Mountain of the Cross. It is a bit further away but very peaceful. You can find more details on planning your visit in our city guide. Always respect the local residents by keeping noise levels down in the evening.