How to Find the Seminarni zahrada Garden Viewpoint Location Map

The Seminární zahrada, or Seminary Garden, is located on Horní Street. It sits directly across from the Hotel Růže. This spot is very easy to reach from the main square. You only need to walk for about three minutes. Most local maps highlight this garden as a top photo spot. It provides a wide terrace with stone walls for sitting.

When looking for the Seminarni zahrada garden viewpoint location map, look for the Regional Museum. The garden is located right next to the museum building. It is open to the public for free throughout the year. The view from here includes the Vltava River and the entire castle complex. It is the best place to start your sightseeing tour.

To help you plan, here are some quick picks for your visit:

• Best overall view: Seminární zahrada
• Best for families: Castle Garden
• Best for sunset: Cloak Bridge
• Best free spot: Fifth Courtyard Terrace

10 Best Scenic Viewpoints in Cesky Krumlov

There are many places to see the town from above. Each spot offers a different angle of the historic center. Some are high up in the castle, while others are in quiet gardens. Make sure to wear comfortable shoes for the cobblestone hills. Here are the top ten locations you should not miss.

1. Name: Seminární zahrada Type: Garden viewpoint Why go: It offers the most iconic, unobstructed view of the Castle Tower. Best for: First-time visitors and photographers. Where: Horní Street, next to the Regional Museum. Time: 20 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk uphill from the main square toward the museum. Tip: Visit at sunrise for soft light and no crowds.
2. Name: Castle Tower (Hrádek) Type: Iconic sight Why go: This is the highest point in the town center. Best for: 360-degree panoramic views. Where: Second Castle Courtyard. Time: 45 minutes. Cost: Paid entry. Getting there: Follow signs for the Castle Tower and Museum. Tip: The stairs are narrow, so take your time climbing.
3. Name: Cloak Bridge (Plášťový most) Type: Sight/Experience Why go: This massive stone bridge has several arched openings for framing photos. Best for: Seeing the river and the town rooftops. Where: Between the fourth and fifth castle courtyards. Time: 15 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk through the castle courtyards toward the garden. Tip: Look through the small windows on the lower levels for unique angles.
4. Name: Fifth Courtyard Terrace Type: Viewpoint Why go: It provides a high-altitude perspective of the entire town loop. Best for: Wide-angle landscape shots. Where: Just past the Cloak Bridge. Time: 15 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Continue walking past the bridge into the open terrace area. Tip: This is an excellent spot to watch the town light up at night.
5. Name: Castle Garden (Zámecká zahrada) Type: Nature/Garden Why go: A large, formal Baroque garden with fountains and statues. Best for: A quiet walk away from the crowds. Where: The highest part of the castle complex. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk up the hill from the fifth courtyard. Tip: Check the official castle site for seasonal opening hours.
6. Name: Křížová hora (Mountain of the Cross) Type: Day trip/Nature Why go: A hilltop chapel with a view of the whole region. Best for: Hikers and those seeking peace. Where: South of the town center. Time: 2 hours (including the walk). Cost: Free. Getting there: Follow the blue-marked hiking trail from the town. Tip: Bring water and snacks, as there are few shops on the hill.
7. Name: Monasteries Garden (Klášterní zahrada) Type: Unique experience Why go: A hidden gem with views of the castle from the north. Best for: Families and relaxation. Where: Near the Latrán district. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Enter through the monastery gates near the brewery. Tip: Great place for kids to run around safely.
8. Name: Vyšehrad Viewpoint Type: Viewpoint Why go: This spot is near the train station and shows the town's scale. Best for: Your first arrival in the city. Where: Near the Vyšehrad residential area. Time: 10 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: A short walk from the main train station toward the center. Tip: Stop here before heading down into the valley.
9. Name: Svornosti Square (Náměstí Svornosti) Type: Neighborhood Why go: While not high up, the view of the surrounding colorful facades is beautiful. Best for: People watching and atmosphere. Where: The heart of the Old Town. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: All main streets lead to the square. Tip: Visit the tourist office here for a physical map.
10. Name: Regional Museum Terrace Type: Museum/Indoor Why go: It is right next to Seminární zahrada but slightly higher. Best for: Combining history with a great view. Where: Horní Street. Time: 1 hour (including museum). Cost: Museum entry fee. Getting there: Located in the former Jesuit college. Tip: The museum exhibits provide great context for the town's layout.

Photography Tips for Cesky Krumlov Viewpoints

To get the best photos, timing is everything. Most tourists arrive by bus around 10:00 AM. If you want empty viewpoints, start your walk at 7:00 AM. The morning light hits the castle tower perfectly from the Seminární zahrada. This is why the Seminarni zahrada garden viewpoint location map is so popular.

Sunset is another magical time in the town. The sky often turns pink or orange over the Vltava River. You can find more details on where to watch the sunset in Cesky Krumlov for the best colors. Bring a tripod if you plan to take photos after dark. The castle is beautifully illuminated every night.

Check the weather before you head out. Fog can sometimes cover the valley in the autumn. This creates a mystical look but may hide the castle tower. For more general travel ideas, see Visit Czechia for national tips. Always respect the local residents by keeping noise levels down in the gardens.