Planning Your Visit to the Castle Gardens

The gardens are located high above the Vltava River. You can reach them by walking through the castle courtyards. The path is steep but very scenic. Most visitors enter through the gate near the 5th courtyard. This entrance is close to the famous Cloak Bridge. Visiting Český Krumlov Castle Gardens for free is possible during the day. The gates usually open at 8:00 AM. They close at dusk, so check the local sunset times. The Revolving Theatre has its own schedule.

Performances at the theatre usually run from June to September. You must buy tickets well in advance. Shows often sell out months before the season starts. If you want to see the garden features, visit during the day. The Baroque fountain and flower beds look best in sunlight. Wear comfortable walking shoes for your visit. The paths are made of gravel and can be uneven. There are few places to buy food inside the gardens. Bring a bottle of water with you. You can find more details on the official landmark site.

12 Best Sights in the Castle Gardens and Revolving Theatre

This list includes the top highlights of the garden complex. It also features a few excellent trips nearby. These picks will help you plan a perfect day in South Bohemia.

1. Name: The Revolving Theatre Type: experience Why go: This is a world-unique open-air stage. The entire auditorium rotates during the play. Best for: Culture seekers and drama fans. Where: The western end of the gardens. Time: 2-3 hours. Cost: Varies by show; check the theatre schedule for prices. Tip: Bring a warm jacket even in summer as nights get cold.
2. Name: The Cascade Fountain Type: sight Why go: It is the centerpiece of the Baroque garden. It features statues of water deities and sea animals. Best for: Photographers. Where: Between the Upper and Lower gardens. Time: 15 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk 10 minutes from the 5th courtyard. Tip: The fountain is most beautiful when the water is running in summer.
3. Name: Bellarie Summerhouse Type: sight Why go: This Rococo building is a rare architectural gem. It serves as a beautiful backdrop for theatre plays. Best for: History buffs. Where: Next to the Revolving Theatre. Time: 10 minutes (exterior). Cost: Free to view. Getting there: Follow the main garden path. Tip: You cannot usually go inside, so enjoy the painted exterior.
4. Name: The Cloak Bridge Type: viewpoint Why go: It offers the most famous view of the town. You can see the river and the old center. Best for: Every visitor. Where: Connecting the castle to the gardens. Time: 10 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk through the castle courtyards. Tip: Read about the Cloak Bridge panoramic views before you go.
5. Name: The Castle Pond Type: nature Why go: It is a peaceful area at the back of the park. You can see water lilies and large trees. Best for: A quiet break. Where: The far western edge of the grounds. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk past the theatre to the end of the path. Tip: This is the quietest part of the entire castle complex.
6. Name: Castle Riding Hall Type: indoor Why go: This large building was used for winter horse training. Today it hosts concerts and exhibitions. Best for: Art and music lovers. Where: Near the garden entrance. Time: 20 minutes. Cost: Free to view outside; ticketed for events. Getting there: Located next to the 5th courtyard gate. Tip: Check the town calendar for classical music performances here.
7. Name: The Lower Garden Type: sight Why go: It features the most formal garden designs. The hedges are clipped into perfect shapes. Best for: Gardeners and plant lovers. Where: Between the entrance and the fountain. Time: 20 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Enter through the main garden gate. Tip: Visit in May or June to see the roses in bloom.
8. Name: Church of St. Vitus Type: sight Why go: It is a massive Gothic church that dominates the town. The architecture is stunning. Best for: Fans of old churches. Where: In the town center, visible from the gardens. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Free (donations welcome). Getting there: A short walk from the castle. Tip: Learn about St. Vitus architecture to appreciate the details.
9. Name: The Upper Garden Type: nature Why go: This area feels like a natural forest park. It has old oaks and winding paths. Best for: Nature walks. Where: Beyond the Cascade Fountain. Time: 40 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk uphill from the fountain. Tip: This area is perfect for a morning jog.
10. Name: Hluboká Castle Type: day trip Why go: It is one of the most romantic castles in Europe. It looks like a white fairy-tale palace. Best for: Families and couples. Where: 30 kilometers north of the city. Time: 4 hours. Cost: Entry fee for tours. Getting there: Take a bus from the main station. Tip: The castle gardens there are also worth a visit.
11. Name: Holašovice Village Type: day trip Why go: It is a preserved village with unique folk architecture. It is a UNESCO site. Best for: Culture lovers. Where: 25 kilometers from Český Krumlov. Time: 2 hours. Cost: Free to walk around. Getting there: Best reached by car or tour. Tip: Visit during the July country fair for local crafts.
12. Name: Lipno Treetop Walkway Type: day trip Why go: You can walk among the tops of the trees. It offers views of the Alps on clear days. Best for: Adventure and families. Where: 35 kilometers southwest. Time: 3 hours. Cost: Ticket required. Getting there: Take a train to Lipno nad Vltavou. Tip: Use the 52-meter slide to get back to the ground.

Travel Tips for the Revolving Theatre

Attending a play at the Revolving Theatre is a special event. The stage is the natural park itself. Actors move through the grass and trees. The audience sits on a platform that turns. This means you see different scenes in different locations. It is a very immersive experience. Most plays are in Czech. However, many shows offer English subtitles. You can use a tablet or phone to read them. Check the Visit Czechia portal for more travel ideas.

Weather is the biggest factor for the theatre. Shows happen even in light rain. They only cancel for very heavy storms. Umbrellas are not allowed during the show. They block the view of other people. Bring a good raincoat or poncho instead. Blankets are often available for rent. The night air in the gardens can be quite chilly. Even in August, the temperature drops quickly. Arrive at least 30 minutes before the show starts. This gives you time to find your seat and enjoy the view.