10 Best Scenic Viewpoints in Cesky Krumlov

Finding the right angle is key to enjoying this UNESCO World Heritage site. The town is built on hills, which makes it perfect for panoramic views. You can find many top things to see just by walking through the historic center. Some spots are free, while others require a small entry fee. Here are the top locations to add to your itinerary.

• Best Overall View: Castle Tower
• Best Free Spot: Seminární Zahrada
• Best for Sunset: Fifth Castle Courtyard
• Best Hidden Gem: Bus Station Overlook

1. Name: Castle Tower Type: iconic sight Why go: It is the highest point in the historic center. You get a 360-degree view of the entire town and the surrounding countryside. Best for: Photographers and first-time visitors. Where: Second Castle Courtyard. Time: 30-45 minutes. Cost: Small fee (approx. 150 CZK). Getting there: Walk from the town center through the Red Gate. Tip: Buy a combined ticket for the Castle Tower and Museum to save money.
2. Name: Cloak Bridge Type: sight Why go: This multi-story stone bridge offers a unique framed view of the town. It is one of the most famous scenic spots in the city. Best for: Architecture lovers. Where: Between the fourth and fifth castle courtyards. Time: 15 minutes. Cost: Free to walk across. Getting there: Follow the main path through the castle grounds. Tip: Visit early in the morning to avoid the tour groups.
3. Name: Seminární Zahrada Type: viewpoint Why go: This garden is located right next to the Regional Museum. It offers a perfectly centered view of the castle and its tower across the river. Best for: Relaxing and taking classic postcards photos. Where: Horní Street, across from the Jesuit College. Time: 20 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: A short walk uphill from the main square. Tip: Check the location map to find the best benches for a picnic.
4. Name: Fifth Castle Courtyard Type: experience Why go: This area provides a wide perspective of the Vltava River loop. It is widely considered one of the best sunset spots in town. Best for: Couples and sunset watchers. Where: Beyond the Cloak Bridge and the Baroque Theatre. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk through the castle complex toward the gardens. Tip: Lean against the stone walls for the best angle of the river below.
5. Name: Castle Garden Type: nature Why go: The garden is vast and features a beautiful fountain. At the very end, there is a quiet pond and views of the surrounding hills. Best for: Families and nature lovers. Where: The highest part of the castle complex. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Free. Getting there: Follow the path uphill from the Fifth Courtyard. Tip: Visit in late spring when the flowers are in full bloom.
6. Name: Church of St. Vitus Type: sight Why go: The church itself is a masterpiece. From its terrace, you can see the narrow streets of the Latrán district from a different angle. Best for: History buffs. Where: Kostelní Street. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Free (donations welcome). Getting there: Walk up the stairs from the main square. Tip: Look at the intricate Gothic details before heading to the viewpoint.
7. Name: Latrán River Bank Type: neighborhood Why go: This spot is at river level rather than high up. You get a dramatic view of the castle towering directly over you. Best for: Unique low-angle photography. Where: Near the Barber’s Bridge in the Latrán district. Time: 15 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk across the wooden bridge from the Old Town. Tip: This is a great place to watch the wooden rafts float by.
8. Name: Bus Station Overlook Type: viewpoint Why go: Many people miss this spot because it is outside the historic center. It offers a massive panoramic view of the entire UNESCO area. Best for: Seeing the scale of the town. Where: Near the main bus terminal (AN). Time: 10 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk 10 minutes from the town center toward the bus station. Tip: This is the first view you should see when arriving by bus.
9. Name: Mount Kleť Type: day trip Why go: This is the highest peak in the Blanský Forest. On clear days, you can see all the way to the Alps. Best for: Hikers and adventure seekers. Where: About 6 miles from Cesky Krumlov. Time: 3-4 hours. Cost: Free for hiking; small fee for the chairlift. Getting there: Take a local train or bus to Holubov and then hike or take the lift. Tip: Visit the observatory at the top for even better views.
10. Name: Vyšný Hill Type: nature Why go: This hill offers a peaceful escape from the city crowds. You can see the town nestled in the valley surrounded by green forests. Best for: Those seeking quiet and solitude. Where: North of the city center. Time: 1.5 hours. Cost: Free. Getting there: Follow the green-marked hiking trail from the train station. Tip: Bring water as there are few shops on the trail.

Practical Tips for Visiting Viewpoints in Cesky Krumlov

To enjoy the best scenic viewpoints in Cesky Krumlov, you should plan for walking. The town is mostly pedestrian, and many paths are made of cobblestones. Wear comfortable shoes to handle the inclines. Most viewpoints are accessible throughout the year. However, the Castle Tower and gardens may have limited hours in winter.

Crowds can be heavy during the middle of the day. Many day-trippers arrive from Prague around 11:00 AM. To have the viewpoints to yourself, start your tour at 8:00 AM. Alternatively, wait until after 5:00 PM when the groups leave. The evening light also makes for better photos of the State Castle and Chateau.

Check the weather before you head to higher spots like Mount Kleť. Fog can often roll into the valley during autumn. This might block your view of the town. On sunny days, the visibility is excellent. Always carry a small amount of Czech Koruna (CZK) for tower entry fees.

Planning Your Sightseeing Route

A good route starts at the official tourism portal recommendations. Begin your day at the main square, Svornosti. Walk up to the Seminární Zahrada for your first look at the castle. Then, cross the bridge and enter the castle through the Red Gate. This is the most efficient way to see several spots in a row.

Climb the Castle Tower first while you have the most energy. After the tower, walk through the courtyards toward the Cloak Bridge. Spend some time at the Fifth Courtyard to enjoy the river views. If you have time, continue into the Castle Garden for a long walk. This route covers five of the best spots in about three hours.

In the afternoon, head back down to the Latrán district. Explore the river banks and the small shops. If you want a longer hike, head toward Vyšný Hill. This provides a great contrast to the busy castle area. Ending your day at a riverside cafe is the perfect way to finish.

Photography Tips for the Best Scenic Viewpoints in Cesky Krumlov

Capturing the best scenic viewpoints in Cesky Krumlov requires good timing. The "Golden Hour" occurs shortly after sunrise and before sunset. During this time, the red roofs of the town glow with a warm light. The shadows also add depth to the medieval architecture. Use a wide-angle lens for the panoramic shots from the tower.

For the Cloak Bridge, try to frame the town through the stone arches. This creates a natural border for your photo. If you are shooting from the Seminární Zahrada, use a tripod if possible. This spot is great for long-exposure shots as the sun goes down. The castle lights up at night, providing a magical atmosphere.

Don't forget to look for small details. The town is full of colorful frescoes and unique chimneys. Sometimes the best view is not the widest one. Zoom in on the Church of St. Vitus or the castle weather vanes. These smaller shots help tell the story of your trip to this historic gem.