10 Best Viewpoints in Český Krumlov

Exploring the historic center reveals many hidden gems. You should wear comfortable shoes because the streets are made of cobblestones. Most of these spots are within walking distance of the main square. Here is our curated list of the top locations for sightseeing.

• Best Overall: Castle Tower
• Best Free Spot: Cloak Bridge
• Best for Sunset: Křížová hora
• Best Postcard View: Seminary Garden

1. Name: Castle Tower Type: sight Why go: This is the most iconic landmark in the city skyline. It offers a 360-degree view of the red-roofed houses and the river. Best for: Panoramic photography and city orientation. Where: Second Castle Courtyard. Time: 30-45 minutes. Cost: Paid entry (usually around 150-200 CZK). Getting there: Walk from Latrán through the Red Gate. Tip: You should consider climbing the Castle Tower early in the morning to avoid the midday heat and crowds.
2. Name: Cloak Bridge (Plášťový most) Type: sight Why go: This massive stone bridge connects the castle courts. It provides a framed view of the old town through its arches. Best for: Architecture lovers and quick scenic stops. Where: Between the fourth and fifth castle courtyards. Time: 15 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Follow the path up from the castle entrance. Tip: The Cloak Bridge architecture is best viewed from the riverbanks below as well.
3. Name: Seminary Garden (Seminární zahrada) Type: experience Why go: This is the most famous "postcard" spot in town. You get a perfectly balanced view of the Castle Tower and the St. Vitus Church. Best for: Group photos and selfies. Where: Opposite the Regional Museum on Horní street. Time: 20 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: A 2-minute walk from the main square. Tip: Visit during the morning for the best light on the castle walls.
4. Name: Castle Garden (Zámecká zahrada) Type: nature Why go: The upper terrace of the garden offers a peaceful view over the castle complex. It is much quieter than the lower town. Best for: A relaxing walk away from the crowds. Where: The highest point of the castle complex. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk past the revolving theatre inside the castle grounds. Tip: The gardens are usually closed during the winter months, so check seasonal dates.
5. Name: Křížová hora (Mountain of the Cross) Type: day trip Why go: This is the highest viewpoint near the city. You can see the entire valley and the surrounding Bohemian forest. Best for: Hikers and sunset watchers. Where: On the hill south of the town center. Time: 1.5 to 2 hours. Cost: Free. Getting there: A 20-minute uphill hike from the town. Tip: Bring a flashlight if you plan to stay for the sunset.
6. Name: Horní Street Viewpoint Type: sight Why go: Located right next to the museum, this small balcony offers a wide view of the Latrán district. Best for: Quick photos while exploring the town. Where: Horní street, near the entrance to the museum. Time: 10 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk uphill from the main square toward the bus station. Tip: This is a great spot to see the top sights in Cesky Krumlov in one frame.
7. Name: Vltava Riverbank (Parkán) Type: experience Why go: Seeing the castle from the water level is a unique perspective. The high walls look even more imposing from here. Best for: Low-angle photography. Where: Parkán street along the river. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk through the narrow alleys from the main square. Tip: You can also see this view while riding sightseeing rafts on the river.
8. Name: St. Vitus Church Tower Type: sight Why go: This Gothic church is the second tallest structure in town. The view looks back toward the castle and the Latrán neighborhood. Best for: History buffs and architecture fans. Where: Kostelní street. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Small fee for tower access. Getting there: Short walk from the town square. Tip: Be sure to visit the interior of St. Vitus before climbing the tower.
9. Name: Vyšehrad Viewpoint Type: sight Why go: This spot is located near the train station. It provides a massive panoramic view of the whole UNESCO site. Best for: First-time visitors arriving by train. Where: Near the Vyšehrad residential area. Time: 15 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk down the hill from the main train station. Tip: This is the best place to understand the "S" shape of the river.
10. Name: Latrán Street Bridge Type: experience Why go: The bridge connecting the old town to the Latrán neighborhood offers views of the castle gate. Best for: Street photography and people watching. Where: Lazebnický most (Barber's Bridge). Time: 10 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk between the castle and the town square. Tip: Look for the wooden statues on the bridge for a classic photo.

Photography Tips for the Best Viewpoints

To get the best photos, you must plan your timing. The "Golden Hour" occurs just after sunrise and before sunset. During these times, the castle walls glow with a warm orange light. Most tourists arrive by bus around 10:00 AM. If you want empty viewpoints, you should start your walk at 7:00 AM.

Using a wide-angle lens is helpful for the narrow streets. However, a zoom lens is better for the Castle Tower views. You can capture the intricate details of the State Castle and Chateau from afar. Always check the weather forecast before heading to Křížová hora. Clouds can sometimes block the distant views of the mountains.

Respect the local residents while you take photos. Some viewpoints are located near private homes or quiet gardens. Keep noise levels low in the early morning. Many spots are part of the UNESCO World Heritage area, so please stay on marked paths. This helps preserve the beauty of the city for future visitors.

Best Time to Visit These Scenic Spots

Every season brings a different mood to the city. Spring is wonderful because the trees in the Castle Garden begin to bloom. The weather is usually mild and perfect for walking. You will find fewer crowds in April and May than in the summer. This makes it easier to get clear shots at the best viewpoints in Český Krumlov.

Summer is the busiest time of the year. The river is full of colorful rafts and the sun stays up late. If you visit in July, expect long lines for the Castle Tower. Autumn is arguably the most beautiful season for photography. The surrounding hills turn vibrant shades of red and gold.

Winter offers a magical, quiet atmosphere. If you are lucky, snow will cover the red roofs of the town. The Christmas markets in the main square add a festive glow to your photos. Just remember that some attractions have limited hours in winter. Always check the official tourism board for the latest schedules.