Planning Your Visit to the Cloak Bridge

The Cloak Bridge, or Plášťový most, is a massive stone structure. It features three levels of arched walkways. Photographers love the bridge for its unique vertical design. You should visit early in the morning to avoid large crowds. The light is soft and perfect for architecture shots. Most visitors arrive by mid-morning, so plan accordingly.

Check the State Castle and Chateau Český Krumlov website for event schedules. Some castle areas might close for private functions in 2026. Knowing the layout helps you move between spots quickly. The bridge area is walkable but has many steep cobblestone paths. Wear comfortable shoes for your photography session.

9 Best Photo Spots Near the Cloak Bridge

Finding the right angle is key to capturing this massive bridge. Here are the most iconic and hidden locations for your gallery.

• Best overall: Seminary Garden
• Best for sunset: 5th Castle Courtyard
• Best for scale: Rybářská Street
• Best free spot: Latrán Street

1. Name: Seminary Garden (Seminární zahrada) Type: viewpoint Why go: This is the most famous view of the town and bridge. Best for: Panoramic skyline shots. Where: Opposite the Hotel Růže in the town center. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: A short walk from Svornosti Square. Tip: Use a wide-angle lens to include the river and bridge.
2. Name: 5th Castle Courtyard Type: sight Why go: This spot is actually on top of the bridge. Best for: Looking down at the red rooftops. Where: Between the theater and the castle gardens. Time: 20 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk through the castle courtyards upward. Tip: This is one of the top sights in Cesky Krumlov for sunset.
3. Name: Rybářská Street Type: experience Why go: You stand directly under the massive arches. Best for: Showing the sheer height of the bridge. Where: Down by the Vltava riverbank. Time: 15 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk down the stairs from the bridge entrance. Tip: Look up to capture the dramatic perspective of the stone pillars.
4. Name: The Castle Tower Type: viewpoint Why go: It offers the highest bird's-eye view of the bridge. Best for: Aerial-style photography without a drone. Where: The 2nd Castle Courtyard. Time: 45 minutes. Cost: Small entry fee for the tower. Getting there: Follow signs for climbing the Castle Tower. Tip: The stairs are narrow, so carry minimal gear.
5. Name: Latrán Street Type: neighborhood Why go: You can frame the bridge between historic buildings. Best for: Street photography with a landmark background. Where: The historic street leading to the castle. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Main walking path from the town center. Tip: Visit at blue hour when the street lamps turn on.
6. Name: Cloak Bridge Lower Arches Type: sight Why go: A hidden path goes through the very bottom level. Best for: Framing the river through the stone arches. Where: The pedestrian path near the river. Time: 10 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk towards the river from the castle entrance. Tip: Great for symmetrical shots and reflections.
7. Name: Castle Garden Terrace Type: nature Why go: It provides a side profile of the bridge structure. Best for: Capturing the bridge and the castle theater together. Where: The entrance to the Zámecká zahrada. Time: 20 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk past the 5th courtyard. Tip: The gardens are usually closed in winter.
8. Name: Horní Street Viewpoint Type: viewpoint Why go: It offers a clean view of the bridge without the town crowds. Best for: Long exposure shots of the castle complex. Where: Near the Regional Museum. Time: 15 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk uphill from the main square. Tip: Excellent for tripod users at night.
9. Name: Monastery Garden Type: experience Why go: A peaceful spot with a unique side angle. Best for: Quiet photography sessions. Where: Near the Monasteries complex. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: North of the Latrán district. Tip: Check the garden opening hours as they vary by season.

Photography Tips for Český Krumlov in 2026

Photography in Český Krumlov requires some preparation. The cobblestone streets can be slippery when wet. Use a sturdy tripod for night shots of the bridge. The bridge is beautifully lit after dark in 2026. This creates a magical atmosphere for long exposures. Avoid using large drones as local regulations are very strict.

Consider the season for your visit. Autumn brings colorful leaves that frame the bridge beautifully. Winter offers a snowy, gothic look to the architecture. Summer provides the longest daylight hours for exploring. Always respect the privacy of local residents while taking photos. Stay on marked paths within the castle grounds.