Overview of Cloak Bridge Architecture

The Cloak Bridge is a masterpiece of 18th-century engineering. It stands on massive stone pillars that span a deep moat. The bridge has several covered levels for the nobility to walk through. This design allowed royals to move from the palace to the gardens in private. You can learn more about Cloak Bridge architecture and views to appreciate its scale. The bridge is part of the UNESCO World Heritage site in the town center. Its name comes from the fortifications that once protected this area like a cloak. Today, it serves as the primary walkway for tourists visiting the castle grounds. The views from the top are just as impressive as the structure itself.

10 Best Photo Spots at Cloak Bridge Český Krumlov

To get the perfect shot, you must explore different elevations around the castle. Here are the top locations for your photography session.

• Best overall: Seminary Garden
• Best for architecture: The Moat Floor
• Best for sunset: Fifth Courtyard Balcony
• Best free spot: Barber's Bridge

1. Name: The Upper Walkway Type: Viewpoint Why go: This is the most famous spot for a town panorama. Best for: Wide-angle city shots. Where: Between the 4th and 5th courtyards. Time: 15 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk up through the castle gates. Tip: Use the small windows in the stone wall to frame the town.
2. Name: The Fifth Courtyard Balcony Type: Viewpoint Why go: It offers a direct look down at the bridge's arches. Best for: Showing the height of the structure. Where: Just past the bridge toward the gardens. Time: 10 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Cross the bridge and turn left. Tip: Arrive at sunset for a golden glow on the stone.
3. Name: The Deer Moat (Bottom Level) Type: Architecture Why go: Looking up makes the bridge look incredibly massive. Best for: Symmetry and scale. Where: The path below the bridge pillars. Time: 20 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Follow the path from the Red Gate. Tip: Bring a wide-angle lens to capture all the tiers.
4. Name: Seminary Garden (Seminární zahrada) Type: Experience Why go: It provides the classic "postcard" view of the bridge and castle. Best for: Romantic portraits. Where: Opposite the castle in the Old Town. Time: 30 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk to Horní street near the museum. Tip: This spot gets crowded, so visit before 9:00 AM.
5. Name: Barber's Bridge (Lazebnický most) Type: Sight Why go: You can see the bridge towering over the Vltava River. Best for: River reflections. Where: The wooden bridge connecting the town. Time: 10 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk down from the main square. Tip: Watch out for the local street performers in your frame.
6. Name: The Castle Tower Type: Viewpoint Why go: It is the highest point in the city. Best for: Bird's-eye views. Where: The second courtyard. Time: 45 minutes. Cost: Paid entry. Getting there: Check climbing the Castle Tower details for prices. Tip: The stairs are narrow, so leave large bags at the bottom.
7. Name: Rybářská Street Type: Sight Why go: It offers a low-angle view from the riverbank. Best for: Unique perspectives. Where: The street running along the Vltava. Time: 20 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk down the stairs near the bridge. Tip: Great for long-exposure shots of the flowing water.
8. Name: Horní Street Viewpoint Type: Viewpoint Why go: It frames the bridge between historic buildings. Best for: Urban landscape. Where: Near the Regional Museum. Time: 10 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: A short walk from the main square. Tip: Look for the small stone balcony for the best angle.
9. Name: The Castle Garden Gate Type: Experience Why go: It shows the transition from the bridge to the greenery. Best for: Leading lines. Where: The entrance to the formal gardens. Time: 15 minutes. Cost: Free. Getting there: Walk through the entire castle complex. Tip: Visit in spring when the flowers are in bloom.
10. Name: Hluboká Castle Type: Day trip Why go: It is one of the most beautiful castles near the city. Best for: Fairy-tale architecture. Where: 35km north of Český Krumlov. Time: 4-5 hours. Cost: Paid entry for tours. Getting there: Take a bus or train from the main station. Tip: Visit the Official Castle Site for updated tour times.

Photography Tips for the Best Results

Lighting is the most important factor for great photos here. The stone of the bridge reflects light beautifully in the morning. Try to avoid the middle of the day. The sun can create harsh shadows under the arches. Early morning also helps you avoid the large tour groups. Many people arrive by 10:00 AM and stay until late afternoon. If you want empty paths, aim for 7:00 AM. Use a tripod for night photography to capture the illuminated bridge. The castle lights turn on at dusk and look magical. Always check the weather forecast before your visit. Fog can add a mysterious mood to the bridge in autumn.