Is Český Krumlov Castle Open in Winter? The 2026 Rules

When asking is Český Krumlov castle open in winter, you must distinguish between the grounds and the tours. The main castle courtyards and the massive Cloak Bridge remain open all year. You can walk through the complex for free from dawn until dusk. This allows you to admire the Renaissance and Baroque architecture even in January.

However, the guided tours of the historic royal apartments are closed from November through March. These rooms are not heated, which helps preserve the delicate frescoes and tapestries. If you want to see the interiors, you should head to the Castle Museum. This section stays open throughout the winter months, usually closing only on Mondays.

The Castle Tower also remains open, weather permitting. Climbing the 162 steps offers the most famous view of the town's red roofs. In winter, the sight of the winding Vltava River surrounded by snow is magical. Always check the State Castle official site for daily weather-related closures.

10 Must-See Sights for Your Winter in Český Krumlov

Winter offers a quieter, more intimate experience in this medieval town. Here are the top ten sights to include in your itinerary. These picks ensure you stay warm while seeing the best of the region.

• Best overall: Castle Museum and Tower
• Best for families: Monasteries Český Krumlov
• Best rainy-day: Museum Fotoatelier Seidel
• Best free: Cloak Bridge Viewpoint

1. Name: Castle Museum and Tower Type: Iconic Sight Why go: It is the primary way to see castle history during the winter months. Best for: History lovers and photographers. Where: Castle District (Latrán). Time: 1.5 hours. Cost: Approx. 180 CZK. Getting there: Enter via the Red Gate in the Latrán neighborhood. Tip: Buy a combined ticket to save money on both the museum and tower.
2. Name: Monasteries Český Krumlov Type: Unique Experience Why go: This vast complex offers heated indoor exhibits about medieval life and crafts. Best for: Families and culture seekers. Where: Latrán. Time: 2 hours. Cost: Varies by exhibit; approx. 200 CZK. Getting there: Located just a short walk from the castle entrance. Tip: Visit the interactive craft workshops to make your own traditional souvenir.
3. Name: Museum Fotoatelier Seidel Type: Museum Why go: It is a perfectly preserved Art Nouveau photo studio that feels like a time capsule. Best for: Art and photography enthusiasts. Where: Linecká Street. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Approx. 150 CZK. Getting there: A 10-minute walk from the main square toward the southern edge of town. Tip: Book a guided tour to hear the moving story of the Seidel family.
4. Name: Náměstí Svornosti Type: Neighborhood/Market Why go: The main square hosts the charming Christmas markets in December. Best for: Local food and atmosphere. Where: Old Town center. Time: 45 minutes. Cost: Free to enter. Getting there: This is the central hub of the pedestrian zone. Tip: Try the local "Trdelník" pastry and hot mulled wine (svařák) to stay warm.
5. Name: Egon Schiele Art Centrum Type: Museum/Indoor Why go: It features world-class modern art in a stunning 16th-century former brewery. Best for: Modern art fans. Where: Široká Street. Time: 1.5 to 2 hours. Cost: Approx. 200 CZK. Getting there: Located in the heart of the Old Town. Tip: Check out the museum café for one of the best quiet spots in town.
6. Name: St. Vitus Church Type: Iconic Sight Why go: This Gothic masterpiece is the town's spiritual heart and offers a peaceful retreat. Best for: Architecture and quiet reflection. Where: Kostelní Street. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Free (donations welcome). Getting there: Walk up the hill from the main square. Tip: Look for the impressive net vaulting in the ceiling.
7. Name: Cloak Bridge (Plášťový most) Type: Viewpoint Why go: The multi-story bridge provides the most iconic panoramic views of the town and river. Best for: Sightseeing. Where: Connecting the castle courtyards. Time: 15 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk through the castle courtyards toward the gardens. Tip: The lower passage is great for views, but the upper levels are closed in winter.
8. Name: Plesivec Neighborhood Type: Neighborhood Why go: It is a local residential area with colorful houses and fewer tourists. Best for: Escaping the crowds. Where: South of the historic center. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Free. Getting there: Cross the bridge near the Egon Schiele Art Centrum. Tip: Look for the local pubs here for much lower prices than the main square.
9. Name: Seminární zahrada Type: Viewpoint Why go: This garden terrace offers a postcard-perfect view of the castle and the tower. Best for: Quick photos. Where: Opposite the Hotel Růže. Time: 10 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk up Horní Street from the main square. Tip: This is the best spot for a "selfie" with the castle in the background.
10. Name: Moldavite Museum Type: Museum/Indoor Why go: Learn about the unique green gemstones formed by a meteorite impact in Bohemia. Best for: Science fans and shoppers. Where: Panská Street. Time: 45 minutes. Cost: Approx. 120 CZK. Getting there: Located in a narrow alley just off the main square. Tip: The museum shop is a reliable place to buy authentic moldavite jewelry.

Practical Tips for Visiting South Bohemia in Winter

Visiting in 2026 requires some preparation for the cold. The cobblestone streets are beautiful but can become very slippery when icy. Wear sturdy boots with good grip. Temperatures often drop below freezing, so thermal layers are essential for enjoying the outdoor viewpoints.

Most visitors arrive via bus or train from Prague. The bus is generally faster and drops you closer to the historic center. In winter, daylight is short, with the sun setting around 4:00 PM. Plan your outdoor photography for the morning and save museum visits for the late afternoon.

While winter is the low season, December is busy due to the holiday markets. If you plan to stay overnight, book your accommodation at least two months in advance. Many smaller pensions may close for a few weeks in January or February, so always verify your booking.