Iconic Castle Vistas and Landmark Spots

The castle is the heart of the city's skyline. It offers some of the most dramatic angles for photographers. You should plan to spend several hours exploring the different levels of the fortress. The State Castle and Chateau Český Krumlov is a must-visit for any creator. Use this Český Krumlov Castle guide to navigate the complex easily.

• Quick Pick (Best Overall): Castle Tower
• Quick Pick (Best for Sunset): Cloak Bridge
• Quick Pick (Best for Families): Castle Garden
• Quick Pick (Best Free Spot): Seminary Garden

1. Name: Castle Tower Type: Sight Why go: This is the highest point in the town center. You get a 360-degree view of the Vltava River and the old town. It is the most iconic shot you can take. Best for: Panoramas Where: Second Castle Courtyard Time: 45 minutes Cost: Check the entrance fee for the castle tower online Getting there: Walk up from the Latrán area through the main castle gate. Tip: Visit right when it opens to avoid other tourists in your shots.
2. Name: Cloak Bridge (Plášťový most) Type: Viewpoint Why go: This massive multi-story bridge offers a unique perspective of the city. You can shoot through the stone arches or from the top walkway. It frames the town perfectly against the hills. Best for: Architecture Where: Between the fourth and fifth castle courtyards Time: 20 minutes Cost: Free Getting there: Follow the main path through the castle courtyards. Tip: Go to the lower level of the bridge for a different perspective of the arches.
3. Name: Castle Garden (Zámecká zahrada) Type: Nature Why go: These gardens are vast and very well maintained. You can find beautiful fountains and long alleys of trees. It is a great place for lifestyle or portrait photography. Best for: Portraits Where: The highest part of the castle complex Time: 1 hour Cost: Free Getting there: Walk uphill past the Cloak Bridge and the castle theater. Tip: The revolving theater nearby offers interesting modern shapes for your photos.

Where to Take the Best Photos in Český Krumlov: Town Spots

The historic center is a maze of cobblestone streets and colorful buildings. Every alleyway feels like a step back in time. You can find many great spots by simply wandering around. Visit Czechia recommends exploring the town during the early morning. This is when the light is softest on the pastel walls. The river also provides excellent reflections of the old architecture.

1. Name: Seminary Garden (Seminární zahrada) Type: Viewpoint Why go: This is the most famous "postcard" view of the castle. It is a small terrace with a low wall that you can sit on. The entire castle sits perfectly in the background. Best for: Postcard shots Where: Next to the Hotel Růže on Horní street Time: 15 minutes Cost: Free Getting there: Walk up Horní street from the main square. Tip: This spot is perfect for "Instagram" style photos of yourself looking at the view.
2. Name: Lazebnický Bridge Type: Sight Why go: This wooden bridge connects the old town with the Latrán district. It offers a low-angle view of the castle tower. You can also see the wooden rafts floating down the river. Best for: River scenes Where: Connecting Latrán and the old town Time: 10 minutes Cost: Free Getting there: Walk down the main pedestrian street from the castle. Tip: Use a long exposure to make the river water look smooth.
3. Name: Horní Street Type: Experience Why go: This street has a steep incline that creates great depth in photos. The colorful houses lead your eye toward the church tower. It feels very authentic and less crowded than the main square. Best for: Street photography Where: Leading from the main square toward the museum Time: 20 minutes Cost: Free Getting there: Start at Svornosti Square and walk toward the Regional Museum. Tip: Look back toward the square for a great view of the town hall.
4. Name: Vltava Riverbank (Parkán) Type: Experience Why go: This narrow street runs right along the water. You can get very close to the river for reflection shots. There are many small cafes with charming outdoor seating. Best for: Reflections Where: Parkán street in the old town Time: 30 minutes Cost: Free Getting there: Take any small alley leading toward the river from the center. Tip: Visit at dusk when the street lamps start to glow.

Hidden Gems and Nearby Scenic Locations

If you want to escape the crowds, look for the quieter corners of the city. These spots offer a different mood for your photo gallery. Many people miss these locations because they stay on the main paths. Taking a short trip outside the center can also provide a wider view. You will see how the town fits into the rolling green hills of South Bohemia. These spots are perfect for creative and artistic shots.

1. Name: Monasteries Garden Type: Experience Why go: This is a very peaceful and quiet complex. The white walls and simple gardens are very photogenic. It offers a minimalist contrast to the ornate castle. Best for: Quiet shots Where: Latrán district Time: 45 minutes Cost: Usually free for the gardens Getting there: Walk through the red gate in the Latrán area. Tip: Look for the herb gardens for beautiful close-up nature photos.
2. Name: Svornosti Square Type: Sight Why go: This is the main market square of the town. It features a plague column and a beautiful town hall. The surrounding buildings are painted in bright, cheerful colors. Best for: Architecture Where: Center of the old town Time: 20 minutes Cost: Free Getting there: All main streets in the old town lead here. Tip: Shoot from the corners of the square to capture the most buildings at once.
3. Name: Mount Kleť Type: Day trip Why go: This is the highest mountain in the area. It has an old stone lookout tower. On a clear day, you can see all the way to the Alps. Best for: Landscape Where: About 10 kilometers from the town Time: 3-4 hours Cost: Small fee for the tower and chairlift Getting there: Take a local train or bus to Holubov and then the chairlift. Tip: Check the weather forecast for visibility before you go.