The Magic of Cloak Bridge Panoramic Views

The Cloak Bridge, or Plášt’ový most, is a masterpiece of engineering. It stands on massive stone pillars that span a deep moat. The bridge has three levels of arched galleries. Each level provides a different perspective of the historic center. These best scenic viewpoints in Cesky Krumlov are essential for any photographer.

From the upper levels, you can see the entire town curve around the river. The view is especially beautiful during the golden hour. At sunset, the stone walls glow with warm light. You can look down at the rafters paddling through the locks. It is a peaceful place to stop and admire the UNESCO World Heritage landscape.

Most visitors walk across the open top level for free. However, the covered galleries are part of the castle tours. These interior passages offer framed views through small windows. They connect the royal apartments directly to the Baroque Theatre. This layout allowed nobles to move unseen between buildings.

12 Top Sights for Cloak Bridge Panoramic Views

Here are the best places to experience the town and its famous bridge. This list includes iconic landmarks and unique local experiences.

• Best overall: Cloak Bridge Upper Deck
• Best for families: Graphite Mine
• Best rainy-day: Egon Schiele Art Centrum
• Best free: Castle Gardens

1. Name: Cloak Bridge (Plášt’ový most) Type: Sight/Viewpoint Why go: It offers the most iconic Cloak Bridge panoramic views of the river and town. Best for: Photographers and history lovers. Where: Between the 4th and 5th castle courtyards. Time: 20–30 minutes. Cost: Free to walk the top level. Getting there: Walk up from the Latrán district through the castle gates. Tip: Visit early in the morning to avoid the tour groups.
2. Name: Castle Tower Type: Viewpoint Why go: It is the highest point in the city for a 360-degree view. Best for: Seeing the bridge from above. Where: 2nd Castle Courtyard. Time: 45 minutes. Cost: Usually around 180 CZK. Getting there: Follow the signs for the castle tower and museum. Tip: The stairs are narrow, so take your time climbing.
3. Name: Castle Gardens Type: Nature/Park Why go: These gardens are beautifully manicured and very peaceful. Best for: A relaxing stroll after the castle tour. Where: Behind the Cloak Bridge. Time: 1–2 hours. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk across the Cloak Bridge and follow the path uphill. Tip: Look for the revolving theatre located inside the garden grounds.
4. Name: Baroque Theatre Type: Unique Experience Why go: It is one of the world's best-preserved 18th-century theaters. Best for: Fans of historical stagecraft. Where: 5th Castle Courtyard. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Only accessible via guided tour. Getting there: Walk across the bridge to the very end of the castle complex. Tip: Book theatre guided tours in advance as tickets are limited.
5. Name: Church of St. Vitus Type: Iconic Sight Why go: This Gothic church is a landmark of the town's skyline. Best for: Seeing impressive medieval architecture. Where: Kostelní street, old town center. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Free (donations welcome). Getting there: A short walk from the main town square. Tip: Respect ongoing services when visiting the church of St Vitus interior.
6. Name: Egon Schiele Art Centrum Type: Museum Why go: It showcases the work of the famous expressionist artist. Best for: Modern art enthusiasts. Where: Široká street. Time: 1.5–2 hours. Cost: Approximately 200 CZK. Getting there: Located in the heart of the old town. Tip: The gallery also hosts great contemporary guest exhibitions.
7. Name: Vltava River Rafting Type: Local Experience Why go: See the Cloak Bridge from the water looking up. Best for: Adventure seekers and families. Where: Various rental points along the river. Time: 1–3 hours. Cost: Varies by boat type and duration. Getting there: Many docks are near the Latrán bridge. Tip: Be prepared to get a little wet when going through the river locks.
8. Name: Museum Fotoateliér Seidel Type: Museum Why go: A perfectly preserved early 20th-century photo studio. Best for: Photography buffs and history fans. Where: Linecká street. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Entry fee applies. Getting there: A 10-minute walk from the town square. Tip: The Seidel museum offers a unique look at local life 100 years ago.
9. Name: Minorite Monastery Type: Museum/Indoor Why go: A quiet and spiritual complex with beautiful cloisters. Best for: Escaping the main tourist crowds. Where: Latrán district. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Small entry fee for the exhibitions. Getting there: Near the castle entrance in the lower town. Tip: Check out the monastery complex for its peaceful gardens and craft workshops.
10. Name: Graphite Mine Type: Unique Experience Why go: Take a train ride deep underground into a real mine. Best for: Families with children. Where: Chvalšinská street. Time: 1.5 hours. Cost: Around 250 CZK. Getting there: About a 15-minute walk from the city center. Tip: It is cold underground, so bring a jacket even in summer.
11. Name: Latrán Neighborhood Type: Neighborhood/Walk Why go: It is the most historic and colorful street in the city. Best for: Exploring small shops and cafes. Where: Below the castle. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk from the Barber's Bridge toward the castle. Tip: Look up to see the beautiful murals on the old house walls.
12. Name: Hluboká Castle Type: Day Trip Why go: It is often called the most beautiful castle in the country. Best for: Seeing a romantic, Windsor-style palace. Where: Hluboká nad Vltavou (30km away). Time: Half-day or full-day. Cost: Varies by tour route. Getting there: Take a bus or train from the main station. Tip: Visit the official landmark site for the latest opening times.

Planning Your Visit to Český Krumlov

To enjoy the Cloak Bridge panoramic views, timing is everything. Most day-trippers arrive from Prague around 11:00 AM. They usually leave by 4:00 PM. If you stay overnight, you can enjoy the bridge in peace. The early morning mist over the river is truly magical. You will have the best light for photos before the sun gets too high.

The town is very walkable, but the streets are cobbled. Wear comfortable shoes to handle the hills and uneven stones. Most major sights are open from April through October. Some museums have limited hours in the winter. Always check the official DMO portal for seasonal updates. This will help you avoid disappointment during your trip.

Budgeting for your trip is fairly straightforward. Most museum tickets cost between 150 and 300 CZK. Dining out is affordable compared to Western Europe. You can find traditional Czech meals in many local taverns. Try the local beer and garlic soup for a real taste of the region. Many places now accept cards, but keep some cash for small shops.